It's never easy to replace a legend. It's even more difficult to replace the G.O.A.T.
Kalen DeBoer was under no illusions how difficult it would be to follow in Nick Saban's shoes at Alabama, even as he jumped at the opportunity fresh of building Washington into a national title contender in just two seasons, playing Michigan for the national mere days before accepting the Crimson Tide's head coaching job.
DeBoer's first year resulted in a disappointing 9-4 campaign where they missed the College Football Playoff and settled for the Reliaquest Bowl.
This season, DeBoer has Alabama playing for the SEC title this weekend against Georgia, currently sitting at 10-2 with a berth in the College Football Playoff solidified with a win, and up for heated debate if they were to suffer a third loss on the year. After losing the season opener to Florida State (who finished the year 5-7 and not bowl eligible), Alabama won nine straight games (including wins over #5 Georgia, #16 Vanderbilt, #14 Missouri, and #11 Tennessee in consecutive weeks) before losing to Oklahoma 21-23 while the Sooners held the #11 spot in the polls.
With a second date with Georgia on tap this weekend, DeBoer's name has been linked to the opening at Penn State, an opening that has helped lead to other coaches around college football securing $370 million in contract extensions ranging from Curt Cignetti's new deal at Indiana to most recently Kalani Sitake's decision to stay at BYU with a reworked deal.
Since the job remains open, DeBoer had a chance to respond to the speculation today during the SEC Championship presser, when he was asked what his thoughts were when being linked to opening in Happy Valley,. The reporter also asked about rumors that his family wasn't happy in Tuscaloosa.
"We are extremely happy at Alabama," DeBoer opened his answer saying, noting it's the first time he's been asked about the situation and appreciated the chance to respond.
"We are extremely happy here. We love the challenge. Love the grind. Love this place. There has never been any link. There has never been any conversation. There has never been any interest - either way."
"I'm glad we can put that to bed right now."
Hear DeBoer's full comments in the clip.