Paul Finebaum’s recent comments on ESPN’s “Get Up” were music to the ears of Auburn football fans. He spoke about what appears to be the definitive conclusion of the Alabama Crimson Tide dynasty, now that Kalen DeBoer has taken the reins as head coach in Tuscaloosa.
Auburn supporters were even more delighted by Finebaum’s assertion that the dynasty had been on a downward trajectory for some time, even during Nick Saban’s reign in the NIL era.
“We’ve witnessed Georgia claim two national titles and Michigan win one since Alabama’s last championship,” Finebaum remarked. “So, yes, I would call the dynasty finished. It was already ending before Saban stepped down. Now, with DeBoer in charge, it’s truly over.”
To be fair, Saban’s final years still had a dynastic aura. Despite missing out on national titles, Alabama was the only team to defeat Georgia twice in three years, both times in the SEC Championship. They were also one point away from earning a shot at Georgia in 2022 after a close loss to LSU.
Yet, Alabama’s former dominance has been challenged by teams like first-year Brian Kelly’s LSU, second-year Josh Heupel’s Tennessee, and Jimbo Fisher’s Texas A&M with Zach Calzada at quarterback.
Alabama’s once-high standard had faltered in Saban’s final seasons, and DeBoer has already faced difficulties with recruit losses and major changes to the program’s philosophy and facilities. Auburn fans have cheekily labeled DeBoer as “Husky Harsin,” drawing comparisons that may haunt Alabama during tight games this season.