Paul Finebaum Issues Major Warning To Alabama, Kalen DeBoer

The hottest offseason topic in college football continues to stay hot.

As we approach the final few weeks of the leadup to the 2024 season, questions, speculations and predictions are still flying around about what Alabama's season will look like under new head coach Kalen DeBoer.

The retirement of Nick Saban took the nation by storm with its suddenness, and many question if Alabama can come close to continuing its success as they have seen the last decade and a half under former coach Saban.

There is nothing short of controversial than the opinions of those who call in to the Paul Finebaum Show , hosted by Paul Finebaum .

On Thursday, a caller from Georgia, Darriel, prompted a question to Finebaum about new head coach DeBoer. He would question Finebaum that if the Alabama fans will give a "bye," or in other words, leniency, to DeBoer for his first season as fans did for Saban or even Kirby Smart, or if the fans will quickly turn on DeBoer if they underperform.

This would warrant a response from Finebaum, and he would be quoted, saying:

"I think it just depends... I think the standard for him to reach is lower than it has been in a while. I think the playoffs will be considered a success. Anything other than that, watch out."

As the conversation continued, Darriel would ask, "So 8-4 would not be good for his first year, is what you're telling me, right?"

Finebaum would respond, "I would say, right now, 8-4 would be a disaster for Kalen DeBoer."

Darriel emphasized his stance on giving coaches time to develop and gain experience if the first year isn't as successful as fans hoped, hence the Kirby Smart and Nick Saban examples he gives. He even brings up the fact that Alabama fans has seen the tough times with former coaches Mike Shula and Mike Dubose. He says, though, in his stance, that fans need to give new coaches time to "get their things in order."

However, we know the current standard with Alabama football. The standard and the expectations are high, and fans want nothing less.

Only time and games will tell Alabama's story in 2024. But, they are set up talent-wise on the roster with a solid coaching staff to lead them to a potential SEC Championship game, and even a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.

Related: Kalen DeBoer Reveals How Alabama QB Jalen Milroe Can Win the Heisman