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Greg Byrne defends Alabama football's discipline under Kalen DeBoer amid criticism

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs10/25/24grant_grubbs_
Greg Byrne
Icon Sportswire / Contributor PhotoG/Getty

After Alabama suffered its second loss of the season on Saturday, Crimson Tide fans began searching for answers. Many of them concluded that the team lacks discipline. On Friday, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne addressed this accusation.

“I believe that [Kalen DeBoer] absolutely is focused on discipline and structure,” Byrne said during an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show. “I’ve seen it. They’re coaching to get better every single week.

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“There are teams that we’ve had in the past that have struggled at different times of the year and gotten better. I have full confidence that we’re going to continue to get better every single week.”

While head coach Kalen DeBoer may be emphasizing discipline at practice, it isn’t always translating into games. In Alabama’s 24-17 loss to Tennessee on Saturday, the Crimson Tide committed 15 penalties, knocking them back 115 total yards.

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The loss is far from the only time this season Alabama has had penalty issues. The Crimson Tide are averaging 8.9 penalties per game, the seventh-most in the country.

Worse, Alabama is drawing the flags in pivotal moments. With just under two minutes left in the team’s loss to the Volunteers, the Crimson Tide were fourth-and-7.

However, the already unideal situation took a turn for the worse when wide receiver Kendrick Law was called for a personal foul. Consequently, Alabama was forced to attempt a fourth-and-22 and failed to convert.

Despite the Crimson Tide’s numerous mistakes, Greg Byrne claims Alabama has reiterated the importance of discipline in its practices.

“It’s been really healthy,” Byrne said. “I’m so proud of the kids for the leadership that we’ve shown. Have they ever made a mistake? Yep. Are they ever going to make a mistake again? Yep, they will. It’s going to happen.

“At the same time, too, when there are opportunities to learn and get better, I’m seeing that happen on a daily basis and I’m proud of that for what Coach DeBoer, our staff and the kids are doing.”

On Saturday, Alabama will aim to get back on track as it squares off against Missouri at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will air live on ABC.