Tuscaloosa, AL The University of Alabama is reportedly set to hire DeBoer from Washington to run the Crimson Tide football program, taking over for the legendary Nick Saban, who retired on Wednesday. The initial report comes from ESPN's Mark Schlabach and Chris Low. According to multiple outlets, DeBoer is meeting with players at Washington's campus this afternoon to inform them of his decision. DeBoer will be the 28th head coach in Alabama history. DeBoer, 49, has no SEC coaching experience but is coming off a 14-1 year with the Huskies, winning the Pac-12 Championship and defeating Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinal before losing to Michigan. DeBoer won three NAIA titles in four years with the University of Sioux Falls from 2005-09, where he played as a wide reciever in the 1990s. ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that a contract had been agreed upon between DeBoer and Alabama. An announcement by UA is expected soon and will likely confirm that DeBoer's annual salary will be at least doubled. On Friday morning, DeBoer canceled a radio show appearance in Seattle as rumors of an extension and meeting with Dannen continued. Coincidentally, Saban interviewed DeBoer's offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb for UA's opening a year ago, which was eventually filled by Tommy Rees of Notre Dame. Grubb appears to be in line to stay at Washington and replace DeBoer, according to various outlets. Rees was among those who interviewed for UA's opening. Now, DeBoer may need to figure out Rees' place on staff, along with other key coaches while bringing in his pieces. DeBoer's connections in the region will be questioned, as well as his reputation as a recruiter. Washington's recruiting class ranked 36th nationally in 2024, 26th in 2022 and 30th in 2021. DeBoer notably brought over Michael Penix Jr. from Indiana, helping develop the quarterback into one of the nation’s foremost throwers. DeBoer was widely recognized for one of the best coaching performances of the season. He was named the Eddie Robinson Award Winner by the Football Writers Association of America, as well as Coach of The Year by The Sporting News and The Associated Press. |
Saturday, January 13, 2024
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