Alabama Football Coach Kalen DeBoer Expresses One Regret From Washington

When enticing opportunities come knocking, it's hard to pass them up, even if the timing isn't exactly the best. That was the case for Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer when it came to his exit from Washington.

On Jan. 8, DeBoer and the Huskies were defeated by Michigan in the CFP National Championship. Then four days later, following the abrupt retirement of Nick Saban on Jan. 10, DeBoer accepted the Alabama Crimson Tide gig.

This week during an appearance on The Joel Klatt Show, DeBoer expressed one regret regarding his departure from Seattle.

"The news with coach Saban hitting and I knew nothing at that time, whether it'd be approached. I just knew that there are always the names that get thrown out there and that would be a distraction to Washington and the team I was continuing to try and put together," DeBoer recalled. "Then late that night, the opportunity put in front of you to talk to Greg Byrne. The next 48 hours being about that, an interview then the opportunity to be the head coach.

"There are a lot of emotions, probably the one thing that I just wish could have happened there is that you have a chance to celebrate what was an amazing season. Things got flipped so quickly, unfortunately."

DeBoer was Washington's head coach for only two seasons. He led the Huskies to a 25-3 record, including 14-1 in 2023. Washington won the final Pac-12 championship before departing for the Big Ten Conference.

Saban was 201-29 overall during 17 seasons in Tuscaloosa. He won six national championships and nine SEC titles.

Alabama begins the campaign on Aug. 31 versus Western Kentucky. The Crimson Tide starts conference play on Sept. 28 against Georgia.

The Huskies host Weber State to begin the season. Washington faces the Wolverines in a championship rematch on Oct. 5.

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