Kalen DeBoer is in the midst of a coaching ascent rarely seen in college football. After leading Washington to the national title game, he now faces perhaps the most daunting challenge in the sport — filling the shoes of Nick Saban at Alabama.
But DeBoer’s track record and coaching pedigree suggest that Alabama has found the right man to carry the torch. His journey, defined by success at every stop, signals that the winning tradition in Tuscaloosa, Ala., is in capable hands.
Kalen DeBoer’s Coaching Profile
- Alabama (head coach, 2024)
- Washington (head coach, 2022-2023)
- Fresno State (head coach, 2020-2021)
- Indiana (offensive coordinator, 2019)
- Fresno State (offensive coordinator, 2017-2018)
- Eastern Michigan (offensive coordinator, 2014-2016)
- Southern Illinois (offensive coordinator, 2010-2013)
- Sioux Falls (head coach, 2005-2009)
- Sioux Falls (offensive coordinator, 2000-2004)
- Sioux Falls (wide receivers, 1997)
DeBoer’s Early Career
After beginning his college football career redshirting at Western Washington, Kalen DeBoer transferred to Sioux Falls, where he found his footing as a wide receiver from 1993-96 under head coach Bob Young. During his time with the Cougars, DeBoer left his mark on the program, setting school records with 234 receptions, 3,400 receiving yards, and 33 touchdown catches, accomplishments that earned him All-American honors.
But DeBoer’s story didn’t end on the field. After his playing days were over, he transitioned seamlessly into coaching, starting as a student assistant at Sioux Falls in 1997, focusing on wide receivers.
He earned his degree in secondary education in 1998 and spent the next two years coaching at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, S.D. Yet the pull of his alma mater remained strong, and in 2000, DeBoer returned to Sioux Falls as the offensive coordinator, where he helped lead the football team while assisting with the school’s baseball program.
After Young’s retirement, DeBoer was promoted to head coach of Sioux Falls on Dec. 1, 2004, a move that launched one of the most dominant coaching runs in NAIA football history. From 2005-09, DeBoer led the Cougars to an extraordinary 67-3 record, capturing three NAIA national championships in 2006, 2008, and 2009 while finishing as runner-up in 2007.
Division I Offensive Coordinator
DeBoer’s coaching journey took him across several programs, each stop refining his offensive prowess. From 2010-13, he served as offensive coordinator at Southern Illinois under Dale Lennon, laying the foundation for what would become a pattern of success.
He then moved to Eastern Michigan, holding the same position from 2014-16 under Chris Creighton, before joining Fresno State from 2017-18 under Jeff Tedford, where he helped elevate the program’s offense.
In 2019, DeBoer took on the role of offensive coordinator at Indiana under Tom Allen. It was there that his impact became even more pronounced. Under DeBoer’s guidance, the Hoosiers averaged 433.2 yards per game, ranking third in the Big Ten — a testament to his ability to craft dynamic, high-powered offenses.
Fresno State
In 2020, DeBoer was hired as the head football coach at Fresno State, taking the reins of a program with high expectations. In a season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, DeBoer guided the Bulldogs to a 3-3 record, showing resilience amid unprecedented challenges.
But it was in the 2021 season that DeBoer truly made his mark. He led Fresno State to an impressive 9-3 regular season, highlighted by signature victories over ranked opponents UCLA and San Diego State. The Bulldogs’ success earned them a spot in the New Mexico Bowl, where they capped off the year with a hard-fought 31-24 win over UTEP.
Washington
On Nov. 29, 2021, DeBoer was hired as the head football coach at the University of Washington, stepping into a new chapter with high expectations.
In his debut season in 2022, DeBoer quickly made his presence felt, guiding the Huskies to a 10-2 regular season record. The season featured notable victories over ranked opponents Michigan State, Oregon State, and Oregon, and DeBoer was rightfully named Pac-12 Coach of the Year for his efforts. Washington finished the season strong, defeating Texas 27-20 in the Alamo Bowl to cap off an 11-2 campaign.
DeBoer’s second season in 2023 was nothing short of remarkable. The Huskies completed a perfect 12-0 regular season and triumphed over Oregon in a thrilling 34-31 victory in the Pac-12 Championship. DeBoer was once again named Pac-12 Coach of the Year, earning back-to-back honors.
His success on the national stage earned him multiple accolades, including Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, Home Depot Coach of the Year, Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year, Walter Camp Coach of the Year, and AP Coach of the Year.
Under DeBoer’s leadership, Washington qualified for the 2023 College Football Playoff as the No. 2 seed and delivered a 37-31 victory over Texas in the Sugar Bowl. Though the Huskies ultimately fell to Michigan in the CFP National Championship, 34-13, DeBoer’s Huskies finished an impressive 14-1, cementing his status as one of the premier coaches in college football.
Alabama
Here’s a reworked version with a bit more narrative flow, adding weight to the significance of DeBoer’s move to Alabama and his early results:
On Jan. 12, 2024, following the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban, DeBoer accepted the offer to become the next head coach at the University of Alabama. It was a monumental shift, with DeBoer stepping into the shoes of one of college football’s most successful coaches.
In his first season leading the Crimson Tide, DeBoer inherited a program accustomed to the highest of expectations. Alabama entered the season ranked fifth in both the preseason AP and Coaches Poll, and DeBoer wasted no time making an impact. In the season opener, Alabama dominated Western Kentucky with a commanding 63-0 victory, marking DeBoer’s first win at the helm of the Tide.
The following week presented a more formidable challenge as Alabama struggled early against South Florida. But in true Alabama fashion, the Tide pulled away in the fourth quarter, securing a 42-16 win.
In Week 3, DeBoer led Alabama to Madison, Wis., for the program’s first visit since 1928. The Tide rolled to a decisive 42-10 victory over Wisconsin, continuing their strong start under DeBoer’s leadership.
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