Nick Sanban Explain why the Alabama pressure’s focus is on Kirby Smart, not Kalen DeBoer

The upcoming college football showdown between Alabama and Georgia is drawing significant attention, particularly regarding the pressure each head coach faces. For Kirby Smart, the stakes are notably higher than for Kalen DeBoer.

**Legacy and Expectations:** Kirby Smart has built Georgia into a national powerhouse since taking the helm in 2016. With back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, expectations have soared. Smart is not just coaching for another win; he’s striving to maintain a legacy as one of college football’s elite coaches. Anything less than a playoff appearance this season could be seen as a disappointment, putting immense pressure on him to continue Georgia’s dominance.

In contrast, Kalen DeBoer, while having a successful tenure at Washington, is still in the early stages of building his program. The expectations for the Huskies, though rising, do not carry the same historical weight as those at Georgia. DeBoer’s primary focus is on establishing a competitive team in the Pac-12, and while a win against Georgia would be a significant feather in his cap, the pressure on him is comparatively minimal.

**Recruiting and Talent Development:** Smart has transformed Georgia into a recruiting juggernaut, regularly landing top-tier talent. This has raised the bar not only for his own team but also for the entire SEC. The pressure to deliver results commensurate with such talent is unrelenting. A slip-up now could raise questions about his ability to sustain Georgia’s recruiting momentum and maintain its status among the elite.

DeBoer, on the other hand, is still in the process of cultivating his program’s identity and building a roster that can compete with the best. His recruitment strategy is aimed at developing talent over time, meaning that while he aims for success, the urgency to deliver immediate results is less acute than for Smart.

**Fan and Media Scrutiny:** The fanbases of Alabama and Georgia are fiercely passionate, and the media spotlight on Smart is intense. Every loss is magnified, leading to scrutiny that can impact recruiting and team morale. Georgia fans expect nothing less than excellence, and a failure to meet those expectations could lead to discontent.

DeBoer, while facing his share of media attention, operates under a different level of scrutiny. The Washington program is competitive but does not experience the same overwhelming pressure as Georgia. This gives DeBoer a little more breathing room to navigate challenges and grow his program without the immediate threat of job insecurity that might loom over Smart should he falter.

**Conclusion:** In summary, while both coaches have important games ahead, the pressure is undeniably heavier on Kirby Smart. His established legacy, high expectations, and the burden of a star-studded roster create an environment where anything less than success could be seen as failure. Meanwhile, Kalen DeBoer is in a different phase of his career, focused on building and developing rather than maintaining a dynasty. As the Alabama-Georgia matchup approaches, the eyes of the college football world will be keenly watching Smart, whose legacy hangs in the balance.