Kalen DeBoer Reveals What Influenced Him To Take Alabama Job

Kalen DeBoer left the Washington Huskies for the Alabama Crimson Tide after reaching the College Football Playoff last season. He had a record of 25-3 during his time in Seattle.

DeBoer appeared on Get Up on Wednesday to discuss the move. He called Tuscaloosa a special place and mentioned how unique the program had to be to convince him to leave the Huskies.

Deboer has also held head coaching positions at the Fresno State Bulldogs from 2020 to 2021 and at Sioux Falls from 2005 to 2009.

"It had to be a special place that was gonna pull me from the opportunity that I had there at Washington. Alabama, that is special. This place is different, and following coach [Nick] Saban and everything he's done for this program, it just felt like it was the right time, the right opportunity," DeBoer said. "It's been an awesome six months here, just getting to know these guys and getting the staff together. Love the direction we're headed. Great challenges ahead, and I'm looking forward to it."

The former Washington coach mentored some great talents at Washington. Rome Odunze, Michael Penix Jr., and Dillon Johnson stood on offense in 2023. All three players are just some of the former Washington products who are now in the NFL. Odunze and Penix were first-round NFL Draft picks in April.

DeBoer will try to keep the Crimson Tide rolling in 2024 after the retirement of Nick Saban.

Alabama faces the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in its season opener on Aug. 31.

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