The Alabama Crimson Tide, one of the most storied programs in college football, is facing a crisis. With two consecutive losses, the team’s chances of making the College Football Playoff are dwindling. Fans and alumni are growing restless, and the pressure is mounting on head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Despite the team’s struggles, DeBoer’s job is safe – at least for now. The reason lies in the details of his contract, which was signed in December 2022. According to sources, DeBoer’s contract includes a substantial buyout clause that would make it extremely costly for Alabama to fire him without cause.
The contract, which runs through the 2028 season, includes a buyout provision that would require Alabama to pay DeBoer 90% of his remaining contract in monthly installments until the end of his term. With DeBoer’s annual salary reportedly in the range of $7 million to $8 million, the total buyout cost would be staggering – likely in excess of $30 million.
Given the financial implications, it’s unlikely that Alabama would choose to fire DeBoer without cause. The university would have to weigh the costs of buying out DeBoer’s contract against the potential benefits of making a coaching change.
Moreover, DeBoer’s contract also includes a number of performance-based incentives that could reduce the buyout amount if the team fails to meet certain benchmarks. However, even with these incentives, the buyout cost would still be substantial.
Alabama’s athletic department is no stranger to making big investments in its coaching staff. In 2022, the university signed DeBoer to a six-year contract worth approximately $40 million. At the time, it was seen as a major coup for the program, and DeBoer was hailed as one of the top young coaches in the country.
Despite the team’s current struggles, DeBoer’s reputation as a coach remains intact. He has a proven track record of success, having led the Washington Huskies to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in 2023.
In addition, DeBoer has already made significant changes to the Alabama program, including the hiring of new assistant coaches and the implementation of a new strength and conditioning program. It’s likely that the university will give him time to see these changes through and to turn the program around.
In conclusion, while Alabama’s current situation may be dire, Kalen DeBoer’s job is safe for now. The contractual obligations and financial implications of buying out his contract make it unlikely that the university would choose to fire him without cause.
Instead, DeBoer will likely be given the opportunity to right the ship and lead the Crimson Tide back to prominence. With his proven track record of success and his commitment to rebuilding the program, DeBoer remains the best bet to lead Alabama back to the top.
