Alabama Crimson Tide Star QB Ty Simpson Faces Tension With Coach Kalen DeBoer Announcement Concerning..
In what was expected to be a smooth transition into a new era under head coach Kalen DeBoer, internal tensions have quietly surfaced between Alabama Crimson Tide’s presumed starting quarterback Ty Simpson and the coaching staff—raising questions about leadership, chemistry, and the direction of the Tide’s offense ahead of the 2025 season.
Multiple sources within the program have confirmed that Simpson, a former 5-star recruit and rising junior, has had “repeated philosophical clashes” with Coach DeBoer during spring practices and offseason quarterback meetings. At the heart of the friction? Decision-making, on-field autonomy, and adapting to DeBoer’s highly structured offensive system.
Simpson, who played backup to Jalen Milroe before emerging as the projected starter, is known for his improvisational style—making plays on the move, extending drives with his legs, and occasionally taking high-risk shots downfield. DeBoer, meanwhile, is a tactician. His offensive schemes, built on timing, discipline, and high-efficiency passing concepts, demand precision and consistent execution—qualities he reportedly feels Simpson has struggled to embrace fully.
> “Ty’s a competitor, no doubt,” said a source close to the program. “But Coach DeBoer wants a quarterback who lives and breathes structure. There have been moments where Ty wants to freelance and play instinctively, and that’s not sitting well with DeBoer’s system-first approach.”
The tension reached a boiling point during the second scrimmage of spring camp, when Simpson reportedly audibled out of a key red zone play—ignoring the call from the sideline—to try a rollout pass that was ultimately intercepted. According to team insiders, DeBoer was visibly frustrated and pulled Simpson aside for a pointed conversation that lasted several minutes.
Since then, the quarterback room has been under a microscope. With redshirt freshman Dylan Lonergan gaining momentum and early enrollee Julian Sayin turning heads with his poise, whispers of a possible quarterback competition have begun to stir. While DeBoer has not publicly commented on the issue, his recent praise of the younger QBs’ “discipline and maturity” was perceived by many as a veiled message.
For his part, Simpson hasn’t addressed the rumored friction directly but did post a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the scrimmage: *“Bet on yourself. Always.”*
The Alabama fanbase—accustomed to the high-stakes drama that comes with elite quarterback battles—is watching the situation unfold with a mix of excitement and concern. Many believe Simpson has the highest ceiling, but others worry that his inability to fully buy into DeBoer’s system could lead to a shakeup before Week 1.
> “It’s a chess game,” said an SEC analyst. “You’ve got a quarterback with NFL tools, and a coach who just inherited the most demanding program in the country. Something’s gotta give.”
Simpson’s development, leadership, and willingness to evolve will likely determine whether he retains the starting job—or finds himself caught in yet another Crimson Tide quarterback controversy. As Alabama prepares for a grueling early-season schedule, including a high-profile clash with Wisconsin, the spotlight on Simpson will only intensify.
Coach DeBoer is expected to address the media later this week. Whether he reaffirms his confidence in Simpson—or signals an open competition—will speak volumes.