Was Alabama's Kalen DeBoer Actually Close to Taking the Penn State Job?

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Nearly two years ago, Kalen DeBoer replaced the retiring Nick Saban as the Alabama Crimson Tide's head coach. It was a massive move for DeBoer, who was coming over from Washington right after leading the Huskies to a National Championship Game appearance.

But is it possible that DeBoer could depart Tuscaloosa within the blink of an eye?

Up until Friday afternoon, there had been heavy speculation that DeBoer could bolt Alabama to take the Penn State Nittany Lions head-coaching job. Ultimately, Penn State hired Matt Campbell, putting the DeBoer rumors to rest.

But was DeBoer actually close to leaving the Crimson Tide for Happy Valley?

During an appearance on the Paul Finebaum Show, ESPN's Pete Thamel revealed that it was never a legitimate thing.

“That did not happen, Paul,” Thamel said. "That did not happen. … But I was told there was no traction on either side from DeBoer and trying to bring him there. Obviously, the logistics of that alone would make it virtually impossible – just like a Mike Elko hire, just like a Marcus Freeman hire, because of the College Football Playoff."

While it's not surprising that DeBoer's name surfaced in the Penn State fracas, the real question is, why would he leave Alabama at this point?

Yes, it's true that DeBoer has never stayed more than two years at any of his previous stops. He began his head-coaching career at Fresno State in 2020 and spent two seasons there before leaving for Washington. He then departed Seattle after a couple of years.

But neither Fresno State nor Washington is Alabama.

It's hard to find a more high-profile job than the one in Tuscaloosa. Perhaps Penn State is one of the few schools that can rival Alabama in that department, but it's still not quite on the same level.

Plus, after a rough debut campaign with the Crimson Tide, DeBoer has significantly turned things around in 2025, having gone 10-2 during the regular season, finishing 7-1 in the SEC. They will now face the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game on Saturday.

Not only that, but barring unforeseen circumstances, Alabama will compete for a national title in the College Football Playoff.

DeBoer is building something at 'Bama. That's hard to walk away from.

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