With Kalen DeBoer leaving to become Alabama’s head coach following the retirement of the legendary Nick Saban, attention quickly turns to who could and who should be the replacement for the Washington Huskies.
Coming off a loss in the National Championship Game and losing several players to the NFL Draft, the job won’t be easy. However, as one of the most noteworthy programs in all of college football, the Washington job will be enticing for any potential candidate.
Kalen DeBoer Replacements in Washington
Will Stein, Oregon Offensive Coordinator
Oregon offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Will Stein had the Ducks humming in 2023. Seen as a young offensive guru, Stein is expected to leave for a head coaching role eventually.
While it is unknown if Stein would be interested during this cycle, Washington may chance their hand and look to jump on the offensive mind who will be converted in the future. They could bring him in now and let him learn on the job.
Lance Leipold, Kansas Head Coach
Lance Leipold has done an excellent job with Kansas and could very well be expected to leave to head up a bigger school. Kansas finished 9-4 in 2023, and Leipold led them to a 49-36 victory in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.
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During his time with the Jayhawks, Leipold has proven his ability to recruit, retain players, and build a culture. Leipold’s track record at every level could be a great fit with the Huskies.
Pete Carroll, Former Seattle Seahawks Coach
Fresh from leaving the Seattle Seahawks, it is expected that Carroll wants to carry on coaching. And what better fit than the legendary NFL and college head coach staying in Seattle to become the Washington head coach?
Carroll is one of three coaches to have won a Super Bowl and a National Championship and would be an extremely high-profile hire if the Huskies could pull it off. It’s almost a far-fetched idea on the surface, but makes a ton of sense when you look at it closer.
Ryan Grubb, Washington Offensive Coordinator
Serving as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in Washington under DeBoer, Ryan Grubb could be an inside hire. Under his leadership, the offense in Washington has hit new heights, and under his tutelage, Michael Penix Jr. became one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
Grubb was also with DeBeor at Fresno State, where he was an associate head coach, as well as offensive coordinator. If Washington wants to get the hire wrapped up with some speed, while attempting to retain their roster, Grubb would be a great hire to steady the ship.
Jamey Chadwell, Liberty Head Coach
Currently, the head coach at Liberty, Jamey Chadwell, would be an exciting hire for the Huskies. A proven winner with an offensive background, Chadwell would bring a bucket load of experience and has recruited well over his head coaching career.
After spending five seasons with Coastal Carolina, Chadwell moved to the Flames in 2023 and led Liberty to a 13-1 record. It seems only a matter of time before bigger programs come calling.
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