Kalen DeBoer being hired as Nick Saban’s Alabama successor

Alabama has found its successor. Kalen DeBoer will be the new head coach of Alabama, filling the role vacated by Nick Saban after the legendary coach retired this week . DeBoer told Washington officials that he is taking the Alabama job , according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. DeBoer led Washington to the CFP National Title game this season, falling to top ranked Michigan , 34 13, in the finale.

Michigan had defeated Alabama 27 20 in overtime in the semifinals, in what was unknowingly Saban’s final game. DeBoer finished his two season tenure with the Huskies at 23 2. He’ll be tasked with replicating the success Saban had in Tuscaloosa, where he turned the program into a juggernaut, with six national titles in his 17 years.

The hiring marks the high point of DeBoer’s rise. He went 67 3 as head coach of his alma mater Sioux Falls, winning three NAIA championships. He spent time as offensive coordinator at Southern Illinois, Eastern Michigan, Fresno State and Indiana before taking over at Fresno State in 2020. He jumped to Washington in 2022, turning the Huskies into national title contenders .

According to ESPN, Washington athletic director Troy Dannen attempted to make DeBoer one of the 10 highest paid FBS coaches , offering to more than double his $4.2 million salary. DeBoer signed a contract extension with the Huskies that would have taken him through 2028, but it includes a $12 million buyout he’ll have to pay in order to take over Saban’s old gig..