Kalen DeBoer's $70 Million Buyout Looms Large After Alabama's Upset Loss to Florida State

September 1, 2025 - TUSCALOOSA, AL. - The University of Alabama football program is reeling after a shocking 31–17 defeat to unranked Florida State in its season opener, and the pressure is mounting on second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer. But any talk of a coaching change comes with a steep price tag: a buyout nearing $70 million, one of the largest in college football history.

Contract Details and Buyout Structure

DeBoer signed an eight-year, $87 million deal in January 2024 to succeed legendary coach Nick Saban. His contract includes:

• Base salary: $10.25 million in 2025, escalating annually

• Buyout clause: If fired "without cause," Alabama must pay 90% of the remaining contract value, in monthly installments through 2031

• Estimated buyout: ~$70 million if terminated during the 2025 season

This figure ranks second only to Georgia's Kirby Smart among active FBS coaches. The contract also includes performance bonuses, but none were triggered in DeBoer's first season, which ended 9–4 with losses to Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Michigan.

Fallout from the Florida State Loss

Saturday's defeat was historic for all the wrong reasons:

• First season-opening loss for Alabama since 2001

• Fourth loss to an unranked opponent in DeBoer's first 14 games

• Broke Alabama's 18-year streak of never falling below .500 during a season

Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos, a Boston College transfer, torched the Tide defense with 154 passing yards, 78 rushing yards, and a touchdown. Alabama's offense sputtered, converting just 6-of-17 third downs and committing eight penalties.

Fan and Media Reaction

The backlash was swift and fierce:

• "This is the most undisciplined Alabama football team I've ever seen."

• "Kalen DeBoer is not the guy to keep Alabama at that elite level."

• "The dynasty is dead."

Social media exploded with calls for DeBoer's firing, but most analysts agree that the buyout makes such a move financially prohibitive-at least for now.

What's Next for Alabama?

The Crimson Tide face UL Monroe next week, followed by a tough stretch including Wisconsin, Georgia, LSU, and Auburn. DeBoer's ability to rally his team will be tested immediately.

"I choose to believe we've got a good football team," DeBoer said postgame. "But we can't play on our heels. We're not going to be what we want to be if that's the case".