Amid Kalen DeBoer firing rumors after FSU humiliation, CFB insider floats Lane Kiffin to Alabama theory

The Alabama Crimson Tide entered the 2025 season with high expectations but suffered a 31-17 loss to Florida State in their opener. The defeat has led to doubts about Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer, who is now under immense pressure just one game into his second year.

DeBoer took over in January 2024 following the retirement of Nick Saban. Coming off a disappointing 2024 season in which the Tide missed the College Football Playoff, fans were hoping for a turnaround, but Sunday’s game has only raised more concerns.

Following the loss, college football insider Michael W. Bratton, known as “SEC Mike,” addressed growing speculation about DeBoer’s job security. During Wednesday’s episode of his show, Bratton even floated the possibility of Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin returning to Tuscaloosa, having served as the offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016.

However, DeBoer’s buyout is reportedly around $70 million, and Alabama would need to pay Kiffin's buyout at Ole Miss.

“Is Bama gonna spend roughly $100 million to fix this thing? … I mean, we're talking crazy figures here,” Bratton said.

Bratton also talked about Alabama not having the NIL resources that schools like Texas A&M, Tennessee and LSU have. Bratton suggested that this could limit the Tide’s flexibility both on the field and in the coaching market.

However, he added that given the Tide’s status as a national championship contender for the past two decades, they will find money.

“If they wanna buy his a** out, they will buy his a** out,” Bratton said.

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Paul Finebaum on Kalen DeBoer after Alabama's Week 1 loss

According to ESPN’s Paul Finebaum on Monday’s episode of “Get Up,” fans are losing patience with Kalen DeBoer.

“It’ll be the easiest four hours of my life,” Finebaum said. “They will be calling for his firing. That is not going to be a surprise. I’ve already heard from longtime Alabama people who say, ‘I want him out.’ A local columnist is already calling for his head. This is unprecedented.

“Let’s not forget, this was a national championship contender. They have enormous talent. Probably the second most talented team roster wise in the country. But they looked soft. DeBoer looks clueless at times. It feels like a house of cards.”

Alabama will hope for a win this Saturday in a home game against ULM.

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