In all sincerity, it’s a good hire but a big risk.

DeBoer obviously knows football. He knows how to win with the talent he has. He knows how to prep for conpetition. And honestly, if Penix wasn’t off last Monday night, I’m not sure the game doesn’t have a different outcome.

But anyone here can tell you that the SEC is a different animal. It’s very much a unique football culture with highly intense fans wanting immediate results. Some of those highly intense fans are boosters and people of high influence. They want a say in the program. They want access.

Alabama was riddled with controlling boosters and handling guys who wanted access/input in the program. These are the kinds of people who want things the “old” way. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of Bryant’s loyalists come snooping around again. You’ll surely have people who think they know the Saban way. Stallings, Franchione, Dubose, and Shula all suffered from the meddling PTB.

Saban was able to excel because he knew how to waive away that bullshite. It was also the perfect storm for when he came to Alabama. He was given complete control of everything and was able to implement his program how he wanted to.

Will DeBoer get that kind of freedom? He’s no doubt going to be different than Saban. He’s not of the Saban tree. Will he have to adjust his philosophy and leadership to connect to Saban? Will the PTB have the patience to give him that kind of autonomy?

History suggests no. So, I think he can win and be successful. Will Alabama fans give him the support when he doesn’t replicate Saban’s success?

This post was edited on 1/13/24 at 11:13 am