The Crimson Tide Sports Network’s “Hey Coach and the Kalen DeBoer Show” on Wednesday significantly reduced the voice of Alabama football fans. Following the Tide’s Saturday loss to Tennessee, the show only received one caller for DeBoer and did not receive any questions from live viewers.
As is his custom, Grand Bay’s regular first caller Peewee Roberts asked a query about offensive lines. In addition, Chris Stewart, the host of “Hey Coach,” questioned DeBoer every question that was asked throughout the show, with a few questions that were submitted thrown in.
Alabama has been struggling lately; prior to the Tennessee game, they struggled in a victory over South Carolina and lost to Vanderbilt. Before the Tide left for Knoxville, DeBoer took a number of scathing calls.
Following the Vanderbilt defeat, DeBoer had responded to calls and in-person inquiries at Baumhower’s Victory Grille in Tuscaloosa as normal. During his time as Alabama’s head coach, Nick Saban also typically responded to inquiries as usual after defeats.
DeBoer’s deal with Alabama includes an appearance on the radio show. According to the contract, which AL.com was able to secure, he must make at least one appearance every week of the regular season and postseason.
After DeBoer replaced Saban this season, the show’s structure was somewhat altered. Crimson Tide athletes gradually replaced media guests, and the program was rescheduled from Thursdays to Wednesdays.
Call-in shows such as “Hey Coach” have slowly fallen out of favor across college football through the years. Most notably, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney stopped taking live calls, after a memorable exchange with a disgruntled “Tyler from Spartanburg” last season.
Alabama returns to action on Saturday to face Missouri at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game is scheduled to kick off at 2:45 p.m. CT and will be aired on ABC.
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