Kalen DeBoer Denies Interest In 2026 Penn State Nittany Lions Coaching Job

Alabama Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer is in his second season with the program and is one victory away from clinching a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, his name has been in the conversation for the vacant Penn State Nittany Lions coach opening. Let’s take a deeper dive into what DeBoer said regarding the situation to officially close the door on that from happening right now.

Kalen DeBoer Shuts Down Penn State Rumors

Sep 6, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer paces the sidelines during the third quarter against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

While speaking on Thursday ahead of the SEC Championship Game against the Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer explained how he is not leaving the program and never was interested in the Penn State Nittany Lions opening.

“We’re extremely happy here at Alabama. … We’re extremely happy here, love the challenge, love the grind, love this place. There’s never been any link, there’s never been any conversation, there’s never been any interest either way. So I’m glad we can put that to bed right now.”

There was a report last month by The Centre Daily Times’ Penn State beat reporter Jon Sauber saying DeBoer was one of the top targets for the Nittany Lions.

“He’s been one of Penn State’s top targets from the beginning. I think it was, early on, a little bit pie in the sky, of course, Alabama’s close game with South Carolina, there was a chance it could have picked up there. It didn’t, and then the loss to Oklahoma nudged the door open a little bit. I still think Alabama would have to miss the playoffs to make this a real possibility, which, obviously, would include a loss to Auburn to end the year. And I’m sure the reaction down there wouldn’t be great. He’s been the top target since early on; I know they have a lot of respect for him and what he’s done in his career, and he’s someone that they think would be an excellent coach here at Penn State.”

Kalen DeBoer is signed to an eight-year, $87 million contract and that goes through the 2031 season. It will be intriguing to see if he stays throughout the entirety of the deal or if DeBoer will look to move elsewhere.