Kalen DeBoer stepped into Tuscaloosa in 2024 with more than just a playbook—he inherited a dynasty. Taking over for legendary coach Nick Saban came with immense pressure and sky-high expectations. But the move also came with a massive payday, instantly putting DeBoer among the highest-paid coaches in CFB. According to past reports from CFB Network, he earned $4.2 million annually at Washington before Alabama came calling, making this jump a major financial leap. Now, as he looks to keep the Crimson Tide at the top, his contract and growing net worth are turning almost as many heads as his on-field strategy.
What is Kalen DeBoer’s net worth?
Well, reports estimate his net worth at around $12 M, and that number is only trending upward. While there are no major sponsorship deals on record yet, top-tier coaches like DeBoer often strike lucrative brand partnerships that add even more to their bank accounts. So, his wealth isn’t just from one big contract; it’s the result of years of grinding up the coaching ladder, making smart moves, and stacking wins along the way.
Now, Alabama is betting big on his future. The Crimson Tide handed DeBoer a $10.25 M annual deal, cementing him among the highest-paid coaches in the nation. But with an $87 M contract comes massive expectations. The question lingering in Tuscaloosa is clear: can DeBoer not only uphold Alabama’s dynasty but elevate it even higher?
Kalen DeBoer’s contract breakdown
Kalen DeBoer didn’t just sign a contract; he secured a gold mine in Tuscaloosa. Yes, Alabama locked him in on an eight-year, $87 M deal through 2031, paying a huge leap from his $4.2 M Washington salary. But that’s just the base. Because his deal is stacked with bonuses: $75K for an SEC title appearance, up to $600K for reaching the CFP Title Game, $125K for a title win, and a cool $875K if he wins it all. Even academic success pays, with a $100K graduation rate bonus on the table. So, one national title in his first year, and DeBoer could walk away with nearly $11M—pressure-packed, but potentially payday perfect.
What is DeBoer’s salary?
Kalen DeBoer’s rise has been as fast as his offenses. Back in 2022, he took the Washington job on a five-year, $16.5 M deal, earning $3.1 M in his first season. However, a steady bump brought him to $4.2 million in 2023, ranking just 44th nationally among FBS coaches. Fast forward to Alabama, and the paycheck tells the story of his meteoric climb. The Crimson Tide locked him in with a monster eight-year contract, starting at $10 million in 2024, jumping to $10.25 million in 2025, and climbing to $11.75 million by 2033. So, from $3 M to one of the highest-paid in CFB, DeBoer has turned winning seasons into generational money.
Kalen DeBoer’s career earnings
Year
Team
Base earnings
2022
Washington Huskies
$3,100,000
2023
Washington Huskies
$4,200,000
2024
Alabama Crimson Tide
$10,000,000
2025
Alabama Crimson Tide
$10,250,000
2026
Alabama Crimson Tide
$10,500,000
2027
Alabama Crimson Tide
$10,750,000
2028
Alabama Crimson Tide
$11,000,000
2029
Alabama Crimson Tide
$11,250,000
2030
Alabama Crimson Tide
$11,500,000
A look at Kalen DeBoer’s college and professional career
Kalen DeBoer’s football story started long before he wore a headset. At the University of Sioux Falls (1993–1996), he was a star wideout, rewriting school history with 234 catches. As a two-sport standout, he flashed his talent on the baseball diamond too, before taking a short run at semi-pro football. But it was on the sidelines where his legend began. As Sioux Falls’ HC, he built a dynasty—three NAIA national titles and a jaw-dropping 67–3 record over five seasons, cementing his name as one of the brightest young coaching minds in the game. But Kalen DeBoer’s rise through the coaching ranks has been nothing short of remarkable.
After building his offensive chops at Southern Illinois, Eastern Michigan, and Fresno State, he turned Washington from a 4–8 struggler into a playoff contender, earning back-to-back Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors. Then in 2024, Alabama handed him the reins following Nick Saban’s retirement, trusting his 104–12 record and high-powered offensive genius to keep the Crimson Tide at the top of CFB. Now, let’s see what the coach brings in his second year after a rollercoaster first season.
A look at DeBoer’s brand endorsements
As of 2025, there are no confirmed reports of Kalen DeBoer signing major brand endorsement deals. While top college coaches often secure sponsorships, none have been publicly linked to DeBoer so far. Instead, he’s gained attention for donating millions from his bonuses and earnings to charities and homeless relief efforts in Alabama, showcasing a focus on community impact over commercial partnerships.
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