“Their coach is in demand”: Josh Pate hints Kalen DeBoer’s future speculation will change Alabama’s reaction if team loses vs. Sooners

Kalen DeBoer's No. 8 Alabama will face No. 9 Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Friday. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET from Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma.

Although DeBoer is only in his second year at Alabama, analyst Josh Pate believes the coach is under tremendous pressure to deliver success. Pate appeared on "Get Up" on Thursday and suggested that there might be speculation around DeBoer's future at Alabama if it loses to OU.

“If Alabama loses this game, there will be some people who talk about his (DeBoer) job security," Pate said, "They’ll talk about the prospects of 2026 and beyond at Alabama … It would be this really weird dynamic, and we were talking about this this morning before the show. "Like, normally when you lose, especially if it’s Alabama, you’re irate, you’re upset. Alabama fans, though? They’re aware that their coach is in demand. So, might you want to temper your anger outwardly that you would normally just express all over talk radio, all over message boards, because you know, hey, the entire working theory around Alabama football right now is, could it be a little too uncomfortable for him?"

DeBoer succeeded legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban in January 2024. He led the Tide to a 10-3 record last season.

This is the first time that Alabama has reached the College Football Playoff under DeBoer. Now, it will be interesting to see how far the Tide can go in the playoffs.

Kalen DeBoer focused on Alabama amid rumors of coaching elsewhere

NCAA Football: Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer - Source: Imagn

Over the past few weeks, there have been rumors suggesting that Kalen DeBoer might leave Alabama to coach elsewhere. However, the Tide coach rubbished those rumors on Monday.

"I feel completely supported," DeBoer said. "My family loves living here. Just all the things that we continue to build on. I love the progress. Haven't talked with anyone (about head coach openings). No plans of talking with anyone."

Oklahoma beat Alabama on Nov. 15 earlier in the regular season. However, the Tide will be looking to exact revenge against OU in the College Football Playoff. Moreover, the Sooners have never won a playoff game in program history.

Edited by Arnold