As the college football coaching carousel spins into high gear, Penn State’s search for a new head coach continues to dominate headlines-and fan conversations. With James Franklin officially out, all eyes have turned toward potential replacements, and one name that’s been getting plenty of traction is Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer.
DeBoer’s name didn’t just appear out of thin air. From the moment Franklin was let go, fans and insiders alike started connecting the dots, and DeBoer’s profile checks a lot of boxes. He’s a proven winner with a sharp offensive mind, and his rise through the coaching ranks-from South Dakota roots to a powerhouse like Alabama-has made him one of the most intriguing figures in the sport.
But here’s where things get complicated.
DeBoer is currently leading one of the most prestigious programs in the country. And while some have questioned whether he’s a cultural fit in Tuscaloosa-given his Midwest background and relatively short tenure in the South-it’s hard to argue with results. Alabama has been in the Playoff conversation all season long, and that’s not the kind of job most coaches walk away from easily.
Two weeks ago, when Alabama fell to Oklahoma, the rumor mill kicked into overdrive. That loss opened the door for speculation: If Alabama was out of the Playoff picture, would DeBoer be more open to a move? Penn State beat reporter Jon Sauber even went so far as to name DeBoer a top candidate for the Nittany Lions job.
Still, not everyone’s buying it. National college football voice Paul Finebaum has been skeptical from the start, dismissing the idea that DeBoer would leave a blue-blood like Alabama for a program in transition.
And then came the Iron Bowl.
Had Auburn pulled off the upset, Alabama’s postseason hopes would’ve taken a serious hit. That, in theory, might’ve made DeBoer more accessible-at least from a timing standpoint. But Alabama took care of business, securing a win over their in-state rivals and punching their ticket to the SEC Championship Game.
That win changes the calculus. Alabama is not only still alive in the College Football Playoff race, but they’re also playing meaningful football deep into December.
For Penn State, that’s a logistical headache. With the early signing period set for Dec. 3-5, the SEC title game on Dec. 6, and the Playoff first round just two weeks later (Dec. 18-19), the window to make a clean coaching hire is rapidly closing.
And that’s before we even talk about the transfer portal, which opens Jan. 2 and runs through Jan. 16. Timing is everything in today’s college football landscape, and Penn State is now staring down a tightrope walk between patience and urgency.
So, is DeBoer still in play for Penn State? Technically, yes.
But the road to making that hire just got a lot more complicated. If he’s truly the top target, Penn State may have to wait longer than they’d like-or pivot to Plan B.
One thing’s for sure: the next few weeks will be crucial. Between the SEC title game, recruiting deadlines, and portal activity, this coaching search is about to hit its most critical stretch. And Penn State can’t afford to miss.