It sounds like Washington football players found out head coach Kalen DeBoer was leaving for Alabama the same time we did.
In an IG live shared by Huskies cornerback Elijah Jackson, Jackson explained how the situation went down:
We in the training room, ESPN kicks on, you feel me? They talking ’bout DeBoer finalizing contracts… [laughs]. … He really didn’t say nothing to nobody. … He just left… it’s a cold world bro.
How UW players learned of Kalen DeBoer’s departure for Alabama:
“We in the training room … ESPN kicks on … they talking bout DeBoer finalizing contracts …” #PurpleReign pic.twitter.com/sMdAbEjiSw
— Emerald City Sporting News (@ECSN206) January 13, 2024
Fans reacted to the backstory of DeBoer’s departure over the weekend.
“Everyone crucified Coach Prime when he left and he spoke to the players before hand and even hand picked the next head coach. Yall do not see Kalen DeBoer’s name dragged through the mud like Coach Prime it’s crazy,” a user said.
Everyone crucified Coach Prime when he left and he spoke to the players before hand and even hand picked the next head coach. Yall do not see Kalen DeBoer’s name dragged through the mud like Coach Prime it’s crazy. https://t.co/39XqdtcXNX
— Nate (@Lordchaos_777) January 13, 2024
“For those asking what has me so fired up this morning… EJ absolutely battled this year man. This last staff… just infuriating…” a UW account tweeted.
For those asking what has me so fired up this morning…
EJ absolutely battled this year man. This last staff… just infuriating… https://t.co/ZyExt7O2hF
— Dub’d Up (@dubduphuskies) January 13, 2024
“I don’t understand why coaches refuse to handle these situation better. Players, coaches and staff deserve that respect,” a fan replied.
I don’t understand why coaches refuse to handle these situation better. Players, coaches and staff deserve that respect. https://t.co/100TPwDoiu
— 🤘Horns Up🤘 (@sarkseason4) January 13, 2024
“Wow….. my heart breaks for these kids,” Jordon Rayy commented. “To think a coach could just flat out lie & deceive everyone, really makes me just sad for the players, coaches, & the whole community of UW football. Can’t believe it went down like this.”
Wow….. my heart breaks for these kids 💔
To think a coach could just flat out lie & deceive everyone, really makes me just sad for the players, coaches, & the whole community of UW football.
Can’t believe it went down like this. 🤬 https://t.co/LayXfyKNTl
— Jordon Rayy (@JordonRayy) January 13, 2024
DeBoer supplants Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa following the legendary coach’s retirement.
According to Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger, Alabama owes the Huskies about $12 million in buyout money combined with DeBoer’s likely $10+ million salary. Making this a very expensive move for all involved.