Kalen DeBoer earns $12.5 million a year at Alabama on a seven year contract that runs through January 31, 2033. The University of Alabama System board approved the extension on April 22, 2026, a $2 million raise over the $10.5 million he was scheduled to make this year, after DeBoer led the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Michigan had courted him to replace Sherrone Moore during the winter.
| Annual salary | $12.5 million, split evenly between payments to DeBoer and to his marketing company |
| Length | Through Jan. 31, 2033, two years beyond his original deal |
| If Alabama fires him | 90 percent of the remaining contract, with no duty to mitigate, so Alabama owes it even if he takes another job |
| If he leaves | $10 million through Jan. 31, 2027, $8 million through Jan. 2028, $6 million through Jan. 2029, then nothing. Double his old buyout |
| Playoff bonuses | $300,000 for a CFP appearance, $600,000 for the semifinals, $800,000 for the title game, $1.65 million for winning it |
| SEC bonus | $100,000 for reaching the SEC Championship Game, $200,000 for winning it |
How It Compares
| Coach | School | Annual pay |
|---|---|---|
| Kirby Smart | Georgia | $13 million |
| Lane Kiffin | LSU | $13 million |
| Kalen DeBoer | Alabama | $12.5 million |
| Ryan Day | Ohio State | $12.5 million |
Contract terms are from the board approval as reported by the Associated Press, On3 and FootballScoop. The full national list is on our college football coaching salaries page.
Why It Was Done Now
DeBoer went 20 and 8 in his first two seasons replacing Nick Saban, including 11 and 4 and a playoff quarterfinal in 2025, where Alabama lost to eventual champion Indiana. When Michigan fired Sherrone Moore and called, Alabama answered with a raise and a buyout twice as large as his old one, making a mid contract exit far more expensive through early 2029.
The Bottom Line
Kalen DeBoer makes $12.5 million a year at Alabama through January 2033, with 90 percent of the remaining deal guaranteed if he is fired, a $10 million cost to leave through January 2027, and up to $1.65 million for a national title. Follow the Crimson Tide on the Alabama football schedule, Alabama score today and Alabama NIL.