Kalen DeBoer hired to replace Nick Saban at Alabama, leaving national runner-up Washington

Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer watches during the first half of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game against Michigan in Houston on Jan. 8, 2024. Eric Gay/AP Photo

Alabama wasted little time in finding Nick Saban’s successor, hiring Kalen DeBoer away from national runner-up Washington.

The powerhouse program tapped DeBoer on Friday to replace Saban, just two days after the 72-year-old coach announced his retirement.