Alabama and Head Coach Kalen DeBoer Working Towards Contract Extension

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer released a statement via Yea Alabama, the Crimson Tide's NIL collective, on Sunday, reaffirming his commitment to the Crimson Tide as Alabama prepares for its Friday night playoff game against the Oklahoma Sooners.

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Shortly after the statement was released, On3 Sports reported that the Crimson Tide and head coach Kalen DeBoer are working on a contract extension, but no agreement has been reached yet.

DeBoer, a 51-year-old South Dakota native in his second year as Alabama's head coach, has a 19-7 record in his first two seasons. He led the Crimson Tide to a 10-2 record in his second regular season as Alabama's head coach, securing a berth in the SEC championship and the College Football Playoff after going 9-4 in his first season in Tuscaloosa.

DeBoer was also linked to Penn State's head coaching position after the Nittany Lions fired James Franklin during the season, but shut down those rumors last Thursday.

"Yeah, we're extremely happy at Alabama," DeBoer said about Penn State's head coaching opening. "This is the first time I've been asked, extremely happy here," "Love the challenge, love the grind, love this place.

"There's never been any link, there's never been any conversation, there's never been any interest either way. I'm glad we can put that to bed right now."

DeBoer was also linked to Michigan's head coach opening after the Wolverines fired Sherrone Moore with cause on Wednesday, but Sunday's statement reaffirmed his commitment to the Crimson Tide.

DeBoer's current contract pays him $10.25 million for the 2025 season and is set to increase to $11.75 million by the end of his contract, which is set to expire in December 2031. His current buyout, should Alabama fire him without cause, is $63 million. If DeBoer willingly left Alabama, he would be on the hook for a $4 million buyout, paid to Alabama.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.