Alabama head football coach Kalen DeBoer has been a costly decision for the Crimson Tide in more ways than one.

Calling for DeBoer to get fired after a 9-4 season in year one is simply irrational. Even for a fan base that’s used to being in the College Football Playoff like Alabama. Winning is hard and the way college football is now only makes it harder.

DeBoer and the Tide just missed out on the College Football Playoff and closed the year with a bummer of a loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. In the meantime, DeBoer has been trying to stem losses via the transfer portal while trying to bring in his own transfers and build his recruiting classes.

Alabama head football coach Kalen DeBoer didn't get much praise during the season, but he's doing a good job with player retention this offseason.

Let’s take a look at answering that question by handing out some grades for Alabama football in year No. 1 under head coach Kalen DeBoer.

When Kalen DeBoer was introduced as Alabama football’s head coach one year ago, he did not make specific proclamations about his first season.

In light of a lawsuit against the NCAA by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, the NCAA announced Dec. 23 a waiver to allow student-athletes who once played at a non-NCAA school to play the 2025-26 school year.

Here’s what Kalen DeBoer’s career has looked like in his second seasons as a head coach ahead of heading into year two at Alabama.