After Kalen DeBoer declined to accept the “unprecedented” deal the Huskies offered him the previous season, Troy Dannen, the athletic director of Washington, took “pause.” Ultimately, UW would extend two contract offers to DeBoer, who turned them down to become the 28th head coach in Alabama football history.
Through the use of a public records request, the Seattle Times verified Dannen’s remarks made at the W Bellevue Hotel and published the financial specifics of the rejected bids on Friday night.
DeBoer first turned down a seven-year contract worth $8.5 million a year. By 2030, it would have risen to $9 million. DeBoer then got another offer on January 11th, this time with a $9 million basic pay that could go up to $9.6 million.
DeBoer, who in his second season guided the Huskies to a College Football Playoff championship appearance, took home $4.2 million in salary last autumn. Based on the USA Today database, that was the 44th-highest number among head coaches.
“Kaleen and I made the appropriate public statements when it wasn’t signed, but it makes you pause,” Dannen remarked.
In reference to Washington’s shifting conference alignment, which will result in bigger TV deals and revenue-sharing amounts than UW received from the Pac-12, Dannen referred to it as a “Big 10” offer. The $9.4 million annual total would have placed seventh nationally, surpassing Jimbo Fisher of Texas A&M. Among coaches, Nick Saban had the highest salary of over $11.4 million in 2023.
The Seattle Times claims that Jimmy Sexton, DeBoer’s agent and Saban’s representative, declined to match UW’s last offer. DeBoer took a private plane from Seattle to Tuscaloosa the following day, arriving at the airport to the sight of hundreds of shivering Alabama supporters.
Although DeBoer’s term sheet details are unknown, it is anticipated that he will rank among the top 10 nationally compensated individuals. It cost $12 million to buy him out. In the end, the Huskies replaced DeBoer with former Arizona coach Jedd Fisch.
In an emotional opening press conference, DeBoer stated, “I need to thank some people back in Washington.” It’s a unique location to be. It is, in fact. One of the few, if not the only, locations I would have ever left to come coach is here. I simply wanted to let everyone know that you are loved, since I know they are all watching. I wish everyone back there the utmost best, and I will miss you.
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