As college football spring camps unfold and anticipation builds toward the 2025 season, two familiar names from the University of Washington football program are making headlines—this time, not for their current on-field results, but for their paychecks.
Former Washington head coaches Kalen DeBoer and Steve Sarkisian are now among the highest-paid coaches in the nation, holding two of the most high-profile and pressure-filled jobs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Kalen DeBoer: A New Era in Tuscaloosa
After leading the Washington Huskies to a national championship appearance in the 2023 season, DeBoer was tapped to fill the legendary shoes of Nick Saban at Alabama. His first year in Tuscaloosa was met with mixed reviews.
Despite the immense talent on the Crimson Tide roster, Alabama finished the 2024 season with a 9–4 record—well below the expectations of one of college football’s most storied programs.
Still, the school’s commitment to DeBoer remains strong—at least financially. According to 247Sports, he is currently tied for sixth on the list of highest-paid head coaches in college football, earning a staggering $10 million annually.
With the SEC more competitive than ever and Alabama fans known for their sky-high expectations, DeBoer will face increasing pressure to deliver results in Year Two and beyond.
Steve Sarkisian: Building a Contender in Austin
Meanwhile, in Austin, Steve Sarkisian continues his tenure at Texas with growing national visibility.
Although the Longhorns have made it to the College Football Playoff under his leadership, early postseason exits—including one against DeBoer’s Washington squad—have somewhat tempered fan enthusiasm.
Nevertheless, Texas has rewarded Sarkisian handsomely. He now earns $10.6 million per year, placing him fourth among all college football coaches in terms of annual salary.
As Texas begins its new chapter as a full SEC member, Sarkisian’s ability to keep the program competitive on a national level will be closely scrutinized by a demanding Longhorns fan base.
From Seattle to the SEC Spotlight
Both DeBoer and Sarkisian spent critical portions of their careers in Seattle, leading the Huskies at different times and leaving distinct marks on the program. Now, their paths have converged in the SEC, where the stakes—and paychecks—are higher than ever.
Their journeys reflect not only the growing financial investment in elite coaching talent across college football but also the immense pressure that comes with it.
As former Huskies, both men carry the legacy of their time in Washington into two of the sport’s most visible programs.
Whether their hefty salaries will lead to championships remains to be seen—but for now, both are at the center of the conversation when it comes to college football’s elite coaching class.
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