Nick Saban comments on Kalen DeBoer’s new contract extension with Alabama
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Former Alabama coach Nick Saban made an appearance at the Regions Tradition golf tournament on Wednesday morning.
The legendary coach was asked about the extension signed by his successor at Alabama, Kalen DeBoer, earlier this offseason. Despite a disappointing end to the 2025 campaign, DeBoer inked a new long-term deal with the Crimson Tide that secures his place among college football’s highest-paid coaches.
Saban said Alabama did what was necessary to keep DeBoer in the fold.
“I think coaching is a competitive field, just like playing is a competitive field,” Saban said. “I think Kalen’s had a lot of opportunities. I think if Alabama wanted to keep him, they needed to do what they needed to do to keep him. I’m happy that he’s the coach.
“When I retired, I think 26 players moved. Which is hard for the next coach, whoever it was, to overcome. I think they’ve done a pretty good job of making that transition.”
DeBoer’s new contract lasts for 7 years and will pay him $12.5 million per season.
DeBoer was linked to a number of other head coaching jobs late in the 2025 season, most notably Michigan and Penn State. However, he ultimately chose to remain at Alabama for the 2026 season and beyond.
Alabama is 20-8 overall and 12-4 in SEC play since DeBoer took over. Expectations will be high for the Crimson Tide next season. Here’s a look at the latest College Football Playoff odds on Kalshi:
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
