Kalen DeBoer Cancels Seattle Radio Spot Igniting Suspicions Of Alabama Future

Kalen DeBoer runs on the field at the national championship.

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Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer canceled a radio spot with a Seattle news station on Friday morning as rumors swirl about his future. Will he replace Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa?

DeBoer didn’t appear the top target at the start of the search, though his success is well-documented. After taking over a four-win Husky squad after the 2021 season, he led them to a national title appearance just two years later.

In two seasons with the program, he posted a 26-3 overall record. This, coming after a 9-3 campaign at Fresno State in 2021.

He’s also seen incredible success at the NAIA level, where he led his alma mater Sioux Falls to three national championships.

While DeBoer’s always had a hat on the table in the Alabama search, many tabbed his Oregon rival Dan Lanning as the most likely replacement for Nick Saban.

Lanning, however, announced his intention to remain with the Ducks earlier this week.

With Lanning out of the picture, two names began picking up steam – DeBoer and FSU head coach Mike Norvell.

DeBoer was expected to clear the air on the speculation Friday during an appearance on a local radio station. Instead, he’s only placed doubt in the minds of Husky fans.

Kalen DeBoer cancels radio spot – will he be the next Alabama coach?

“Please understand that Coach DeBoer & UW Athletics are continuing to work towards a future we can all be excited about,” the cancellation note read, still suggesting that DeBoer plans to remain with the Huskies.

Not many are buying it.

Fans and national media quickly responded online.

“Very interesting… Kalen DeBoer was scheduled to be in studio with a Seattle station this morning. That visit has been canceled,” wrote Peter Burns of SEC Network.

“Kalen DeBoer calls off his in-studio visit with Seattle radio station…” said Pete Nakos of On3 Sports.

Others think they know the reason for the late snub.

“Thank you, Washington, we appreciate your sacrifice,” said an Alabama fan.

“Sounds like this was written by UW PR, not the station,” this UW supported responded.

“In other words, he’s gone,” a follower commented.

“He just went out for milk and smokes, that’s all,” a wishful Washington fan joked.

“Next Alabama coach, Kalen DeBoer.”

DeBoer has quietly moved to the top of the list in the latest Alabama coaching odds, and this will do nothing but fuel those flames as the search continues.

Some have been high on DeBoer’s chances since the start, most notably Colin Cowherd, though many believed the coach’s Washington softball player daughter could provide a motive to stay put.

But hey, Alabama has a softball team, too!

We could know soon if DeBoer is Alabama’s guy.

*Update*

DeBoer reportedly canceled the radio spot in order to meet with Washington AD Troy Dannen.

Whether that meeting is positive and negative for UW will soon be known. Husky fans are hoping a deal can get done in order to keep him in the Evergreen State.

If Washington can’t meet DeBoer’s requests, he may be SEC bound.