The college football season may be over and it may be early in their coaching stints, but both Kalen DeBoer and Hugh Freeze have targets on their backs.

Both the Alabama and Auburn coaches are named in ESPN’s “way-too-early” coaching hot seat.

Granted, the list is tiered:

• Don’t do that again
• We want this to work
• It’ll cost us
• Need progress
• Don’t backslide
• Retirement watch
• Group of 5

Both made the “We want this to work” list.

“DeBoer’s first season seemed to confirm fears about whether he could succeed in a different region, especially while replacing a legend,” ESPN states.

DeBoer and the Tide (9-4, No. 11 CFP) fell 19-13 to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The loss ended Alabama’s string of 16 consecutive seasons with double-digit wins. DeBoer inherited the streak from seven-time national championship-winning coach Nick Saban, who retired after last season.

“After missing the CFP and losing to undermanned Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl, DeBoer will need to deliver more in Year 2, even with an athletic director (Greg Byrne) firmly in his corner. He ultimately might be a better fit elsewhere, such as USC,” ESPN writes.

Meanwhile, with Freeze, ESPN states, “Auburn’s personnel had dropped off, and Freeze had the roots and results in the deep South to turn things around. But Tigers fans are still waiting.”

The Tigers finished Freeze’s second year 5-7 overall and 2-6 in the SEC and is 11-14 in his first two years on The Plains.

“A manageable 2025 schedule could lead to a breakthrough, which Freeze needs despite a contract that runs through the 2028 season,” ESPN writes.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.