Alabama's DeBoer Denies Penn State Job Rumors

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer dismissed speculation linking him to Penn State's coaching vacancy during a Thursday press conference in Atlanta, just days before his team's SEC Championship Game against Georgia on Saturday. The 35-year-old coach, in his second season leading the Crimson Tide, emphasized his commitment to the program amid reports tying him to the Nittany Lions' search for a successor to James Franklin, who was dismissed on October 12 after 12 years.

DeBoer, who joined Alabama in January 2024 following Nick Saban's retirement, addressed the rumors head-on. "We're extremely happy here," he said. "Love the challenge, love the grind, love this place. There's never been any link to Penn State, there's never been any conversation, there's never been any interest either way. So I'm glad we can put that to bed right now." He also noted that his family is content in Tuscaloosa, countering suggestions otherwise from some analysts.

The chatter emerged during a turbulent coaching carousel season, with Penn State officials reportedly considering candidates including BYU's Kalani Sitake, Indiana's Curt Cignetti, Nebraska's Matt Rhule and Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz. Reports...