Wikipedia

Kalen DeBoer

Kalen Douglas DeBoer[2] (born October 24, 1974)[3] is an American college football coach. He is the head football coach for the University of Alabama, a position he has held since 2024. He also served as the head coach at the University of Sioux Falls from 2005 to 2009, Fresno State from 2020 to 2021, and the University of Washington from 2022 to 2023. At Sioux Falls, his teams won three NAIA Football National Championships, in 2006, 2008, and 2009. DeBoer’s overall record as a head coach is 113–15.

Kalen DeBoer
DeBoer in 2024
Current position
TitleHead coach
TeamAlabama
ConferenceSEC
Record9–3
Annual salary$10.00 million[1]
Biographical details
Born (1974-10-24) October 24, 1974 (age 50)
Milbank, South Dakota, U.S.
Playing career
Football
1992Western Washington
1993–1996Sioux Falls
1999Sioux Falls Falcons
2000–2001Sioux Falls Cobras / Storm
Baseball
1993–1996Sioux Falls
1998Canton Crocodiles
1999Renner Monarchs
Position(s)Wide receiver (football)
Left fielder (baseball)
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
Football
1997Sioux Falls (WR)
1998–1999Washington HS (SD) (assistant)
2000–2004Sioux Falls (OC)
2005–2009Sioux Falls
2010–2013Southern Illinois (OC/WR)
2014–2016Eastern Michigan (OC/QB)
2017–2018Fresno State (OC/QB)
2019Indiana (OC/QB)
2020–2021Fresno State
2022–2023Washington
2024–presentAlabama
Baseball
2000–2004Sioux Falls (assistant)
Head coaching record
Overall113–15
Bowls2–1
Tournaments1–1 (CFP)
17–2 (NAIA playoffs)
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
3 NAIA (2006, 2008, 2009)
4 GPAC (2006–2009)
1 Pac-12 (2023)
Awards
NAIA All-American (1996)
3× AFCA NAIA Coach of the Year (2006, 2008, 2009)
3× NAIA Coach of the Year (2006, 2008, 2009)
2× Pac-12 Coach of the Year (2022, 2023)
AFCA Coach of the Year Award (2023)
2× AP Pac-12 Coach of the Year (2022, 2023)
AP Coach of the Year (2023)
Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year (2023)
Home Depot Coach of the Year (2023)
Sporting News Coach of the Year (2023)
Walter Camp Coach of the Year (2023)

Early life and playing career

edit

Born and raised in Milbank, South Dakota, DeBoer graduated from Milbank High School.[4][5][6][7] After a redshirt year at Western Washington University, attended the University of Sioux Falls, DeBoer played at wide receiver from 1993 to 1996 for the Sioux Falls Cougars under head coach Bob Young, setting school records for receptions (234), receiving yardage (3,400) and touchdown catches (33) and earned All-American honors.[8][9] DeBoer was a student assistant at Sioux Falls in 1997 after his football playing career ended working with the wide receivers, and he graduated in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in secondary education.[10][7]

Following DeBoer's graduation he signed with the semipro Sioux Falls Falcons alongside his former quarterback at Sioux Falls, Kurtiss Riggs.[11][12] After one season, he signed with the Sioux Falls Cobras of the Indoor Football League (IFL).[13] In his first game with the Cobras he caught two touchdown passes.[14] The team finished his first season with an 8–6 record. In 2001, the team rebranded to the Sioux Falls Storm and moved to the National Indoor Football League (NIFL).[15] In his last season with the team he helped lead them to a 7–7 record and an appearance in the NIFL semifinal.

DeBoer also played baseball at Sioux Falls, hitting .520 with 10 home runs and 34 RBIs in his senior season of 1997.[6] In 1998, he played one season of independent league baseball with the Canton Crocodiles as a left fielder.[3] He also played one season for the Renner Monarchs.[16]

Coaching career

edit

Early coaching career

edit

After graduating from the University of Sioux Falls, DeBoer remained in the city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota as an assistant coach at Washington High School.[4][7] After two years at Washington, DeBoer reunited with Bob Young and returned to his alma mater as offensive coordinator, a position he held from 2000 to 2004.[10] During his tenure as an assistant football coach, he also served as an assistant baseball coach.[17]

Following Young's retirement, Sioux Falls promoted DeBoer to head coach on December 1, 2004.[18] As head coach from 2005 to 2009, DeBoer had a record of 67–3 and won three NAIA national championships in 2006, 2008, and 2009 and a runner-up appearance in 2007.[7] Two of DeBoer's losses at Sioux Falls came at the hands of Mike Van Diest's national title-winning Carroll Fighting Saints squads in 2005 and 2007.

DeBoer was the offensive coordinator at Southern Illinois from 2010 to 2013 under Dale Lennon.[7] He held the same position at Eastern Michigan University from 2014 to 2016 under Chris Creighton, at Fresno State from 2017 to 2018 under Jeff Tedford, and most recently at Indiana under Tom Allen in 2019.[19] The Hoosiers averaged 433.2 yards per game under DeBoer, ranking third in the Big Ten for the season.[20]

Fresno State

edit

In 2020, DeBoer was hired as the head football coach at Fresno State.[21] In the COVID-19 pandemic shortened season, he led the Bulldogs to a 3–3 record.[22] In the 2021 season, he led Fresno State to a 9–3 regular season record. The season was highlighted with ranked victories over UCLA and San Diego State.[23] The Bulldogs qualified for the New Mexico Bowl, where they defeated UTEP 31–24.[24]

Washington

edit

On November 29, 2021, DeBoer was hired as the head football coach at the University of Washington.[25]

2022

edit

In his first season with Washington, DeBoer led the team to a 10–2 regular season record. The season was highlighted with victories over ranked teams Michigan State, Oregon State, and Oregon.[26] DeBoer was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year for the 2022 season.[27] The Huskies finished the season with a 27–20 win over Texas in the Alamo Bowl, finishing 11–2.[28]

2023

edit
 
DeBoer addresses the media at the post-game press conference following the 2024 CFP National Championship game.

In his second season, Washington finished the regular season 12–0. Washington then defeated Oregon 34–31 in the Pac-12 Championship.[29] DeBoer was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season.[30] DeBoer earned numerous accolades for the 2023 season, including Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year,[31] Home Depot Coach of the Year,[32] Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year,[33][34] Walter Camp Coach of the Year,[35] and AP Coach of the Year.[36] DeBoer and the Huskies qualified for the 2023 College Football Playoff as the #2 seed.[37] DeBoer helped lead Washington to a 37–31 victory over Texas in the Sugar Bowl.[38] In the CFP National Championship, DeBoer suffered his only loss of the season to Michigan, 34–13.[39] The Huskies finished the season 14–1.[40]

Alabama

edit

2024

edit

On January 12, 2024, after the retirement of Nick Saban, DeBoer accepted an offer to become the next head coach at the University of Alabama.[41][42] In his first season as Alabama head coach, the Tide started the season ranked fifth in the preseason AP and Coaches Poll.[43] In the season opener, DeBoer picked up his first win as Alabama's head coach against Western Kentucky 63–0.[44] The following week Alabama struggled against South Florida, but pulled away in the 4th quarter winning 42–16.[45] The next week, Alabama traveled to Madison, Wisconsin for the first time since 1928, defeating Wisconsin 42–10.[46][47] Following their first bye week, Alabama defeated #2 Georgia 41–34, ending Georgia's 42-game regular-season win streak.[48] The next day, Alabama moved to #1 in the AP Poll, marking the 16th year in the last seventeen seasons the Tide have reached the top spot. The next week, DeBoer suffered his first loss as Alabama coach losing to Vanderbilt 40–35. The loss snapped a 23 game win streak versus the Commodores, and was the Tide's first loss to Vanderbilt since 1984.[49] The following week, the Tide overcame a late rally by South Carolina to win 27–25.[50] In the Third Saturday in October, Alabama fell to #11 Tennessee 24–17.[51] On homecoming, the Tide bounced back with a 34–0 shutout of #21 Missouri.[52] Following their second bye week, Alabama traveled to Baton Rouge, Louisiana dominating #15 LSU 42–13.[53] The next week the Tide defeated FCS Mercer 52–7.[54] The following week Alabama traveled to Norman, OK losing to Oklahoma 24–3.[55] It’s the first time since 2010 the Tide have lost three regular season games.[56] In the Iron Bowl, Alabama bounced back with a win over Auburn 28–14.[57] It’s the Tide’s fifth straight win in the rivalry.[58] DeBoer finished the regular season with a 9–3 record.[59] On December 8, Alabama was selected to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan in a rematch of last seasons Rose Bowl.[60]

Personal life

edit
 
DeBoer with his wife during his introductory press conference at Alabama.

DeBoer is married to his wife Nicole. They have two daughters. Their daughter Alexis, plays college softball at Washington. [61]

Head coaching record

edit
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs Coaches# AP°
Sioux Falls Cougars (Great Plains Athletic Conference) (2005–2009)
2005 Sioux Falls 11–2 9–1 2nd L NAIA Semifinal 4
2006 Sioux Falls 14–0 10–0 1st W NAIA Championship 1
2007 Sioux Falls 13–1 10–0 1st L NAIA Championship 2
2008 Sioux Falls 14–0 10–0 1st W NAIA Championship 1
2009 Sioux Falls 15–0 10–0 1st W NAIA Championship 1
Sioux Falls: 67–3 49–1
Fresno State Bulldogs (Mountain West Conference) (2020–2021)
2020 Fresno State 3–3 3–3 T–5th
2021 Fresno State 9–3[n 1] 6–2 2nd New Mexico[n 1]
Fresno State: 12–6 9–5
Washington Huskies (Pac-12 Conference) (2022–2023)
2022 Washington 11–2 7–2 T–2nd W Alamo 8 8
2023 Washington 14–1 9–0 1st W Sugar†, L CFP NCG† 2 2
Washington: 25–3 16–2
Alabama Crimson Tide (Southeastern Conference) (2024–present)
2024 Alabama 9–3 5–3 T–4th ReliaQuest
Alabama: 9–3 5–3
Total: 113–15
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

Notes

edit
  1. ^ a b DeBoer was Fresno State's head coach for the regular season before resigning. Lee Marks served as interim head coach for the New Mexico Bowl. The Bulldogs finished the season with an overall record of 10–3.

References

edit
  1. ^ Low, Chris (March 18, 2024). "Bama gives DeBoer top-5 annual salary at $10.9M". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  2. ^ "DeBoer, Kalen Douglas". Indiana University Bloomington. Archived from the original on December 17, 2019. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Kalen DeBoer Independent Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Johnson, Randy (September 6, 2018). "Gophers game will be homecoming for man behind Fresno State's offense (and 79-point opener)". Star Tribune. Minneapolis. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  5. ^ Solari, Chris (September 27, 2019). "Michigan State knows Indiana's offense well, thanks to past connection". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  6. ^ a b Cohen, Matt (February 1, 2019). "'I think that's what he'll do at Indiana': Kalen DeBoer's journey from Sioux Falls to IU". The Hoosier Network. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Kalen DeBoer". EMUEagles.com. Eastern Michigan University. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  8. ^ "Kalen DeBoer". IUHoosiers.com. Indiana University Bloomington. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  9. ^ Merry, Wade (January 10, 1998). "USF's Harold a first-team NAIA All-American". Argus-Leader. p. 25. Retrieved April 16, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ a b "Kalen DeBoer". University of Sioux Falls. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  11. ^ Bryant, Shawn (July 10, 1999). "Semipro Falcons expect to contend". Argus-Leader. p. 15. Retrieved April 16, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ Thaler, Adam (April 8, 2000). "IFL certainly different, but it's also enjoyable". Argus-Leader. p. 19. Retrieved April 16, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ "DeBoer signs with Cobras". Argus-Leader. February 10, 2000. p. 18. Retrieved April 16, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Cobras roll in opener". Argus-Leader. April 4, 2000. p. 13. Retrieved April 16, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ Thaler, Adam (July 14, 2001). "Storm's mission is simple: Win or say goodbye". Argus-Leader. p. 17. Retrieved April 16, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "Renner Monarchs 24, Sioux Falls Bud/Champps 6". Argus-Leader. June 15, 1999. p. 14. Retrieved April 16, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "Tendler-DeBoer". Argus-Leader. April 3, 2002. p. 34. Retrieved April 16, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "DeBoer named Head Football Coach, Riggs to assist". University of Sioux Falls. December 1, 2004. Archived from the original on December 9, 2004. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  19. ^ Weaver, Matt (January 21, 2019). "DeBoer named IU Associate Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator". 247Sports.com. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  20. ^ "2019 Big Ten Conference Team Offense". Sports Reference. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  21. ^ Bonagura, Kyle; Rittenberg, Adam (November 29, 2021). "Fresno State's DeBoer named Washington coach". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  22. ^ "2020 Fresno State Bulldogs Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  23. ^ "2021 Fresno State Bulldogs Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  24. ^ "Fresno State beats UTEP 31–24 in New Mexico Bowl". FOX Sports. Associated Press. December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  25. ^ Vorel, Mike (November 29, 2021). "UW Huskies hire Fresno State's Kalen DeBoer as next head football coach". Seattle Times. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  26. ^ "2022 Washington Huskies Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  27. ^ "Pac-12 Coach of the Year Winners". Sports Reference. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  28. ^ Quinton, Sean (December 29, 2022). "Analysis: Instant impressions from UW's 27–20 win over Texas in the Alamo Bowl". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  29. ^ Anderson, Mark (December 2, 2023). "No. 3 Washington rallies to beat No. 5 Oregon 34–31 and secure playoff spot". AP News. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  30. ^ "DeBoer Named Pac-12 Coach Of The Year; 14 Dawgs Earn All-Pac-12". Washington Huskies Athletics. December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  31. ^ Raley, Dan (December 20, 2023). "DeBoer Receives Fourth Coach of the Year Honor". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  32. ^ "Penix Jr., DeBoer Take Home Honors At Home Depot Award Show". Washington Huskies. December 8, 2023. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  33. ^ "2023 Washington Huskies Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  34. ^ DeCourcy, Mike (December 15, 2023). "Sporting News Coach of the Year: Washington's Kalen DeBoer is a '20-year overnight success'". The Sporting News.
  35. ^ "Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award Winners". Sports Reference. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  36. ^ Booth, Tim (December 19, 2023). "Washington's Kalen DeBoer is the AP coach of the year after leading undefeated Huskies to the CFP". AP News. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  37. ^ Alam, Adnan (December 4, 2023). "DeBoer leads Washington to CFP berth, along with Michigan, Texas and Alabama". Cronkite News. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  38. ^ Adelson, Andrea (January 2, 2024). "Penix-led Huskies again 'prove everybody wrong'". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  39. ^ Witz, Billy (January 8, 2024). "As the College Sports Model Teeters, Champion Michigan Works to Balance". The New York Times. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  40. ^ Kurup, Sahil (January 13, 2024). "Kalen DeBoer bids emotional farewell to Washington football in Alabama news conference". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  41. ^ "Kalen DeBoer Named Head Coach of Alabama Football". University of Alabama Athletics. January 12, 2024. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  42. ^ Low, Chris (March 6, 2024). "How Alabama moved from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer in 49 hours". ESPN. Retrieved March 7, 2024. Through conversations with the principals involved and other industry sources, ESPN retraced that head-spinning week, which ushered in a new era of Alabama football and, in some ways, reshaped the landscape of the entire sport.
  43. ^ Melton, Matt (August 12, 2024). "Alabama ranked No. 5 in 2024 preseason AP Poll". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  44. ^ "No. 5 Alabama, Jalen Milroe rout Western Kentucky 63–0 in coach Kalen DeBoer's debut". NBC Sports. Associated Press. August 31, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  45. ^ Kelly, Nick (September 7, 2024). "Rewinding Alabama's 42–16 victory over South Florida". AL.com. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  46. ^ "No. 4 Alabama visits Wisconsin for Tide's first game at Camp Randall Stadium since 1928". WSAW. Associated Press. September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  47. ^ "Milroe accounts for 5 TDs as No. 4 Alabama rips Wisconsin 42–10. Badgers QB Tyler Van Dyke injured". NBC Sports. Associated Press. September 14, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  48. ^ "Alabama hangs on for the win after Georgia mounts a massive comeback". NBC Sports. Associated Press. September 28, 2024. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  49. ^ Teutsch, Rebecca (October 6, 2024). "Alabama loses to Vanderbilt for the first time since 1984 and drops to No. 7, Auburn becomes 0–3 in the SEC". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  50. ^ De Siver, Hunter (October 12, 2024). "No. 7 Alabama Football Survives Close Battle With South Carolina, 27–25". SI.com. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  51. ^ Lesar, Al (October 19, 2024). "Sampson scores twice, Iamaleava overcomes early struggles in Tennessee's 24–17 victory over Alabama". AP News. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  52. ^ Leuzzi, John (October 26, 2024). "Alabama-Missouri final score, highlights: Crimson Tide shut out Tigers". Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  53. ^ Leuzzi, John (November 9, 2024). "Alabama vs LSU final score: Crimson Tide dominates in Death Valley behind Jalen Milroe". USA TODAY. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  54. ^ Zenor, John (November 16, 2024). "Milroe, Williams lead No. 9 Alabama to 52–7 win over Mercer, an FCS team". AP News. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  55. ^ Brunt, Cliff (November 24, 2024). "Arnold, Robinson run for more than 100 yards as Oklahoma stuns No. 7 Alabama 24-3". AP News. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  56. ^ Melton, Matt (November 24, 2024). "When was the last time Alabama had three losses in a season?". Roll Tide Wire. USA Today. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  57. ^ Zenor, John (December 1, 2024). "Milroe, No. 13 Alabama keep playoff hopes alive with 28-14 win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl". AP News. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  58. ^ "No. 13/13/13 Alabama Pushes Past Auburn, 28-14, for Fifth-Straight Iron Bowl Victory". Alabama Crimson Tide Athletics. November 30, 2024. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  59. ^ "2024 Alabama Crimson Tide Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  60. ^ "No. 11 Alabama and Michigan match up in the ReliaQuest Bowl". AP News. Associated Press. December 9, 2024. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  61. ^ Heim, Mark (January 22, 2024). "What Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said about wife Nicole and two daughters". AL.com. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
edit
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kalen DeBoer.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kalen_DeBoer&oldid=1263635845"