Let’s get it out of the way now that Alabama defeated Georgia 41-34: Kalen DeBoer is the best college football coach. Although this seems like a reactionary comment, particularly in the wake of an instant classic like what we saw on Saturday night, the data support it.
With a track record like that, DeBoer has a strong claim to the title of “best coach in the sport”. He certainly holds the advantage over Lanning and Sarkisian, two coaches who also have yet to win a national title a season ago.
DeBoer outcoached Lanning in two games in 2023 and beat Sarkisian in the CFP semifinal. Entering 2024, the throne atop the sport was officially vacant. Nick Saban retired and Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL after winning the national championship. The best to ever do it and the best currently doing it were gone. Saturday’s game between Alabama and Georgia was the first real battle for the throne, and DeBoer won.
Some are going to respond by using Kirby Smart’s two championship rings. While there’s no denying his success, DeBoer is expected to achieve a similar degree of success. Smart played in and lost a national championship game during his two seasons at Georgia, winning 21 games overall. DeBoer played in and lost a championship game during his two seasons at Washington, where he also won 25 games.
It took Smart until his sixth season to win a title. As a power league coach, DeBoer appears to be on the verge of success in years three or four.
Naturally, Smart will regain the crown if Georgia wins a playoff game or SEC Championship matchup between these two teams. Moreover, it’s feasible that Sarkisian or even Ryan Day, establish themselves as the “best coach in the sport” by winning a national championship.
Right now, though, there’s a clear top dog. Until someone beats him, Kalen DeBoer is the best coach in college football.
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