The offseason for Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has been anything but smooth sailing. The Crimson Tide have been hit with a triple-threat gut punch that could potentially shake up the team’s coaching staff. And at the center of it all is DeBoer’s longtime right-hand man, wide receiver coach and co-offensive coordinator JaMarcus Shephard, who is inching closer towards a head coaching position of his own.
DeBoer, who was hired as the head coach for the Crimson Tide in December 2020, probably didn’t expect this level of turbulence in his first offseason with the team. But as the saying goes, “when it rains, it pours,” and that seems to be the case for Alabama.
The first blow came when offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian left to become the head coach at Texas. Sarkisian was a crucial part of Alabama’s success, helping the team win the national championship in 2020. His departure left a void in the coaching staff, and DeBoer had to act quickly to fill the position.
But just as DeBoer thought he had everything under control, another blow hit. Co-offensive coordinator and wide receiver coach Josh Gattis left to become the head coach at Maryland. Gattis was also a key member of the coaching staff, and his departure left a significant gap in the team’s offensive strategy.
And now, the third blow is looming over the Crimson Tide. Shephard, who has been with the team since 2019, is reportedly a top candidate for the head coaching position at Western Kentucky. Shephard has been an integral part of Alabama’s success, helping develop star wide receivers such as DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle. Losing him would be a huge loss for the Crimson Tide.
As Shephard inches closer towards a head coaching position of his own, DeBoer’s own future hangs in the balance. Shephard has been a loyal and trusted assistant to DeBoer, and his departure could potentially have a ripple effect on the team’s coaching staff. Losing three key members of the coaching staff in one offseason is not an easy pill to swallow, and it could have a significant impact on the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
But amidst all the chaos, DeBoer remains positive and focused on the task at hand. He has been through similar situations before and knows how to navigate through them. He has a proven track record of success, and he is determined to continue that success at Alabama.
DeBoer has already taken steps to fill the vacant positions on his coaching staff. He has hired former Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien as the new offensive coordinator and former NFL wide receiver Holmon Wiggins as the new wide receiver coach. Both O’Brien and Wiggins bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team, and they are expected to help the Crimson Tide continue their winning ways.
DeBoer’s ability to adapt and make the necessary changes to his coaching staff shows his strong leadership skills. He understands the importance of having a strong and cohesive coaching staff, and he is doing everything in his power to ensure that the Crimson Tide remain a dominant force in college football.
As for Shephard, his potential departure is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has been an integral part of Alabama’s success, and it’s no surprise that he is being considered for a head coaching position. If he does leave, it will be a bittersweet moment for the Crimson Tide. On one hand, they will lose a valuable member of their coaching staff, but on the other hand, they will be proud to see one of their own take on a head coaching role.
In conclusion, the offseason has been a rollercoaster ride for Alabama and head coach Kalen DeBoer. But despite the challenges, DeBoer remains positive and focused on the upcoming season. He has a strong vision for the team and is determined to lead the Crimson Tide to continued success. And as Shephard moves closer towards a head coaching position, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication. The future may be uncertain, but one thing is for sure – the Crimson Tide will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in college football.
