Kalen DeBoer Just Locked in $87.5M at Alabama and He's Not Going Anywhere
Kalen DeBoer is staying put in Tuscaloosa. Alabama announced Wednesday that the football coach has signed a new seven-year contract worth $12.5 million per season, extending his deal through Jan. 31, 2033. Translation: the Crimson Tide just made sure one of the hottest names in college football isn't leaving for greener pastures.
This matters because DeBoer was seriously linked to openings at Michigan and Penn State this past offseason, though he never interviewed with either school. Instead, he doubled down on Alabama, the program that handed him one of the toughest jobs in sports two years ago: replacing Nick Saban.
🎲 Want to Make Tonight's Game More Interesting?
Kalshi lets you trade on real sports outcomes — not just spreads. It's the only federally regulated prediction market in the US, and it's available right here in Washington state.
New users get a FREE $10 just for signing up — no deposit required to claim it.
👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiThe Buyout That Says Everything About Alabama's Confidence
The contract includes a $10 million buyout through Jan. 31, 2027, which decreases by $2 million after each of the next two years. That's not just money talking. That's Alabama saying we believe in this guy enough to make it expensive for him to leave early.
DeBoer's record at Alabama sits at 20-8 over two seasons. Last year, the Crimson Tide finished 11-4 and made the College Football Playoff, knocking off Oklahoma 34-24 on the road before falling 38-3 to Indiana in the quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. The team went 8-4 against AP Top 25 opponents across the past two seasons.
What DeBoer Built in Two Years
Before Alabama, DeBoer led Washington to a 14-1 record in the 2023 season, losing 34-13 to Michigan in the national championship game. Since 2021, his teams have won 20 games against ranked opponents, the second-best mark among active FBS head coaches.
In his statement, DeBoer said it plainly: "This university has become a special place to us, and I look forward to working to ensure that Alabama football remains at the forefront of college football."
The University of Alabama System's Compensation Committee approved the extension during a virtual meeting Wednesday. DeBoer is 51 and locked in. Alabama just made sure the man tasked with following Nick Saban's legacy stays committed to bringing championships back to the Capstone.
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about Kalen DeBoer.
View X conversation →This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.