In a stunning development in Alabama college football, Kalen DeBoer, who led the Crimson Tide to a national championship, has declined a lucrative contract extension and accepted the head coaching position at Auburn University.
DeBoer, 49, joined Alabama in January 2024, succeeding Nick Saban. Under his leadership, the team secured a national championship, solidifying his status as a top-tier coach. Despite an eight-year, $87 million contract offer from Alabama, DeBoer chose to accept Auburn’s head coaching role, reportedly seeking new challenges and opportunities. 
This move intensifies the longstanding rivalry between Alabama and Auburn, as DeBoer transitions directly between the two programs. Auburn’s athletic director expressed enthusiasm over DeBoer’s appointment, highlighting his proven success and leadership qualities.
Alabama now faces the task of finding a successor who can maintain the program’s high standards. The coaching search is underway, with the university aiming to appoint a leader capable of upholding Alabama’s legacy of excellence in college foot
ball.
