Former Indiana QB Michael Penix Jr. Will 'Always Appreciate' Kalen DeBoer

Michael Penix Jr. and Kalen DeBoer have had a special bond dating back to their 2019 season together at Indiana. At the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday, the Hoosiers' former quarterback talked about how he continues to support his coach, who recently left Washington for Alabama.

INDIANAPOLIS — Kalen DeBoer may have moved on from Washington, but Michael Penix Jr. still shows nothing but love and support for his coach. During his media availability at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday, the quarterback spoke on DeBoer's decision to replace Nick Saban as Alabama's next coach.

"I'm super excited for Coach DeBoer. I'd never talk bad about him," Penix said. "He definitely is one of the biggest reasons for my success. He's the biggest reason that I chose the University of Washington and I had a lot of success there, playing in his offense."

"Things he's done for me in my career, it's definitely a blessing. I'll always appreciate him. Super excited for him."

Penix's trajectory changed in 2019 when former Indiana coach Tom Allen hired Deboer to be the Hoosiers' offensive coordinator. The young offensive guru completely transformed IU's style of play, a system that seriously helped Penix's game.

That season, Penix threw for 1,394 yards and 10 touchdowns with just four interceptions and a 68.8% completion rate before suffering an injury seven games into the season. 

Although Penix's year was cut short, it was a sign that the quarterback had the skills to play in the NFL. 

DeBoer left Bloomington after the 2019 campaign, taking a job as head coach at Fresno State. In two seasons, he led the Bulldogs to 12-6 record. That was enough to get the call to become the next coach at Washington after the 2021 season.

Meanwhile, Penix continued to battle injury at Indiana. He threw for 1,645 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions in 2020, but injuries limited him to six games. Although the Hoosiers enjoyed a solid 6-2 campaign in 2020, they took a nosedive in 2021 — finishing 2-10 with an 0-9 record in Big Ten play.

After the 2021 season, Penix entered the transfer portal. He reunited with DeBoer at Washington and the two flourished.

With Penix at the helm in 2023, Washington finished with a 14-1 record with the lone loss coming to Michigan in the National Championship Game. Penix ended the year second in the Heisman Trophy voting after throwing for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns with the Huskies.

Going through all that together, it's easy to see why Penix still shows so much gratitude towards DeBoer — regardless of the school he's coaching.

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