Home / Sports / Alabama Faces Costly Dilemma: $63M Buyout to Fire Coach Kalen DeBoer
Alabama Faces Costly Dilemma: $63M Buyout to Fire Coach Kalen DeBoer
5 Sep
Summary
- Alabama considering firing coach Kalen DeBoer after just one season
- Buyout would cost the school approximately $63 million
- DeBoer's contract runs through 2031, with payments due until 2027
As of September 5th, 2025, the Alabama Crimson Tide are facing a difficult decision regarding the future of their head coach, Kalen DeBoer. DeBoer, who took over the program last year, is under increasing pressure after a lopsided road loss to unranked Florida State in the season opener.
The Tide's defensive struggles and overall discipline issues have led to growing speculation that Alabama may be considering a coaching change as early as this season. However, the potential cost of firing DeBoer is a major obstacle. According to reports, the school would owe him approximately $63 million if they choose to terminate his contract.
DeBoer's contract, which he signed in January 2024, is an eight-year deal worth $87 million. The agreement includes annual salary increases and several bonus incentives, such as $75,000 for an SEC title game appearance and up to $400,000 for advancing to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
While the buyout may seem like a hefty sum, it's not unprecedented in college football. Just two years ago, Texas A&M paid Jimbo Fisher a $75 million buyout to part ways. Alabama, however, is not required to pay DeBoer the full $63 million in one lump sum. Instead, the school would pay him 90% of the remaining contract value in monthly installments through 2027.
As the Tide prepare to host UL-Monroe this weekend, all eyes will be on the team's performance. If Alabama struggles again, the pressure on DeBoer's job security is likely to intensify. With a daunting schedule that includes games against top-ranked opponents like Georgia, Tennessee, and LSU, the Crimson Tide's season could determine the coach's fate.
