Malachi Moore, a former Alabama Crimson Tide safety and team captain, recently reflected on the 2024 football season, describing it as a year of “growing pains” during an interview at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on February 27, 2025. The season marked a significant transition for the program under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, following the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban after 17 years. Alabama finished with a 9-4 record, a departure from their usual dominance, suffering losses to Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Michigan—the first time since Saban’s debut year that the Tide failed to reach 10 wins.
Moore, who opted to return for his fifth season instead of entering the NFL Draft, acknowledged the challenges of adapting to new leadership. “We knew it was gonna be hard to win a national championship, first year after a coaching change,” he said. The shift brought new strategies, staff, and a learning curve that tested the team’s resilience. Despite the struggles, Moore expressed optimism about Alabama’s future, crediting DeBoer’s competitive spirit and willingness to take on the daunting task of succeeding Saban. “He’s just as motivated to win and hates to lose like coach Saban,” Moore noted, praising DeBoer’s courage in stepping into such big shoes.
The 2024 season, while disappointing by Alabama’s lofty standards, laid a foundation for growth. With DeBoer now seasoned and recruiting his own players, Moore believes the Crimson Tide is poised for a rebound. His comments highlight a year of adjustment but also a belief in the program’s enduring potential, reflecting both the pain of change and the promise of progress. (280 words)
