Here lies the Kalen DeBoer to Penn State rumors.
October 2025-December 2025. Rest in Peace.
Since Penn State fired James Franklin, there have been incessant rumors that maybe, just maybe, Kalen DeBoer might be the replacement in Happy Valley. The speculation began based on baseless narratives that he wasn't happy in Tuscaloosa.
DeBoer felt heat for the first time at Alabama following the season-opening loss to Florida State, but from there the Crimson Tide reeled off eight straight wins and finished the regular season at 10-2, earning a place in this weekend's SEC Championship Game.
The rumors reached a near fever-pitch from heading into the Iron Bowl, with some theorizing that a loss to Auburn could lead DeBoer to look for an off-ramp out of Tuscaloosa, with the pressure of the Alabama job proving to be too much for him.
That narrative was always ridiculous. Even after the Iron Bowl win, that didn't stop folks like Bomani Jones, Spencer Hall, and Tim Brando from continuing to speculate, however, about DeBoer's future with the Crimson Tide. That was in spite of Penn State being linked to - and being turned down by - numerous other candidates such as BYU's Kalani Sitake and Louisville's Jeff Brohm.
Finally, DeBoer was asked about the speculation on Thursday during his SEC Championship Game press conference. He put it all to bed.
“We’re extremely happy at Alabama," DeBoer said. "We’re extremely happy here. Love the challenge, love the grind, love this place. And there’s never been any link. There’s never been any conversation. There’s never been any interest either way. And so, I’m glad we can put that to bed right now."
Kalen DeBoer puts the Penn State speculation to bed for good
No credible reporter ever linked DeBoer to Penn State. None of the Alabama beat reporters, and none of the reputable national guys like Pete Nakos or Matt Zenitz. It was all message board rumors, started on the Penn State board, and picked up by guys who have no actual inside information and love to spread baseless rumors as a means for content.
DeBoer was never going anywhere. He was also never really on the hot seat, either. That won't change regardless of the outcome of the SEC Championship Game this weekend, either.
Reasonable fans - the majority of whom are - along with Greg Byrne and the Alabama boosters, understand that the program is trending in the right direction. Year two has shown improvement from year one, and DeBoer is recruiting at a high level and maintaining a high level of talent in Tuscaloosa.
He's getting his guys in and is getting more and more comfortable as the Alabama head coach. This is his program now, and he's building it in his own image.
Rival fans may be hopeful that DeBoer is going to leave to stir up the chaos, but the wishcasting won't change that he's in Tuscaloosa to stay.