New Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is getting paid, and the newly released details of his contract with the Crimson Tide make it clear why he left Washington for Tuscaloosa.
There’s, of course, the chance to be Nick Saban’s successor and inherit a program that has won six national championships since 2010. That had to have been very intriguing for DeBoer, even though the pressure of replacing a living legend at Alabama will undoubtedly be intense.
The Crimson Tide also made Alabama an intriguing financial destination for DeBoer, though. According to Charlie Potter of Bama Online, the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees compensation committee approved DeBoer’s new contract recently, and it’s a big one.
Alabama is giving DeBoer an eight-year contract through December 31, 2031. He’ll make $10 million in his inaugural 2024-25 season and the pay will increase up to $11.75 million in the final year of the deal.
There are also incentives in DeBoer’s contract based on performance.
For instance, he’ll make $75,000 for taking the Tide to the SEC Championship Game or $125,000 if they win it. Making the College Football Playoff will earn DeBoer the following bonuses, per Potter.
$150,000 for a playoff appearance
$250,000 for a quarterfinal appearance
$400,000 for a semifinal appearance
$600,000 for a championship game appearance
$875,000 for a national title
DeBoer can also earn a $50,000 bonus if Alabama’s graduation rate is in the top 50 percent of all SEC football teams, amongst other bonuses.
This contract represents a massive raise for DeBoer, who made $4.2 million at Washington. No wonder he left the Huskies.
