Kalen DeBoer to be named Alabama’s next head coach

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6:42 P.M. CST – Kalen DeBoer released a statement:

“I have always had an incredible respect for Alabama football and its commitment to excellence,” DeBoer said.

“The tradition-rich history of this program is unmatched across the landscape of college athletics, and I look forward to continuing that moving forward. Following Coach Saban is an honor. He has been the standard for college football, and his success is unprecedented. I would not have left Washington for just any school. The chance to lead the football program at The University of Alabama is the opportunity of a lifetime. My family and I feel truly blessed and look forward to becoming a part of the Tuscaloosa community. I want to thank Director of Athletics Greg Byrne, President Stuart R. Bell, Chancellor Finis St. John and The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees for their belief in me to lead this program.”

5:06 P.M. CST – Greg Byrne, who said in his initial statement when the search began to “not believe anything unless it comes from him”, has confirmed via Twitter that DeBoer is on the way to Tuscaloosa from Seattle:

The plane 🛫 has left Seattle. #RollTide pic.twitter.com/YF7IqHkHj6

— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) January 12, 2024

4:15 P.M. CST – Adam Rittenberg of ESPN is now reporting that Kalen DeBoer told his staff and his players he’s leaving for Alabama. This news comes shortly after it was reported that star Huskies’ cornerback Jabbar Muhammad has entered the transfer portal.

3:06 P.M. CST – Chris Low of ESPN has reported that DeBoer has agreed to a deal to become Alabama’s next head coach.

2:32 P.M. CST – Thamel is now reporting that DeBoer has informed Washington officials that he has accepted the job and will inform his team soon.

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FULL STORY

1:21 P.M. CST – ESPN‘s Pete Thamel is reporting that Washington’s Kalen DeBoer is currently negotiating a contract to be the successor to Nick Saban and will be the 28th head coach in the history of Alabama football.

This past season, DeBoer led Washington to an undefeated Pac-12 title and an appearance in the national championship game. He boasts a 104-12 career record as a head coach going back to his days at Sioux Falls, where his teams went a ridiculous 67-3 at the NAIA level and won three national championships.

His first Division 1 head coaching opportunity came at Fresno State in 2020, where after a 3-3 COVID shortened first season, he led the Bulldogs to a 9-3 season in 2021 before being named the head coach at Washington.

RELATED: DeBoer’s scheduled appearance on Seattle radio station cancelled amid Alabama rumors

In two years at Washington, DeBoer has lost just three games, one of them being the national championship game after inheriting a Husky program that went 4-8 the year before his arrival.

He is known for his offensive prowess and oversaw a Washington offense this season that was among the nation’s best.

Perhaps most impressive is DeBoer’s record against two of the coaches who were seen as prime candidates for the Alabama. He is a combined 5-0 against Dan Lanning and Steve Sarkisian (3-0 against Lanning at Oregon, 2-0 against Sarkisian at Texas). DeBoer is 12-2 all time against AP Top 25 opponents.

DeBoer will not come cheap for Alabama either, with a reported buyout of $12 million owed to Washington. According to Chris Low of ESPN, DeBoer had a contract offer from Washington that would have more than doubled his $4.2 million annual salary and made him one of the ten highest paid coaches in college football.

RELATED: 17 years ago today: Saban introduced as Alabama head coach

Recruiting will be the main question that is asked about DeBoer, but one thing that cannot be denied is his ability to win games.

DeBoer’s first challenge will be recruiting the current roster, as star receiver Isaiah Bond filed his paperwork to enter the transfer portal today.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP