"Kalen DeBoer is coaching hard": Greg McElroy debunks myth about Alabama HC in hard-hitting statement

Kalen DeBoer had a fairytale start at the Alabama, but losses to the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Tennessee Volunteers have rocked Bama's playoff boat hard.

However, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy set the record straight on DeBoer’s coaching style. He noted how being the successor to Nick Saban is no easy task.

Deboer has faced criticism for his laid-back demeanor, with some suggesting he lacks the fire and intensity of his predecessor.

But McElroy, who played under Saban, insists DeBoer brings plenty of passion to the field.

"A lot of people have said, 'well Kalen DeBoer, he’s just not a guy who is going to get into people’s faces.' That is just completely inaccurate. Kalen DeBoer is coaching hard," he said.

"Just because he’s got a little bit more of an approachable demeanor in the press conferences doesn’t mean he’s not a guy who will absolutely get after you both on the field and behind closed doors," continued McElroy.

Alabama fans may see DeBoer’s style as different, but McElroy believes the coach’s fire within is hard.

CFB analyst gives verdict on Kalen DeBoer's Alabama

Danny Kanell, a CFB analyst for CBS Sports, has written off Alabama under the leadership of DeBoer. He had a brutal assessment of Alabama’s chances this season.

He revealed his 12-team College Football Playoff bracket, with Georgia claiming a spot but Alabama absent.

"They don’t deserve to be there. They are done,” Kanell declared. “Alabama has a Georgia win, champions. Look at the biggest win, and in the meantime, they want you to forget they lost to the entire state of Tennessee, Tennessee and Vanderbilt."

Alabama, once the pride of the SEC under Nick Saban, is now in big trouble in DeBoer’s first season in charge as he struggles to meet high expectations. The Georgia win was great, but Alabama’s losses against lower-ranked teams brought harsh criticism.

The upcoming matchup against LSU has the nation’s attention, as some fans believe a win could reignite Alabama’s playoff chances. However, Kanell believes:

"Both teams need help, a lot of help. Because of the teams that are up here. We have teams that are undefeated that have not lost yet. They need teams like Pitt, Ohio State, Iowa State."

ESPN’s FPI tracker gives Alabama a 44% chance at a playoff slot.