$100 million commitment to Kalen DeBoer from Alabama makes it one of the most expensive buyouts in college football history: Reports

Kalen DeBoer to Alabama is now a reality. The Washington Huskies head coach will replace the legendary Nick Saban at the helm of the Alabama Crimson Tide going forward.

The Huskies saw a resurgence under DeBoer in the last two seasons, going all the way to the national championship game in 2023. Although they lost to the Michigan Wolverines, many have applauded the work that the head coach has put into the program.

According to insider Ross Dellenger, the package that brings him to Alabama is worth around $100 million.

The Huskies are owed $12 million in terms of buyout money. Not an expensive thing for a school of Alabama's stature. But if the salary commitment is taken into consideration, the number jumps to $100 million. That instantly makes it one of the most expensive buyouts in college football history.

The Huskies already had an offer for their head coach on the table. He was offered a massive contract for seven years, and the salary was rumored to be $9 million a year. But DeBoer decided to pack his bags and head to Tuscaloosa to build on the legacy left behind by Nick Saban, who announced his decision to retire as the Crimson Tide head coach last Wednesday.

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Most expensive college football buyouts as Kalen DeBoer to Alabama becomes a reality

College football has seen many expensive buyouts. The buyout record belongs to Jimbo Fisher. When Texas A&M fired Fisher, they had to pay him a whopping $76 million. Gus Malzahn got $21.5 million when he was fired by the Auburn Tigers in 2020.

2024 CFP National Championship - Michigan v Washington: HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 08: Head coach Kalen DeBoer of the Washington Huskies reacts in the second half during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

So the $12 million to make Kalen DeBoer to Alabama a reality pales in comparison. But the $100 million commitment does make it quite an expensive affair for the Crimson Tide.

However, DeBoer has already shown his caliber with the Washington Huskies, losing just three games in the two seasons he was in Seattle. Jim Harbaugh, who defeated him in the national championship game last week, admitted that his compatriot was indeed a great coach.