BREAKING: Former Alabama DL Jeheim Oatis Criticizes New Coaching Staff—“They Weren’t for Me” — As Kalen DeBoer Continues Recruiting Hot Streak with Third 5-Star Commitment This Week

In a week filled with both triumph and controversy for the Alabama Crimson Tide, former defensive lineman Jeheim Oatis has shaken the program with a candid and unexpected statement. The former four-star recruit, once seen as a cornerstone of the Crimson Tide’s defense under Nick Saban, has publicly criticized head coach Kalen DeBoer’s newly installed coaching staff, saying plainly, “The new staff wasn’t for me.”

Oatis’ comments come amid his transfer to another program, and they have ignited passionate reactions from fans and alumni across social media. Many are left questioning the transition era of Alabama football as DeBoer attempts to build a new identity following the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban.

In an interview earlier this week, Oatis expressed his frustrations with how things changed after Saban’s departure. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound lineman, known for his explosive presence and maturity on the field, said that his decision to leave the program wasn’t rushed but came after months of feeling increasingly disconnected from the new staff.

Oatis did not name specific coaches but emphasized that the overall culture shift and new schemes introduced by DeBoer’s staff simply didn’t align with his playing style or personality. “They had their vision, but it didn’t include players like me in the way I hoped,” he added.

His departure was confirmed weeks ago, but this is the first time Oatis has spoken out publicly about why he transferred. The defensive lineman has since committed to another SEC program, where he says he feels “valued and seen.”

Oatis’ comments have sent waves through the Crimson Tide community, with fan reactions ranging from disappointment to outright support. While some blame Oatis for lacking loyalty during a time of change, others believe his words reflect a growing unease among Saban-era players struggling to adjust to DeBoer’s leadership.

While Oatis’ comments stirred controversy, they were quickly overshadowed by yet another major recruiting victory for DeBoer. In the span of just one week, Alabama has landed its third five-star commitment, continuing a jaw-dropping surge in recruiting momentum that seems to defy all the noise surrounding internal adjustments.

On Tuesday, Alabama secured a commitment from five-star wide receiver Malik Spencer, who joins two other elite recruits who pledged their loyalty to the Tide earlier in the week—linebacker Dontrell Jones and quarterback Tyren McNair. All three are ranked among the top 20 prospects nationally in the 2025 class.

The haul is a direct result of DeBoer’s aggressive and confident recruiting pitch, which emphasizes a dynamic offensive system and a renewed focus on player development. “We’re building something special,” DeBoer said at a media session. “These young men see the vision, and they want to be part of it.”

Still, even as DeBoer racks up top-tier talent, the question lingers: is Alabama experiencing growing pains that could impact short-term success? With players like Jeheim Oatis departing and speaking out, the program must walk a fine line between embracing change and maintaining the championship culture that Saban spent nearly two decades cultivating.

Many insiders acknowledge that a complete overhaul of culture was inevitable. Yet the timing of Oatis’ comments—right in the midst of a critical recruiting period—has raised eyebrows. Some speculate that rival programs may use his remarks as ammunition to sway recruits still on the fence about committing to Tuscaloosa.

Despite the controversy, DeBoer seems unfazed, continuing to push forward with his vision for Alabama’s next chapter. Sources within the program report a unified locker room and growing trust between coaches and players who have fully bought into the new approach.