Like feelings of abandonment, anger, and disbelief in a state of confusion accompany a jilted lover Husky Nation. Those are just a few of the bevy of feelings felt after Kalen DeBoer accepted the Alabama job Friday afternoon.
The bizarro scene that unfolded Friday afternoon was a little more than 96 hours removed from the Huskies’ heartbreaking 34 -14 loss to the Michigan Wolverines in the Collegiate Championship game. It is a huge understatement to say that DeBoer’s move to Alabama was adding salt to the wound.
A HISTORY OF WINNING
Never mind the salt to the wound, DeBoer‘s departure ripped out the heart and soul of the Husky players. A 25-3 record in two seasons, a Pac-12 Championship, and the aforementioned national title game appearance give the Husky players reason to believe the last two years under De Boer were just the beginning. With a career record of 104 wins just 12 losses, things looked to be trending in the right direction for the Husky Football program. Well, it looked like that anyway.
Unfortunately for Husky Nation looks can be deceiving.
BIGGER STAGE
UW president Ana Mari Cause and Athletic Director Troy Dannen were reportedly working on a new contract for DeBoer during the latter part of the season with DeBoer quoted as saying that things were moving along. The retirement of Lou Saban on Thursday morning moved things to the speed of light for both Alabama, Washington, and DeBoer.
HEFYT CONTRACT OFFER
According to reports Cauce and Dannen offered DeBoer a $ 9 million 7-year contract. The last-ditch offer did not sway DeBoer who’s eyes were set on the Crimson Tide.
“I have always had an incredible respect for Alabama football and its commitment to excellence,” DeBoer said in a statement. “The tradition-rich history of this program is unmatched across the landscape of college athletics, and I look forward to continuing that moving forward. Following Coach Saban is an honor. He has been the standard for college football, and his success is unprecedented.
“I would not have left Washington for just any school. The chance to lead the football program at The University of Alabama is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
DAMAGE CONTROL
One DeBoer made his stunning decision to accept the Alabama job all that was left for Cauce and Dannen was damage control.
“Kalen DeBoer led a remarkable run for UW Football and showed the world that we are capable of competing at the very highest level, said Cauce in School statement. “ We are disappointed that he chose to leave, but he has left us a strong foundation to build on, both on and off the field, and we wish him the best of luck at Alabama.”
UW President An Marie Cauce
“Kalen DeBoer has been an outstanding leader of our football program and what he accomplished in two seasons on Montlake will forever be a part of our storied history,” Dannen said in a statement. “We are sad to see him leave and we did all that we could to keep Kalen at UW. But ultimately, he made a decision that was in the best interests of his family and furthered his professional goals. We thank Kalen for his service to Washington and wish him, Nicole, Alexis and Avery the very best in their new endeavor.
“We have one of the best head coaching jobs in all of college football, with our recent success, our upcoming entry into the premier intercollegiate athletics conference, the Big Ten, our passionate supporters and fanbase, and a world-class university. Our search for a new head coach is underway and I am excited about what comes next for Husky Football.”
UW Athletic Director Troy Dannen
THE BIG PICTURE
While no one can blame DeBoer for chasing his dream job, the criticism and disappointment for the program is how he handled the process. According to some reports players found from ESPN that DeBoer was headed to Alabama while they were lifting weights. DeBoer was in a power position with Alabama and could have negotiated with the University, his agent, and others involved in the negotiating process to stay mum until he spoke with his team. He did not. According to player reports only about 30 players showed up for DeBoer’s meeting with the team once it was announced he was taking the Alabama job. That is the most disappointing aspect of the situation and it will unfortunately be remembered just as clearly as the wins.
- George Kirby sees dominant start vs. Yankees come undone in 6th
- Mariners experience 2 positives and 1 negative on a busy Tuesday
- Mike Macdonald,” We are a different team.”
- Nikola Petkovic suffers season ending knee injury
- Washington Huskies head football coach Jedd Fisch expects competitive battles during spring practice
