With Cohen Leaving UW, DeBoer Says He's Not Going Anywhere

USC just hired athletic director Jennifer Cohen away from Washington and Husky fans, picturing worst-case scenarios, have wondered if the Trojans someday might come after coach Kalen DeBoer.

After leading the Huskies to an 11-2 season in his first year at the helm, DeBoer's name automatically comes up in just about any major coaching job opening in college football these days.

One of the most sought-after positions at the FBS level would be USC and, although the football job isn't currently available, some are speculating that it could be sooner than later. Trojans coach Lincoln Riley is considered a logical candidate to make the jump to the NFL in the next few years.

After USC hired Cohen to the same position on Monday, some Husky fans complained out loud that DeBoer might be the first call Cohen would make should that day ever come that she needed another football coach.

However, DeBoer shot down that scenario while meeting with media members on Tuesday when it was presented to him in his post-practice briefing.

"I love it here," DeBoer said. "There's a lot of things that are holding me here, too. I've got a daughter who's planning to play softball here. ... This place stands by itself as super special. We've worked hard and, I think when you're a head coach, with everything you pour into it, there's an investment that's on another level. I feel so strongly about UW, and my family does as well."

In fact, DeBoer, after speaking with UW president Ana Mari Cauce, acknowledged he will have some input in whoever the next athletic director will be. He went on to lay out what he would look for in an ideal candidate.

"Someone who wants to be the best in the country," he said. "Someone who will really show the students support, someone who will come in and advocate for them, as well as our staff."

As for Cohen, DeBoer said he enjoyed working with her and wished her well, saying, "This place is special and she made it a great job."

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