While the college football coaching carousel has largely revolved around Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin and the intense tug-of-war between Florida and LSU, Penn State has been working behind the scenes on its own search to replace James Franklin.
Names such as Tulane’s Jon Sumrall, Georgia Tech’s Brent Key, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, and Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea have surfaced as strong contingency options for programs that ultimately come up short in the Kiffin sweepstakes. Sources indicate Penn State has shown interest—ranging from mild to serious—in each of those rising coaches.
Yet according to multiple reports, one significantly bigger name has steadily remained near the top of the Nittany Lions’ wish list: current Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Jon Sauber of the Centre Daily Times reported that DeBoer has been a primary target for Penn State almost from the moment Franklin was let go.
“He’s been one of Penn State’s top targets from the beginning,” Sauber said. “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.”
DeBoer, who took over for Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa, owns a 17-6 record through two seasons. After dropping a stunning upset to Oklahoma earlier this month, the Crimson Tide sit at 8-2 and remain on the playoff bubble heading into rivalry week. A loss to Auburn in the Iron Bowl combined with unfavorable results elsewhere could exclude Alabama from the 12-team field for the second consecutive year—an outcome that might dramatically increase the chances of DeBoer listening to outside overtures.
Not everyone, however, believes a move to Happy Valley is in the cards.
Prominent college football analyst Josh Pate pushed back on the speculation.
“I do think Penn State has zeroed in on their guy in recent days. I don’t expect Kalen DeBoer to be involved.”
If DeBoer ever did make the jump from Tuscaloosa to State College, the ripple effect would be seismic—immediately turning Alabama into the most coveted opening of the cycle while giving Penn State a proven winner who has already guided two different programs to undefeated regular seasons and a national championship game appearance.
For now, everything hinges on the final two weeks of Alabama’s season and how the playoff committee ultimately shakes out the bracket. Until then, DeBoer remains one of the most intriguing—and closely watched—names quietly attached to the Penn State search.
