Alabama Football Officially Announces Kalen DeBoer as Head Coach

The Crimson Tide has found Nick Saban's successor, two days after the legendary head coach's retirement.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama has officially announced the hiring of Kalen DeBoer as the program's 28th head coach, replacing Nick Saban.

DeBoer previously spent the past two seasons at Washington, where he went 25-3 and made an appearance in the 2024 National Championship Game.

"We are excited to welcome Kalen and Nicole DeBoer, and their daughters, Alexis and Avery, to The University of Alabama," Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne said. "Coach DeBoer has proven he is a winner and has done an incredible job as a head coach at each of his stops. One of the things I told our team the other day is we are going to get someone who is not only a great coach with the Xs and Os, but also someone who cares about his players and someone I'd want my sons to play for, just like I would have wanted them to play for Coach Saban. We got that in Coach DeBoer. He is ready to get to work, and we look forward to him leading the Alabama Crimson Tide football program for years to come. We are grateful to our leadership in President Stuart Bell, Chancellor Finis St. John and The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees for their support during this process."

DeBoer took over Washington before the 2022 season, a team that was 4-8 the season before his arrival. This past season, he was awarded the 2023 Associated Press, AFCA, Eddie Robinson, George Munger, Walter Camp and Home Depot Coach of the Year awards after leading the Huskies to a 14-1 record, a PAC-12 Championship, a win in the College Football Playoff, and National Championship Game appearance.

"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."

Before his time at Washington, DeBoer spent two seasons at Fresno State, going 12-6 and winning the 2021 New Mexico Bowl. His first head coaching job was at NAIA school Sioux Falls, his alma mater, where he went 67-3 over the course of five seasons (2005-2009) and won three NAIA national titles. In nine seasons as a head coach, DeBoer holds a 104-12 record.

"I am thrilled to welcome Kalen DeBoer as the new leader of the Crimson Tide football program," said UA President Stuart R. Bell. "With great enthusiasm for the future, we are confident that Coach DeBoer will uphold the proud tradition and standard of excellence synonymous with Alabama Athletics. I extend my sincere gratitude to Athletic Director Greg Byrne for his exceptional leadership throughout this process. Additionally, we appreciate Chancellor Finis St. John and The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees for their continued support of our great institution."

DeBoer's introductory press conference will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 13 in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

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