Why did Kalen DeBoer leave Washington? When Alabama HC weighed in on decision to leave the Huskies

Kalen DeBoer replaced Nick Saban as Alabama's head coach on Jan. 10, 2024. However, it wasn't a challenging decision for him as he was on his way to building his own dynasty in Washington.

In 2023, during DeBoer's second year with the program, the Huskies went 14-1 and came extremely close to winning a national championship title.

Coach DeBoer's daughter, Alexis DeBoer, is still enrolled at Washinton and plays for the softball team, which was among the most significant question marks during his decision to join the Crimson Tide, as the DeBoer family enjoyed their time in Washington.

Alabama persuaded Kalen DeBoer with a $10 million contract, which was hard to say no to and probably was a crucial factor in his decision.

During a conversation on "The Pat McAfee Show," DeBoer said that despite unfinished business at Washington, replacing Alabama was too good of an opportunity:

"I also saw this as an amazing opportunity that I just could not pass up, to be the head coach at Alabama. I'm not shying away, I understand the way that it gets perceived with following a legend."

In another interview with Adam Breneman, Kalen DeBoer admitted to still having a soft spot for Washington:

"And I think because of the age, my kids and just where we're at, in them understanding what we're going through, we just had a great time as a family, [it] has been the hardest decision I've ever had to make, you know, in any way, career or even personal." (11:00)

A look at Kalen DeBoer's coaching record before Alabama

Kalen DeBoer is currently among the most accomplished coaches in the nation. With an overall coaching record of 104-12, the Alabama head coach was the clear choice to carry forward Nick Saban's rich legacy following his retirement.

DeBoer has taken the head coaching role at four programs, including Alabama, and has proven his abilities at all four stops.

He won three NAIA National Championships at Sioux Falls and turned around Fresno State's 4-8 record in 2019 to a 10-3 record in 2021.

The Bulldogs also jumped from the 82nd spot in scoring defense to No. 20th at the end of his two-year tenure with the program.

Coach DeBoer has proven himself to be a competent coach who knows how to win. Fans will be interested to see if he can continue his winning streak at Alabama in the 2024 college football season.