The University of Alabama announced on Friday that Kalen DeBoer has been chosen to take Nick Saban’s place as head football coach.
Byrne stated, “We are thrilled to have Kalen and Nicole DeBoer, along with their children, Avery and Alexis, join The University of Alabama. “Coach DeBoer has shown he is a victor and has led his teams to victories at each of his trips. I recently told our squad that we will have a new coach who is not just an excellent teacher with the Xs and Os, but also someone who genuinely cares about his players. I would like my sons to play for this coach, just as I would have wanted Coach Saban.
We have Coach DeBoer for that. We anticipate seeing him oversee the Alabama Crimson Tide football program for many years to come. He is eager to get to work. We appreciate the assistance throughout this process from our leadership, which includes Chancellor Finis St. John, President Stuart Bell, and the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees.
For nine seasons, DeBoer has served as the head coach. With the Washington Huskies, he went 25-3 and won 104 games while only losing 12.
DeBoer stated, “I have always had the utmost respect for Alabama football and its dedication to excellence. “This program has an unrivaled tradition-rich history in collegiate athletics, and I look forward to carrying that heritage forward in the future. Being Coach Saban’s follower is an honor. He has set the bar for college football, and his accomplishments are unheard of. I would not have gone to any old school in Washington. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the head of the University of Alabama football program.
I consider myself and my family to be quite fortunate, and I am eager to settle into the Tuscaloosa community. I express my gratitude to the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees, President Stuart R. Bell, Chancellor Finis St. John, and Director of Athletics Greg Byrne for their confidence in my ability to oversee this program.
Updated Jan. 12 at 7:48 p.m. EST: A source familiar with the negotiations said DeBoer inked a contract with Alabama on Friday. Since the sale hasn’t closed yet, that individual talked with The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity. The agreement was initially reported by ESPN.
