Kalen DeBoer's new contract with Alabama football includes a buyout clause that starts at $10 million if he leaves before January 31, 2027. The buyout decreases to $8 million in 2028 and $6 million in 2029.
Key points
Kalen DeBoer signed a seven-year contract extension with Alabama.
His annual salary is $12.5 million.
The buyout starts at $10 million until January 31, 2027.
The buyout decreases to $8 million in 2028 and $6 million in 2029.
Mentioned in this story
University of AlabamaKalen DeBoer
Alabama football
What is Kalen DeBoer buyout in new Alabama football contract? What we know
The University of Alabama Board of Trustees approved a seven-year contract extension for DeBoer through the 2032 season during which he will make $12.5 million annually. With the raise and the extension comes a more expensive buyout.
According to a copy of the contract obtained by The Tuscaloosa News, if DeBoer were to terminate his contract without cause before Jan. 31, 2027, he would owe Alabama $10 million. The total decreases to $8 million until Jan. 31 2028 before decreasing again to $6 million until Jan. 31 2029.
DeBoer will not owe Alabama anything if he ends his contract between Feb. 1, 2029 and Jan. 31, 2033.
Each of those buyout numbers doubled from his initial contract. DeBoer would have owed Alabama $5 million in 2024, $4 million in 2025 and $3 million in 2026.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell rolls out and throws a touchdown pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
Q&A
What is the buyout amount for Kalen DeBoer's Alabama contract?
Kalen DeBoer's buyout amount is $10 million if he terminates his contract before January 31, 2027.
How long is Kalen DeBoer's contract extension with Alabama?
Kalen DeBoer's contract extension with Alabama is for seven years, lasting through the 2032 season.
What will Kalen DeBoer earn annually under his new contract?
Kalen DeBoer will earn $12.5 million annually under his new contract with Alabama.
When do the buyout amounts decrease for Kalen DeBoer's contract?
The buyout amount decreases to $8 million after January 31, 2028, and to $6 million after January 31, 2029.
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April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama offensive linemen Jayvin James and Michael Carroll drop to block at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell hands off to running back Daniel Hill at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Austin Mack throws a pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Austin Mack prepares to take a snap at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell throws a pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell dives forward to cover a loose ball at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell runs the ball at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
1 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell rolls out and throws a touchdown pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
1 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell rolls out and throws a touchdown pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
2 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama offensive linemen Jayvin James and Michael Carroll drop to block at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
3 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell hands off to running back Daniel Hill at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
4 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
5 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Austin Mack throws a pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
6 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Austin Mack prepares to take a snap at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
7 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell throws a pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
8 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell dives forward to cover a loose ball at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
9 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell runs the ball at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
How much will Alabama pay Kalen DeBoer if fired?
If fired without cause, DeBoer will still be owed 90% of his remaining salary and will not be offset if he secures new employment. It's the same language from the first contract he signed.
Kalen DeBoer contract incentives
According to his latest contract, DeBoer will make $1.65 million if Alabama wins a College Football Playoff National Championship, an increase of $775,000 from his initial contract.
If DeBoer wins SEC Coach of the Year, he will make $50,000. And if he is named as a national coach of the year, he will make $100,000. That total is doubled from his initial contract.
Here are the athletic performance incentives in DeBoer's latest contract:
SEC championship participant ($100,000) OR SEC championship game winner ($200,000)
CFP first round/quarterfinal appearance ($300,000) OR CFP semifinal appearance ($600,000) OR CFP National Championship game appearance ($800,000) OR CFP National Championship ($1,650,000)
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him atcgay@gannett.comor follow him@_ColinGayon X, formerly known as Twitter.
