In a decision that shocked the college football world, legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced his retirement.
It was a move that very few, if any, people saw coming.
For many reasons, Alabama is a rush to find a replacement. They want to make sure they find the right coach, but certainly do it in a timely manner as they want to ensure their current team and recruiting class stays in place.
FOX Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt is one of the most well-connected “voices” in the sport.
Appearing on “The Herd,” host Colin Cowherd asked Klatt who he believes will replace Saban…
“My belief was that this needed to work very quickly. I was told this was going to happen within 72 hours regardless of name. They wanted to move quickly so they can solidify this locker room,” Klatt said.
He went on to reveal the three names on his shortlist: Steve Sarkisian of Texas, Dan Lanning of Oregon, and Kalen DeBoer of Washington.
#Huskies HC Kalen DeBoer now the overwhelming favorite to be the next coach at #Alabama. -275 odds. #Texas HC Steve Sarkisian now at +250.
(Odds via @betonline_ag) pic.twitter.com/a92wlkbDim
— Blake Munroe (@BlakeMunroeOTF) January 11, 2024
“For me, the list was three names. You start with Sark. It’s immediate, you know him, you can offer him the job. If he says, ‘No,’ which I assume that he has, you move to Dan Lanning. Dan Lanning has now said, ‘No.’ The third name on that list is Kalen DeBoer,” Klatt stated.
For his firm prediction, Klatt said: “I’m actually going to be pretty surprised if Kalen DeBoer is not the next coach at Alabama.”
"I'm actually going to be pretty surprised if Kalen DeBoer is not the next coach at Alabama."
— @joelklatt pic.twitter.com/RGpMlRsqgk
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) January 11, 2024
DeBoer may not have an “SEC personality,” but his 104-12 college coaching record speaks for itself.
Despite lacking talent in many areas, the job he did taking the Washington Huskies to the national championship game is nothing short of remarkable.
Could Kalen DeBoer go from a national championship appearance to Tuscaloosa?@RossDellenger details the possibilities 🔽 pic.twitter.com/i9brB8nUXa
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 11, 2024
Much to the delight of Oregon fans, Dan Lanning doubled-down on his commitment to the Ducks and seemingly took his name off Alabama’s target list once and for all…
— Dan Lanning (@CoachDanLanning) January 11, 2024
Dan Lanning will not be the next head coach at Alabama.
Dabo Swinney, Lane Kiffin, Mike Norvell, Kalen DeBoer still on the card. https://t.co/SCLRYufAEz
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) January 11, 2024
Who do you think will end up replacing Saban at Alabama?
Were you surprised he retired?
Did the new Wild Wild West world of NIL and the transfer portal drive him out???
Emergency Pod @JoelKlattShow : Nick Saban Retires! Who will replace him at Alabama? https://t.co/fmyZ7e55hH
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) January 11, 2024