Kalen DeBoer is well aware of the role he assumed. Traditionally, the head coach of Alabama football either secures national championships or faces a short tenure, as mediocrity is seldom accepted. DeBoer, who succeeded Nick Saban in January, has completed his initial spring practices with UA. During an appearance on The Next Round Live internet show, he was queried about whether it’s reasonable to expect a national championship in his inaugural season. DeBoer conceded to the expectation.

“In all honesty, that’s what you come here for,” DeBoer said. “Right? You come here and there’s gonna come a point in time where there’s a lot of pressure going into a week, or going even into a moment in the game. And the thing I’m always gonna remind the guys of is, this is why you came here. And that’s why I came here too, is to be a part of that, having those expectations, and that’s what it’s been and that’s what it needs to be.”

DeBoer led Washington to the national championship game last season, where they were defeated by Michigan. Similarly, Alabama faced a loss to Michigan in the Rose Bowl semifinal of the College Football Playoff.

With the expansion of the CFP to 12 teams starting in 2024, it will be slightly easier for teams to qualify. This expansion allows teams to absorb multiple losses and still secure a spot in the playoffs.

Despite this increased flexibility, DeBoer emphasized that he isn’t approaching the upcoming season with a mindset of relying on the expanded format.

“You gotta keep the pedal down and you gotta make it about getting better every single game and focusing on that moment,” DeBoer said. “And yeah, I get what you’re saying, there is a little bit of that, but if you’re really trying to reach the top, you gotta find the best path to get there.”

Alabama opens the 2024 season on Aug. 31 against Western Kentucky.