Washington Huskies coaching search: Top 5 potential Kalen DeBoer replacements

In a string of moves few anticipated, Kalen DeBoer departed Washington to replace Nick Saban at Alabama. The coach had just led the Huskies to the national championship game, where they lost out to Michigan. Nonetheless, they left the Pac-12 as the conference champion.

With DeBoer's exit, Washington is obviously in need of a new coach who will steer them through the next chapter as they transition to the Big Ten. The Huskies have been largely successful in the last two seasons and will hope to keep that on post-DeBoer. Let's examine the potential candidates for the opening in Seattle.

Top five potential Kalen DeBoer replacements at Washington

#1 Ryan Grubb, offensive coordinator, Washington

Washington recorded significant success in the last two seasons under the leadership of Kalen DeBoer. There’s no better way to ensure continuity than to give the job to Ryan Grubb.

Grubb has been working with DeBoer since he was made Fresno State’s head coach and he’s been crucial to the success of the Huskies offense in the last two seasons. He is undoubtedly the best option to uphold the achievements of DeBoer’s era.

#2 Lance Leipold, head coach, Kansas

Lance Leipold has slowly established himself as one of the top coaches in college football over the last few seasons. His transformation of Kansas football hasn’t gone unnoticed.

With the exit of Texas and Oklahoma, Kansas is considered the favorite for the Big 12 title ahead of the 2024 season, which showcases Leipold's impact on the program. He is undoubtedly a brilliant choice to replace DeBoer at Washington.

#3 Pete Caroll, former head coach, Seattle Seahawks

In what was somewhat a surprising decision, Pete Caroll recently got fired by the Seahawks. This could see the coach make a return to the college football landscape in 2024.

Considering his familiarity with Seattle, Caroll comes as a good option to take the Washington job after DeBoer's exit. Carroll possesses significant experience in the college football landscape having previously handled USC from 2001 to 2009.

#4 Jedd Fisch, head coach, Arizona

Jedd Fisch’s reputation as a football coach has witnessed significant improvement over the last few seasons. He notably led the Wildcats to a 10-3 record in the 2023 college football season.

Currently viewed as a top candidate for the job, Fisch is obviously a coach who can help sustain the success of DeBoer's era. His exploits with the Wildcats in the last few seasons at Arizona have shown what he could do.

#5 Alex Atkins, offensive coordinator, Florida State

Alex Atkins is a candidate for the Huskies head coaching job following his exploits at Florida State offense in the last few seasons. His previous connection with the athletic director Troy Dannen is also playing out.

However, Atkins just got sanctioned by the NCAA for a Level II infraction violation regarding recruitment through NIL. With a show-cause penalty, the Huskies will have to offer an explanation to the NCAA to hire Atkins.