When the Alabama Crimson Tide stomped UL-Monroe 73-0 in Week 2, the scoreboard looked like a return to dominance. The Tide rolled, the defense suffocated, and the offense scored at will. But let’s be honest — a blowout against UL-Monroe was always expected. What that game didn’t do was erase the bitter taste of Week 1, when Alabama fell 31-17 to Florida State in a nationally spotlighted showdown.
That loss sent shockwaves through Tuscaloosa. Not just because it was a defeat, but because of how it happened. Alabama looked flat, uninspired, and unprepared. For a fanbase that just said goodbye to Nick Saban — the most intense, disciplined, and dominant head coach college football has ever seen — watching a lifeless Tide team stumble out of the gates under Kalen DeBoer was a tough pill to swallow.
And that’s where the whispers began.
Kalen DeBoer’s Growing Pains
DeBoer came to Alabama with solid credentials. He was fresh off a run at Washington that saw him reach the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. On paper, his offensive mind and track record of building winning programs made him the right fit to follow Saban.
But in the SEC, pedigree only gets you so far. Fans judge by results, and in Tuscaloosa, the results have to come fast. The Florida State loss was already Alabama’s fourth defeat to an unranked team in just two seasons under DeBoer. For a program that prides itself on never letting talent go to waste, that stat screams underachievement.
What’s worse, it wasn’t just the loss. It was the body language. The lack of physical edge. The absence of that relentless “Bama standard” that Saban drilled into his players year after year. For many fans, that was a sign that DeBoer might not be wired the same way as his predecessor — and that’s a problem in a place where intensity isn’t optional, it’s the expectation.
Enter Kenny Dillingham
So why is Kenny Dillingham’s name suddenly floating around Tuscaloosa circles?
Because the 34-year-old head coach at Arizona State has quickly become one of the most talked-about young leaders in college football. Known for his fiery energy, innovative offense, and ability to rally his players, Dillingham has given the Sun Devils an identity they hadn’t had in years.
Just last season, he led Arizona State into playoff contention — a remarkable achievement given the limitations of their roster compared to SEC powerhouses. That success, paired with his sideline intensity and reputation for connecting with his players, has made him an intriguing candidate in the eyes of Alabama fans looking for the “next big thing.”
The thinking is simple: if Dillingham can ignite a spark at Arizona State, what could he do with the five-star recruits, NFL-ready athletes, and tradition-rich culture of Alabama? The ceiling could be sky-high.
What Dillingham Brings That DeBoer Doesn’t
The comparisons between DeBoer and Dillingham highlight exactly why the latter’s name is gaining traction in speculative conversations:
Energy & Passion: Dillingham is a live wire on the sidelines. He coaches with emotion, intensity, and fire — qualities Alabama fans miss desperately in the post-Saban era.
Offensive Innovation: His play-calling keeps defenses guessing, something Alabama has lacked since losing offensive masterminds like Lane Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian.
Player Connection: Dillingham has a reputation for forging strong relationships with his athletes. In today’s transfer portal era, where player buy-in can make or break a team, that’s a massive advantage.
Youth & Longevity: At just 34 years old, Dillingham isn’t just a short-term fix — he could potentially be a long-term answer, someone who grows with the program over the next decade.
In short, Dillingham feels like a coach who can both restore Alabama’s fire and modernize its approach — a combination that makes him very attractive in theory.
The Reality Check
But here’s the truth: as of today, Kalen DeBoer is still Alabama’s head coach. There has been no official movement from the university, no leaks suggesting a coaching search, and no actual connection between Dillingham and Alabama.
The buzz is largely fueled by fan frustration, social media chatter, and speculative outlets like TWSN tossing names into the conversation. It’s a reflection of the high-pressure environment in Tuscaloosa — where one loss can feel like the end of the world, and where the “next Saban” will always be compared to the original, no matter how unfair that may be.
DeBoer is only just beginning his Alabama tenure, and it would take a complete collapse this season for the university to even consider making a move so soon.
A Storm Is Brewing
Still, the fact that Kenny Dillingham’s name is even being whispered shows just how restless the Alabama faithful are. The Saban standard hasn’t disappeared just because Saban himself is gone. The fans demand dominance, intensity, and championships — nothing less.
If DeBoer can settle in, right the ship, and prove that the Florida State game was just a bump in the road, the speculation will fade. But if Alabama slips again, especially in SEC play, those whispers about Dillingham could grow into full-blown roars.
Final Thought
Alabama doesn’t just hire coaches — they hire legends. That’s the shadow Kalen DeBoer stepped into, and it’s why his leash may be shorter than any other coach in college football. For now, he holds the keys to the Crimson Tide’s future. But lurking in the background are names like Kenny Dillingham, young and hungry leaders who embody the energy, passion, and innovation that Alabama fans crave.
One thing is clear: the Tide won’t tolerate mediocrity. Whether it’s DeBoer proving his worth or a bold move for a coach like Dillingham down the line, Alabama’s standard will always remain the same — excellence or nothing.
