Kalyn DeBoer signed up for lofty expectations when he agreed to replace Nick Saban as Alabama's head coach, as the job comes with much criticism. The hot seat increased on Saturday, when DeBoer did something that his predecessor never did.
Alabama lost its first game of the season to Florida State 31-17, falling to 0-1 on the year. It's the first time in over 20 years that the Crimson Tide will begin a season with a loss despite Alabama entering the game as the No. 8 team in the country and decisive favorites vs. the Seminoles.
This loss will surely leave a mark as Alabama fights to make the College Football Playoff this year in a tough SEC. Here's a breakdown of what this loss means for DeBoer and his contract status.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Alabama Week 1 winning streak snapped
Heading into this game, Alabama had won 23-straight season-opening games. The Crimson Tide last had an 0-1 record in 2001, when they dropped a game to UCLA 20-17 to open that season.
That means that Alabama never lost a game to open any season under both Nick Saban and Mike Shula, who combined to coach in 21 of the 23 season-opening wins.
Kalyn DeBoer contract
When DeBoer became Alabama's head coach in January of 2024, he agreed to an eight-year deal worth $87 million overall. That means that DeBoer will earn just over $10 million per year through the 2031 college football season.
DeBoer is one of nine coaches to make at least $10 million per season, and there are only four coaches who makes over $11 million a year.
Kalyn DeBoer buyout
DeBoer has one of the heftiest contract buyouts among all college football coaches. If Alabama fires DeBoer without cause, the school would owe 90 percent of his remaining contract, ESPN reported last year.
Therefore, DeBoer's buyout would be around $70 million if Alabama wanted to move on, trailing just Kirby Smart's buyout for the highest in college football. That number would drop after December 1, but it would still be a hefty number for the Crimson Tide.
Kalen DeBoer coaching career
DeBoer has been a head coach for four different teams in his career. Here's a look at DeBoer's coaching history since 2000:
- 2000-2004: Offensive coordinator, Sioux Falls
- 2005-2009: Head coach, Sioux Falls
- 2010-2013: Offensive coordinator, Southern Illinois
- 2014-2016: Offensive coordinator, Eastern Michigan
- 2017-2018: Offensive coordinator, Fresno State
- 2019: Offensive coordinator, Indiana
- 2020-2021: Head coach, Fresno State
- 2022-2023: Head coach, Washington
- 2024-present: Head coach, Alabama