Alabama Has ‘A Harder Edge’ in DeBoer’s Second Season

‘His fingerprints are on everything now—and he’s made it known that you better be locked in,’ linebacker Deontae Lawson says.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer of the Alabama Crimson Tide stands with his team before running onto the field before the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Sept. 28, 2024. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is putting his stamp on the Crimson Tide’s program.

After years of dominance under Nick Saban, the Tide struggled in 2024, finishing fifth in the SEC and going out with a whimper in the ReliaQuest Bowl. In an interview with ESPN, DeBoer said that he has had a chance to establish himself with his players and staff. Linebacker and team captain Deontae Lawson said that with a year under his belt, DeBoer has begun to put his foot down.