Breaking: Kalen DeBoer has officially been named to the 2025 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list, a recognition that speaks volumes about both his recent track record and the expectations that now swirl around his tenure. This is no small honor. The Paul “Bear” Bryant Award is one of college football’s most respected coaching accolades, celebrating not only wins and championships but also leadership, integrity, and contributions that uplift the game as a whole. To be placed on the watch list positions DeBoer among the elite few — 28 coaches this season — who are viewed as serious contenders for the award.
This recognition is hardly arbitrary. The metrics cited by the Bryant Award committee underscore what many Alabama observers already suspected: that under DeBoer’s guidance, the Crimson Tide are performing at a level that cannot be ignored. By the time of his nomination, DeBoer’s team had posted a 5–1 record, including a flawless 3–0 start in Southeastern Conference play. Not only that, but Alabama had already defeated three ranked opponents — making them one of only two teams in the country to have three AP Top‑25 wins by that point in the season. At home, the Crimson Tide had won 10 straight games at Saban Field in Bryant‑Denny Stadium, part of an even more impressive 15-game home win streak that tied for the longest active run in the country.
Quarterback play has also factored heavily into the case for DeBoer. Under his stewardship, Ty Simpson has emerged as one of the SEC’s leading passers, topping charts in passing touchdowns, passing efficiency, and total points responsible for entering the seasonClearly, DeBoer has overseen not just wins but the development of talent and the cultivation of excellence across multiple dimensions of his program.
Being named to the watch list is itself an achievement, but it also sets in motion heightened scrutiny. From here until the final recipient is announced on January 21, 2026, during the awards ceremony in Houston, DeBoer’s every move — every game result, every injury management decision, every tactical adjustment — could factor into whether he moves from “watch list candidate” to “finalist” to “winner.” The watch list is determined by the National Sports Media Association alongside the Bryant Awards’ Executive Leadership Team and the Bryant family.
To understand why DeBoer’s inclusion is meaningful, it helps to reflect on both what the Bryant Award stands for and what his journey has looked like. The award, now in its 40th year, honors coaches whose contributions transcend the scoreboard — those who exemplify resilience, integrity, and a commitment to making the sport better for players, fans, and institutions alike When the committee evaluates coaches, it looks for evidence of transformative leadership, cultural impact, and consistent performance under pressure — qualities that align well with the narrative DeBoer has built in his relatively short time as head coach.
Before his arrival at Alabama, DeBoer had already built a reputation as a program builder. He ascended through the ranks, demonstrating success at multiple stops, and had already earned respect for his ability to rejuvenate teams, recruit well, and install sound systems. His prior achievements were enough to get him noticed, and his early success in Tuscaloosa now gives further justification to those early expectations.
Yet it’s not just past reputation — it’s current performance. In college football, the margin for error is slim. A single upset loss, injuries to key players, or even public missteps can derail a coaching résumé. Now, DeBoer must navigate the remainder of the season with the weight of expectations — not only from Alabama fans, but from media, opponents, and voters. Every win will be scrutinized, every loss magnified, especially given his status on the watch list.
Comparison with peers also sharpens the context. Coaches from powerhouse programs who consistently compete for national titles often dominate award conversations. But being on this list places DeBoer in the same frame as figures like Ryan Day, Kirby Smart, Brent Venables, and Mario Cristobal — names that carry both pedigree and expectations.n that light, DeBoer’s inclusion indicates that voters see not just promise, but tangible results worthy of serious consideration.
For Alabama, this spotlight is double‑edged. On one hand, having their head coach named to the Bryant Awards watch list is a badge of pride — confirmation that the program is being perceived as elite once more. On the other hand, it raises the stakes internally: the fan base, boosters, and athletic department will now expect not just dominance in the SEC, but a national standing that aligns with top coach of the year standards. DeBoer’s margin for misstep shrinks in proportion to his profile.
One intriguing dimension is the trajectory of the program under DeBoer. In very few seasons, he has repositioned Alabama as a national powerhouse again — likely with an eye toward championships, dominating recruiting classes, and sustaining excellence over time. The Bryant nomination provides a moment of affirmation for that trajectory to date, but also signals that what comes next needs to live up to the elevated billing.
Another factor is how DeBoer handles adversity. Most coaches on Bryant watch lists eventually face formidable tests — rival games, injury setbacks, fluctuating performance. Their responses in those moments often weigh heavily in final voting. DeBoer’s ability to maintain composure, adapt strategy, and continue developing his roster under pressure will be key differentiators. The watch list nod gives him an opportunity to show he can survive and thrive under that lens.
It’s also worth noting that in Alabama’s history, the Bryant Award has rarely been claimed. Before DeBoer, the program had two winners — Gene Stallings in 1992 and Nick Saban in 2020. That means DeBoer is not just striving for personal recognition; were he to win, he would etch his name among the very best in Alabama’s storied coaching lineage. That possibility adds a layer of narrative drama to every game ahead.
Of course, inclusion on the watch list is necessary but not sufficient. Not all coaches on the list will make the finalist pool, and only one will be crowned. But being there means DeBoer is in the conversation, and in the eyes of those who matter — media, peers, voters — he has established himself as among the elite. It may also influence things like national perception, recruiting, and the narrative of the 2025 season. Recruits often watch award buzz, and players respond to coaches who are publicly recognized; in that sense, this honor could carry tangible benefits beyond prestige.
To sum it up: the announcement that Kalen DeBoer is on the 2025 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list is a powerful affirmation of his progress so far. It reflects his successes — the wins, the home dominance, the ranked victories, the emergence of star players — and signals that he is now held to a higher standard. From here forward, his path will be watched more carefully, his decisions dissected, and his ability to meet expectations tested. If he manages to carry the momentum forward, avoid costly missteps, and continue building a program of sustained excellence, the watch list recognition could be the prelude to even greater honors
