What Happened to University of Alabama Football?
University of Alabama Football has undergone a significant transition following the retirement of legendary head coach Nick Saban in January 2024. Under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, the program navigated a challenging first season in 2024 before rebounding in 2025 with an SEC Championship Game appearance and a College Football Playoff berth. As of August 2026, DeBoer's tenure has been extended, and the team is preparing for the upcoming season with a highly-regarded secondary and an ongoing quarterback competition.
Quick Answer
University of Alabama Football is currently led by head coach Kalen DeBoer, who took over after Nick Saban's retirement in January 2024. After a 9-4 record in his debut 2024 season, DeBoer guided the Crimson Tide to an 11-4 record in 2025, including an SEC Championship Game appearance and a College Football Playoff quarterfinal berth. As of August 2026, DeBoer has received a contract extension, and the team is heading into the new season with a strong secondary and a competitive quarterback battle.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline10 events
Nick Saban Announces Retirement
Legendary head coach Nick Saban retires from the University of Alabama after 17 seasons, 206 wins, and six national championships with the Crimson Tide.
Kalen DeBoer Hired as Head Coach
Kalen DeBoer, previously the head coach at the University of Washington, is officially named Nick Saban's successor, taking over the Alabama football program.
Conclusion of DeBoer's First Season (9-4 Record)
Alabama finishes Kalen DeBoer's inaugural season with a 9-4 record, marking a challenging transition year for the program.
Ryan Grubb Joins as Offensive Coordinator
Ryan Grubb, a long-time associate of Kalen DeBoer, is hired as the offensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide, bringing his high-powered offensive philosophy.
SEC Championship Game Appearance
Alabama competes in the SEC Championship Game, demonstrating a significant improvement in Kalen DeBoer's second season.
College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Appearance (11-4 Record)
The Crimson Tide concludes the 2025 season with an 11-4 record, including a victory in the CFP First Round and an appearance in the CFP Quarterfinals (Rose Bowl).
Kalen DeBoer Receives Contract Extension
Kalen DeBoer's contract is extended by two seasons through January 31, 2033, with an average annual salary of $12.5 million, solidifying his long-term commitment to Alabama.
Preseason Coaches All-SEC Teams Announced
Crimson Tide players are represented on the 2026 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Football Teams, highlighting key talent for the upcoming season.
PFF Releases 2026 Season Preview
PFF highlights Alabama's strong secondary (ranked #2 nationally) and ongoing quarterback battle between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell as key factors for the 2026 season.
2026 Season Opener vs. East Carolina
Alabama is scheduled to open its 2026 football season at home against East Carolina, marking the official start of Kalen DeBoer's third year.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The landscape of University of Alabama Football dramatically shifted on January 10, 2024, when iconic head coach Nick Saban announced his retirement after 17 seasons, during which he secured six national championships for the Crimson Tide and established one of college football's most dominant dynasties. Saban's departure, at 72 years old, marked the end of an era defined by unparalleled success and consistent contention for national titles.
Just two days later, on January 12, 2024, Alabama moved swiftly to name Kalen DeBoer, then the head coach of the Washington Huskies, as Saban's successor. DeBoer arrived in Tuscaloosa with a strong track record, having led Washington to the College Football Playoff National Championship game in his second season. The transition, however, presented immediate challenges, as the 2024 season saw Alabama finish with a 9-4 record, their lowest win total since 2007, the year Saban arrived.
The 2025 season marked a significant rebound for the Crimson Tide under DeBoer. The team improved to an 11-4 record, reaching the Southeastern Conference Championship Game and earning a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff. They secured a victory in the CFP First Round against Oklahoma before falling to Indiana in the Rose Bowl, which served as a CFP Quarterfinal. This performance demonstrated DeBoer's ability to adapt and maintain a high level of competitiveness in the post-Saban era.
A key development in the program's stability occurred on April 22, 2026, when Kalen DeBoer signed a seven-year contract extension, keeping him at Alabama through January 31, 2033, with an average annual salary of $12.5 million. This extension came amidst reports that Michigan had explored DeBoer as a coaching candidate, solidifying his long-term commitment to the Crimson Tide. The increasing influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals continues to shape college football, with Alabama navigating this evolving landscape; as of July 2026, the program had two verified NIL deals among On3's top 100 football valuations.
As of August 22, 2026, the University of Alabama Football team is preparing for the upcoming season, which is set to kick off on September 5 against East Carolina. The team boasts an elite secondary, ranked second nationally by PFF, featuring standout players like safety Bray Hubbard and cornerback Dijon Lee Jr. However, concerns remain regarding the run game, which ranked outside the top 100 in FBS in 2025. A significant storyline heading into the season is the ongoing quarterback battle between Austin Mack and redshirt freshman Keelon Russell, with Russell reportedly having the upper hand after spring practices. The 2026 schedule includes challenging SEC matchups against Georgia, Tennessee, LSU, Texas A&M, and Auburn, as DeBoer aims to build on the momentum of the 2025 season and further solidify his legacy at Alabama.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if University of Alabama Football made different choices?