A big decision.
The move has been made — Kalen DeBoer will replace Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. Alabama decision makers have opted to hire DeBoer away from Washington, fresh off of his National Title appearance one week ago.
Welcome to Tuscaloosa, Kalen DeBoer! #RollTide pic.twitter.com/j35ltdLFEl
— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) January 12, 2024
DeBoer was hired by Washington following the 2021 season. He guided the Huskies to a 14-1 record during the 2023 season, following an 11-2 season in 2022. DeBoer turned Fresno State around before that, going from 3-3 to 9-3 from the shortened COVID year to the 2021 season.
He was a perennial contender at Sioux Falls in the NAIA division, winning three of five attempts at national titles from 2005-2009. DeBoer then spent time at Southern Illinois and Eastern Michigan before landing an offensive coordinator role at Fresno in 2017. He eventually turned that into an offensive coordinator position with Indiana, where he would ultimately lose to Tennessee in the Gator Bowl before returning to Fresno as the head coach in 2020.
DeBoer instantly turned Washington into a College Football Playoff contender. Now he takes on a job following a legend that presents an infinite amount of pressure. Can he recruit? We know he can scheme up plays. But can he recruit in the south without any southern ties? His staff hires will be critical in that aspect.
It’s a fascinating situation as we wade into the new SEC without divisions and with the addition of Oklahoma and Texas. What are your thoughts on the hire?