Paul Finebaum says he's 'not impressed so far' with Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer

Paul Finebaum says he’s ‘not impressed so far’ with Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer

Posted by author October 31, 2024 Football

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Alabama football‘s idle week has given Paul Finebaum the chance to wipe off his signature glasses and give the Crimson Tide‘s first lap after Nick Saban a closer look.

In a Thursday morning appearance on the Andy and Ari podcast, the SEC Network analyst joined the fanbase in the criticism of former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer once and for all.

“I am not impressed so far,” Finebaum said.

Although Alabama’s last 17 years were filled with 11 SEC championships, plus six national championships, two conference losses before November indicate playoff hopes are on the line and times are changing in Tuscaloosa.

“I’m pretty surprised because the DeBoer transition was seamless outside of the first day or two when he lost a couple of players,” Finebaum told On3‘s Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman.

“He’s a good coach, but I don’t think he’s commanded the stage very well. I’ve been to Alabama twice in about two weeks now and there’s a level of impatience with him,” he continued.

Finebaum called some of the impatience “natural” given the adjustment to life “post-Saban.”

“But his demeanor on the sidelines bugs people. His lack of discipline, some of the things that he says and does, his coaching staff has not worn well,” Finebaum said.

DeBoer arrived to Alabama after taking the Huskies to a 25-3 record over his last two seasons in Washington, his tenure in the now-defunct PAC-12 ending with a 34-13 national championship loss to Michigan back in January.

To win Finebaum back over, KDB will have to return from Baton Rouge with a win after the Crimson Tide faces LSU on Saturday.

The No. 16 Tigers will host No. 14 Alabama for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff.

“It’s really going to come down to next week,” Finebaum said.

“Should he lose to LSU, that game will determine what we say about him in the offseason.”

Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.