The dust has settled on Alabama’s 2024 football season, and the landscape in Tuscaloosa is marked by more questions than answers. The departure of quarterback Jalen Milroe, who has declared for the NFL draft, is just the beginning of a tumultuous offseason for the Crimson Tide.
Kalen DeBoer’s inaugural season as Alabama’s head coach was a mixed bag, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistent play and a lackluster finish. The Tide’s bowl loss was a fitting culmination of a year that failed to meet the lofty expectations of the Alabama faithful.
As DeBoer and his staff embark on the arduous task of rebuilding and retooling, several pressing concerns must be addressed. Who will succeed Milroe as the team’s signal-caller? Can the Tide’s defense, which was exposed in key matchups, be shored up? And, perhaps most importantly, what is the identity of this Alabama team in a post-Nick Saban era?
*Quarterback Conundrum*
Milroe’s decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the NFL draft creates a void at the quarterback position. While he was not without his flaws, Milroe brought a unique blend of athleticism and arm talent to the table.
DeBoer and his staff must now navigate a quarterback room that is devoid of a clear-cut starter. Ty Simpson, a former five-star recruit, is the most likely candidate to assume the reins, but he lacks meaningful game experience.
The Tide may also explore the transfer portal or rely on incoming freshmen to bolster their quarterback corps. Regardless of the solution, DeBoer’s ability to develop and manage his quarterbacks will be under intense scrutiny in the coming months.
*Defensive Woes*
Alabama’s defense, once the bedrock of the program’s success, was a liability in 2024. The unit struggled to contain opposing offenses, particularly in high-stakes games.
DeBoer and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele must retool the defense, which loses several key contributors to graduation and the NFL draft. The Tide’s inability to generate consistent pass rush and shore up their secondary were glaring issues that must be addressed.
*Identity Crisis*
The most intriguing question surrounding Alabama football is one of identity. In the Saban era, the Tide were synonymous with discipline, physicality, and a punishing ground game. However, DeBoer’s offense is built around a more modern, spread-based approach.
As the program transitions into a new era, DeBoer must define what Alabama football means in the 2020s. Will the Tide remain a power-running team, or will they evolve into a more pass-happy offense? How will DeBoer balance the need for innovation with the program’s rich tradition?
*A Pivotal Offseason*
The next several months will be crucial in shaping the future of Alabama football. DeBoer and his staff must navigate the challenges of recruiting, roster management, and coaching development.
The Tide’s faithful fan base will be watching with bated breath as DeBoer attempts to put his stamp on the program. With the right combination of coaching, talent, and luck, Alabama can rebound from a disappointing 2024 season and reassert its dominance in the college football landscape.
However, if the Tide fail to address their pressing concerns and establish a clear identity, the consequences could be severe. The SEC is a merciless conference, and Alabama cannot afford to fall behind the curve.
As the calendar flips to 2025, the Alabama football program stands at a crossroads. The path forward is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide have a long, arduous journey ahead of them.
