The college football coaching carousel is moving fast. One surprising name connected to a big job in the Big Ten is Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. A well-known college football insider says Penn State has made DeBoer their top choice. This news has caused a lot of discussion among Penn State fans and created questions about Alabama’s future.
The Nittany Lions’ High-Stakes Target
Penn State is searching for a new head coach after their last one left. Their search has become very serious. Jon Sauber from the Centre Daily Times says DeBoer has been on Penn State’s list “from the beginning.”
This shows Penn State wants a coach with a strong record and a good offensive system. Sauber shared this information on Tide 100.9 radio, which made the rumors seem more real.
Penn State likes how DeBoer quickly found success at Washington and now at Alabama. They believe he could bring strong leadership and fast results. They think he would be an excellent coach for the program.
The Feasibility of a Move: Alabama’s Iron Bowl and Playoff Implications
For DeBoer to leave Alabama, certain things may need to happen. Sauber says Alabama’s recent loss to Oklahoma “opened the door a little.” But the biggest factor would be if Alabama misses the College Football Playoff.
This might happen if they lose to Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
There is a lot of pressure at Alabama, especially after Nick Saban retired. Missing the playoff—especially because of a loss to Auburn—would be a major disappointment. It could make the situation uncomfortable for DeBoer and push him to think about leaving, even though he has not been at Alabama long. Penn State is watching this closely.
Other Candidates and the Financial Realities
Even though DeBoer is the main target, Penn State is also looking at other coaches. Some other names linked to the search are:
- Jon Sumrall (Tulane)
- Brent Key (Georgia Tech)
- Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri)
- Clark Lea (Vanderbilt)
This shows Penn State is doing a wide and careful search. Money is also part of the decision. DeBoer’s buyout is about $4 million until December 31. After that, it becomes $3 million. This is a lot of money, but a big school like Penn State can afford it, especially because many coaching buyouts today are even larger.
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A Dissenting Viewpoint and Remaining Uncertainty
Not everyone believes this move will happen. National insider Josh Pate says he does not think DeBoer will be part of the Penn State search. His opinion adds some doubt and reminds people that many coaching rumors are uncertain.
The situation is still changing. Penn State wants a coach who has already proven he can win. DeBoer fits that description. But his future depends on how Alabama finishes the season and whether things become difficult for him there. The question of whether he will stay or leave is one of the biggest topics in college football as the playoff race continues.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources from CFB insiders. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets and university announcements.