Kalen DeBoer Denies Penn State Links, Focused on Alabama SEC Title

As Alabama gears up for its SEC Championship clash with the Georgia Bulldogs, speculation has emerged regarding head coach Kalen DeBoer and potential interest from Penn State following the firing of James Franklin.

DeBoer addressed the rumors directly, telling On3 Sports that he is “extremely happy” at Alabama and that there has been no contact or discussion regarding Penn State. He insisted there is no link between him and the Nittany Lions’ vacancy.

“We’re extremely happy at Alabama, … 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 (with Penn State),” DeBoer said Thursday. “So I’m glad we can put that to bed right now.”

The comments come as Alabama enters a crucial stretch of the season, with the Iron Bowl win over Auburn positioning the team to not only capture the SEC title but also secure a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) in pursuit of a national championship.

1. Speculation Sparks Following Penn State Vacancy

Rumors about DeBoer’s potential interest in Penn State began circulating after the program dismissed James Franklin. Jon Sauber of The Centre Daily Times reported that DeBoer was among the primary candidates for the Nittany Lions job, though Georgia Tech’s Brent Key appeared more likely to accept the position. “DeBoer is the other candidate at the top of the list right now and is still the program’s primary target — it’s just more likely that Key is available and willing to take the job,” Sauber wrote. Reports noted that DeBoer’s fit at Penn State could be complicated. Not making the CFP in his first two seasons would raise concerns among the fan base and donors, particularly after Alabama’s November loss to Oklahoma. While speculation persists, DeBoer’s own statements emphasize that there has been no substantive dialogue with Penn State and that his focus remains entirely on Alabama’s season and potential playoff run.

2. Alabama’s Championship Aspirations

Alabama enters the SEC Championship Game riding momentum from their Iron Bowl victory over Auburn. The Crimson Tide aim to solidify their path to the CFP, where a national title remains the ultimate goal. DeBoer’s leadership has been central to Alabama’s success this season. With the SEC crown on the line against Georgia, maintaining focus and stability within the program is critical. The Crimson Tide face pressure not only from on-field challenges but also from external narratives such as coaching rumors. DeBoer’s public denial aims to minimize distractions ahead of Saturday’s pivotal matchup. For Alabama, the SEC title is more than just a trophy — it represents momentum, playoff positioning, and a chance to validate the program’s ongoing dominance under DeBoer’s tenure.

3. Looking Ahead

While the Penn State coaching search continues independently, DeBoer’s commitment to Alabama is clear. His statements suggest that he is fully invested in guiding the Crimson Tide through the remainder of the season. Saturday’s matchup against Georgia will be a significant test, not only for the players but for the coaching staff as well. Success in the SEC Championship could reinforce DeBoer’s credibility and silence any lingering speculation about potential moves. As the team prepares for kickoff, Alabama’s focus remains on executing on the field and positioning itself for a deep postseason run, with DeBoer leading the charge. *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir=“auto” tabindex="-1" data-turn-id=“request-WEB:12174186-e689-40a7-8eda-86eced4fb09c-28” data-testid=“conversation-turn-32” data-scroll-anchor=“true” data-turn=“assistant”>

Beyond the SEC Championship, Alabama’s long-term goals remain unchanged: compete for a national title and maintain the program’s elite standard. DeBoer’s emphasis on stability and focus aims to ensure the team is performing at its highest level when it matters most.