Paul Finebaum Names Top College Football Coach Facing Intense Pressure

Two top college football programs will have new head coaches this season. Kalen DeBoer has replaced the legendary coach Nick Saban at Alabama, while Sherrone Moore has replaced Jim Harbaugh after winning a national championship last season at Michigan.

Moore has some continuity with the Wolverines since he's been on staff since 2018 and served as the head coach for a few games last season when Harbaugh was suspended. DeBoer is entering a program he doesn't have continuity with, but many believe he's ready for the challenge.

On the Dan Patrick Show , ESPN's Paul Finebaum was asked if DeBoer or Moore was under more pressure this season. Finebaum believes DeBoer is under more pressure due to Moore's involvement in winning a national championship last season.

"I think it's Kalen DeBoer," Finebaum said. "Sherrone Moore had a hand in that national championship last year, taking over a few games for Jim Harbaugh."

Finebaum mentioned that if DeBoer doesn't lead Alabama to the playoffs this season, it would be considered a failure. Finebaum emphasized that this isn't meant to be harsh, but reflects the high standard that Saban established at Alabama.

He also noted that the challenging aspect for DeBoer is that while the fans witnessed Saban's departure, their expectation for winning has not changed. Finebaum believes that fans will likely forgive DeBoer if he doesn't win the national championship this year, but he will be expected to come close to it at least. Even though DeBoer is taking on a new role, Finebaum believes he will face the most pressure.

Related: Paul Finebaum Reveals One Area Kalen DeBoer Is 'Nick Saban-Like' At Alabama