His daughter was smart to stay and she won’t have to transfer again to Penn State. I realize she has yet to transfer and only enrolled at UW after her dad bolted for an easier school to recruit now and especially coming off Saban. Kalen wanted to go where the expectations were higher and he got his wish exponentially. Be careful what you wish for and replacing the modern day GOAT was ballsy.
I still believe he got out of dodge here for a couple reasons. 1) Penix was done and 2) the rebuild was much more challenging than stepping into Saint Nick’s shoes and a roster full of 4/5 star Jimmy’s and Joe’s. 3). Getting hand picked by the GOAT and his agent must have felt very rewarding and a huge boost to his ego.
It sucks UW low balled him but they did redo his contract somewhat after year one in 2022. Even if UW had matched Alabama I still believe he was gone. It will be similar if he takes the Penn State job, he restarts his contract year to year one. I can see him and his wife not loving Seattle and what the weather and political climate is there. His wife and remaining daughter probably hate the pressure they feel being the daughter of and wife of the most important job in all of Alabama.
Maybe it’s not Ozempic but pressure that has slimmed him down. If he does leave Alabama for Penn State after two years that will be an indictment on his confidence. I also believe if he leaves Alabama after the season this proves he was never staying at UW if a bigger opportunity came up.
Although I have enjoyed Alabama struggles I don’t necessarily root against our former coach. When they have been in the ropes a few times I hope they lose but I still believe he’s a fantastic coach. I also will never forgive him for not being 100% all in between the 2023 Apple Cup and weak first half of the natty game. Had DeBoer been all in I believe we had a legitimate chance to win that game. Had his head been into UW 100% the Texas game would have been over after the 3rd quarter.
