In a surprising twist in the Alabama Crimson Tide football program, quarterback Jalen Milroe has reportedly been encouraged by former Alabama tight end and NFL star Jalen Hurts to leave the team until coach Kalen DeBoer departs. This advice has sparked a flurry of speculation regarding the inner dynamics of the Alabama football program and the role that DeBoer, the team’s new offensive coordinator, has played in the relationship between Milroe and the coaching staff. While Milroe’s future at Alabama remains uncertain, Hurts’ comments shed light on a complex situation involving coaching styles, player development, and the expectations of Alabama’s football culture.
The Background: Jalen Milroe’s Struggles and DeBoer’s Arrival
Jalen Milroe, a highly-touted quarterback prospect, entered his sophomore year at Alabama with immense potential. Milroe’s raw athleticism and impressive physical tools had fans and analysts predicting that he could be the future face of the Crimson Tide’s offense. However, despite some flashes of brilliance, Milroe’s development has been slow under the guidance of Alabama’s new offensive coordinator, Kalen DeBoer.
DeBoer, who joined Alabama in the offseason after a successful tenure as the head coach at Fresno State, brought a different philosophy to the Alabama offense. Known for his pass-heavy system and quick-strike offensive schemes, DeBoer has pushed for a more dynamic and balanced approach to offensive play calling. This has been a departure from the more traditional, run-first offense that has been a staple of Alabama football for years under former offensive coordinators like Steve Sarkisian and Bill O’Brien.
While Milroe possesses undeniable talent, his struggles to adjust to DeBoer’s system have become a point of frustration. Milroe, who thrived in more traditional offensive schemes, has often seemed uncomfortable in the fast-paced, pass-first style of play that DeBoer has implemented. This has led to inconsistency in Milroe’s performances, with several key games marked by missed throws, turnovers, and a lack of offensive rhythm.
Hurts’ Encouragement for Milroe to Leave
It is in this context that Jalen Hurts, the former Alabama quarterback who enjoyed a legendary career at the school before his success with the Philadelphia Eagles, has reportedly reached out to Milroe with some unexpected advice. Hurts, who knows the pressures of playing under Nick Saban and the intense scrutiny that Alabama quarterbacks face, has encouraged Milroe to consider leaving the team until DeBoer departs.
According to sources close to the situation, Hurts empathizes with Milroe’s struggles under DeBoer’s offensive system. Hurts, who himself faced significant challenges and transitions during his time at Alabama, particularly when he was replaced by Tua Tagovailoa in the 2018 season, knows what it’s like to be a quarterback in a high-pressure situation with limited support. Hurts also understands the value of playing in a system that suits a player’s strengths, which has led him to suggest that Milroe should consider sitting out until a change in offensive philosophy or coaching staff could better align with his skill set.
Hurts’ advice carries weight, given his success story. After transferring to Oklahoma, Hurts flourished in a system that allowed him to use his dual-threat abilities to their full potential, ultimately leading to a Heisman Trophy finalist season and a successful NFL career. Hurts’ experience provides him with the insight to know how important it is for a quarterback to be in the right system and under the right leadership to reach their full potential. For Milroe, Hurts’ perspective could be seen as both a comforting and controversial piece of advice.
Milroe’s Dilemma: Stay or Leave?
Milroe’s situation is a difficult one. On one hand, leaving Alabama would mean stepping away from one of the most prestigious football programs in the country, led by the legendary Nick Saban. Alabama has been a powerhouse for years, and there is a level of prestige and potential opportunity that comes with wearing the Crimson Tide uniform. On the other hand, continuing to play in a system that doesn’t seem to play to his strengths could hinder Milroe’s development and future prospects.
The advice from Hurts, however, may not be as simple as it sounds. Milroe is at a crucial point in his college football career. He still has plenty of time to develop, and Alabama, despite its struggles this season, remains one of the premier programs in the country. For Milroe to leave, he would need to not only find a suitable new program but also navigate the complex world of transfer portals, recruitment, and NCAA eligibility. The prospect of transferring might be tempting, but it’s also fraught with uncertainty, especially given the large expectations that would follow Milroe wherever he goes.
However, if Milroe stays at Alabama, he will have to continue adjusting to DeBoer’s system or potentially face the reality of a reduced role if another quarterback (perhaps Ty Simpson or Jalen Milroe’s younger competition) rises to take over the starting spot. The competition for the starting quarterback job at Alabama has always been fierce, and Milroe may have to prove himself all over again to maintain his place in the lineup.
The Role of Kalen DeBoer: Is Change Coming?
Kalen DeBoer’s role in this drama cannot be understated. His offensive system has been a significant factor in Milroe’s struggles, and his coaching style may not be what Milroe needs to thrive. As a coach known for emphasizing a spread offense with a heavy passing focus, DeBoer may not have fully accounted for the unique skill set that Milroe brings to the table. Milroe is a talented dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm, but his strengths lie in creating plays with his legs and using his mobility to extend plays. Under DeBoer’s offense, however, he has been asked to become more of a traditional pocket passer, which doesn’t seem to suit his natural game.
If DeBoer’s coaching tenure continues at Alabama, Milroe’s future at the school may be limited. But if the program decides to move on from DeBoer, there could be a fresh opportunity for Milroe to flourish under a new offensive coordinator or head coach who would be more inclined to use his talents effectively. The question remains whether Milroe is willing to wait out that possibility or if he will heed Hurts’ advice and look for a fresh start elsewhere.
Conclusion: The Future of Milroe, Hurts, and DeBoer
As of now, Milroe’s situation remains uncertain. The former Alabama quarterback, Jalen Hurts, has made it clear that he sympathizes with Milroe’s struggles but also wants what’s best for his career. Hurts’ suggestion to leave the team until a coaching change occurs may seem drastic to some, but it is rooted in his own experience of facing adversity and finding a better fit elsewhere. Milroe, like Hurts, is at a crossroads. Whether he stays at Alabama and tries to adapt to DeBoer’s system or pursues an opportunity elsewhere will determine the next chapter in his football career.
For now, all eyes are on Alabama as the coaching staff, Milroe, and the football community await the resolution of a situation that could dramatically alter the trajectory of the program and Milroe’s career. The coming months will surely reveal whether this drama ends in a transfer or a coaching change—or perhaps both.
