Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide are off to a rocky start against Florida State. They trailed 17-7 at halftime against the Florida State Seminoles, who went 2-10 last year. Though there is hope for a comeback -- the Crimson Tide is performing well under expectations.
His Alabama contract is an eight-year deal worth $87 million, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. His base salary and total compensation escalate yearly, and the contract includes significant incentives and substantial buyout protections.
Contract Breakdown
- Length & Salary: DeBoer's contract runs through December 31, 2031. It starts at $10 million in 2024 and increases by $250,000 yearly, topping at $11.75 million in 2031. His total compensation for the 2025 season is $10.25 million.
- Bonuses:
- SEC Championship: $75,000 (participant), $125,000 (champion)
- College Football Playoff: $150,000 (appearance), up to $875,000 for winning the national championship
- Coach of the Year (SEC): $25,000; National Coach of the Year: $50,000
- Academic incentives for team graduation rate: up to $100,000 per year.
Buyout Clauses
- If Alabama fires DeBoer without cause, he is owed 90% of the remaining contract value, paid monthly. If fired after the 2025 season, this amounts to roughly $69.3 million.
- If DeBoer Leaves Early: He must pay Alabama a buyout: $5 million in 2024, $4 million in 2025, $3 million in 2026, and nothing from 2027 through the end of the deal.
For what it is worth, poor performance—such as losing games or unsatisfactory win-loss records—is usually not considered "cause" for termination.
It is realistic for Alabama’s athletic department to cover a massive coaching buyout, as precedent shows programs like Texas A&M were able to fire Jimbo Fisher and fund his $75+ million buyout through a mix of athletic department reserves and significant donor contributions. The 12th Man Foundation, Texas A&M’s donor-driven fundraising arm, used unrestricted donor funds for the initial payment, and the athletic department paid the rest out of the operating budget and ongoing fundraising
In addition to general compensation, DeBoer enjoys a suite of perks that are standard for coaches at elite universities like Alabama.
- Annual automobile allowance of $16,800 and a monthly cell phone stipend
- 30 hours of private jet usage per year for personal use
- Skybox at home games and tickets, premium club memberships
- Substantial budget for assistant coaches.
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