Kalen DeBoer Gets Emotional While Addressing His Choice to Leave Washington for Alabama

Kalen DeBoer received the opportunity of a lifetime, but that doesn't mean the decision was an easy one.

The Washington coach jumped at the chance to coach Alabama when legendary Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban decided to retire last week. But DeBoer's decision to join the Tide meant that his tenure with the Huskies, which spanned two highly successful seasons, had to come to an end.

If you don't believe that was a difficult thing for DeBoer to accept, look no further than his introductory press conference as the Tide’s coach on Saturday. The newest Alabama coach ended his presser by thanking Washington in an emotional statement.

#Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer very emotional as he thanks the #Washington football program at the end of his press conference.

"I just wanted to tell everyone cause I know they're watching...I just want to tell you guys I love ya, I will miss ya and you know I want nothing… pic.twitter.com/rRzhH1dJlG
— Rosie Langello (@RosieLangello) January 13, 2024

DeBoer explained that Alabama was one of the few destinations—perhaps even the only one—that he would have left Washington for. He became emotional when describing his love for the Huskies program.

DeBoer, who left Washington better than he found it, obviously cares quite a bit about the program, something that goes both ways.

That's why it was so difficult for the university—and for the players—to accept not only that he was leaving, but that he was leaving so quickly.

But such is the business side of college football, as tough as that can be. DeBoer, who has won everywhere he's been, now has a chance to do it at arguably the most iconic program in the sport.