“Ridiculous” “Calm down old man”: Alabama fans left unimpressed with Paul Finebaum’s latest Kalen DeBoer verdict
College football analyst Paul Finebaum aimed a sly dig at Kalen DeBoer on Thursday, saying he isn't impressed with the first-year Alabama coach. Tide fans criticized Finebaum for his verdict, with many clowning the Southeastern Conference analyst.
On X, Tide fans urged Finebaum to tune down his disapproval for DeBoer, who has kept No. 14 Alabama (6–2 overall, 3–2 in SEC) in the hunt to reach the College Football Playoff.
"@finebaum STFU. You do not speak for the fanbase," another tweeted.
Others also took shots at Paul for hating on DeBoer and Alabama.
"I’m throwing a party when Paul is off the air," another tweeted.
"Bro hates on everything Alabama football yall can’t take this clown seriously," a user tweeted.
A few also pointed out that DeBoer had big shoes to fill after Nick Saban departed from Alabama earlier this year, and hence, the current Tide coach deserves some more time.
"People really mad he has 2 losses his first year at bama and upset he doesn’t act like Saban," a fan tweeted.
"In all fairness it’s his first year replacing a GOAT. C’mon - companies that have to replace a CEO don’t immediately acclimate to new leadership in the first year - it takes time," a user tweeted.
On Saturday, DeBoer's Alabama crushed Missouri 34–0 in Week 9. The Tide have an off in Week 10 but must win all their remaining games to make the playoffs.
What did Paul Finebaum say about Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer?
Paul Finebaum appeared on "Andy and Ari" on Thursday morning and offered a brutally honest take on Kalen DeBoer's start at Alabama thus far.
"I am not impressed so far," Finebaum said of DeBoer. “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 also took a dig at DeBoer's attitude and style.
"He hasn't commanded the stage very well... His demeanor on the sidelines bugs people, his lack of discipline, some of the things that he says and does," Finebaum said. "It's really going to come down to next week."
Kalen DeBoer's Alabama suffered its first defeat of the season against Vanderbilt, a 40–35 loss on Oct. 5. The Tide then lost its second game on Oct. 19, a 24–17 defeat against Tennessee.
Apart from that, Alabama has looked strong and tough to beat. The Tide also got an important win over Kirby Smart's Georgia on Sept. 28.
However, they must win their four remaining regular season games to get into the 12-team College Football Playoff this season.
Here's a look at Alabama's schedule for the remainder of the season:
- Nov. 2: OFF
- Nov. 9: at LSU
- Nov. 16: vs. Mercer
- Nov. 23: at Oklahoma
- Nov. 30: vs. Auburn