Finebaum Predicts Trouble for Alabama's DeBoer

ESPN analyst suggests Crimson Tide may back out of future Ohio State series

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum recently shared his thoughts on the future of Alabama's football program, suggesting that head coach Kalen DeBoer's job could be in jeopardy and that the school may back out of a future home-and-home series with Ohio State.

Why it matters

Finebaum's comments carry significant weight in the college football world, and his prediction of potential trouble for DeBoer at Alabama raises questions about the direction of the storied program.

The details

Finebaum revealed that he has heard from Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne about a "shaky situation" with DeBoer, who is in his third season as the Crimson Tide's head coach. Finebaum has been critical of DeBoer's performance, labeling the situation "daunting" and predicting a "bloodbath" following Alabama's disappointing 2025 season, which included a 38-3 Rose Bowl loss to eventual champion Indiana.

  • In February 2026, Finebaum made his comments on 97.1 The Fan.

The players

Paul Finebaum

An ESPN college football analyst known for his insightful and often controversial commentary on the sport.

Kalen DeBoer

The current head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, who is in his third season leading the program.

Greg Byrne

The athletic director of the University of Alabama, responsible for overseeing the school's athletic programs.

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What they’re saying

“Based on what I've heard from (Bryne), he's got a shaky situation there anyway with a coach that is in trouble.”

— Paul Finebaum, ESPN Analyst (97.1 The Fan)

What’s next

The Alabama administration will likely closely monitor the team's performance in the 2026 season to determine if changes need to be made to the coaching staff.

The takeaway

Finebaum's comments suggest that the Alabama football program may be facing significant challenges, with the future of head coach Kalen DeBoer potentially in jeopardy. This could have major implications for the Crimson Tide's on-field success and their ability to maintain their status as one of the premier programs in college football.