Report: Alabama’s DeBoer denied two Washington extensions totaling $9.4 million yearly

Troy Dannen, Washington’s athletic director, took “pause” after Kalen DeBoer did not sign the Huskies’ “unprecedented” deal from previous season.

DeBoer declined two contract offers from UW to become the 28th head coach in Alabama football history.

The Seattle Times reported financial details of rejected offers on Friday night, corroborating Dannen’s comments made at the W Bellevue Hotel through a public records request.

First, DeBoer rejected a seven-year contract worth $8.5 million each year. It would have grown to $9 million by 2030. Then, on January 11, DeBoer received another offer with a basic pay of $9 million and a maximum of $9.6 million.

DeBoer, who led the Huskies to the College Football Playoff championship in his second season, earned $4.2 million last autumn. According to a USA Today database, this amount was the 44th highest among head coaches.

“When it wasn’t signed, Kalen said the right things publicly, and I said the right things publicly … but it gives you pause,” Dannen was quoted as saying.

Dannen referred to it as a “Big 10” offer, referencing Washington’s new conference alignment, which will result in higher TV deals and revenue-sharing than the Pac-12. The $9.4 million yearly salary would have placed seventh nationally, ahead of Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher. Nick Saban earned more than $11.4 million in 2023, more than any other coach.

According to The Seattle Times, DeBoer’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, who also represents Saban, did not counter UW’s last offer.The next day, DeBoer took a private plane from Seattle to Tuscaloosa, where he was greeted by hundreds of freezing Tide fans.

DeBoer’s term sheet has yet to be released, although it is predicted that he will break into the top ten of national pay. His buyout totaled $12 million. The Huskies eventually selected former Arizona coach Jedd Fisch to take over for DeBoer.

“I need to thank some people back in Washington,” DeBoer remarked, becoming emotional during his initial press conference. “It is a special location to be. It actually is. This is one of the few, if not the only, places I would leave to coach. I simply want to tell everyone, because I know they’re watching, that I adore you. I will miss you, and I wish only the best for everyone back there.”