Kalen DeBoer, one of the most respected and accomplished figures in college football, has officially announced his retirement, capping off an impressive coaching career. DeBoer, who most recently served as the head coach of the Washington Huskies, leaves behind a legacy marked by his ability to turn around programs and lead teams to success on the field. His decision to step away from coaching comes as a surprise to many, given his relatively young age and the recent success of his teams. But along with his on-field achievements, DeBoer has also amassed a significant financial portfolio over the course of his career.
From Small Beginnings to Big Paydays
Kalen DeBoer’s coaching career began modestly at the University of Sioux Falls, where he served as head coach from 2005 to 2009. During this time, his salary was modest compared to the millions that top-level college football coaches earn, but DeBoer was laying the groundwork for his future success. At Sioux Falls, he led the Cougars to three NAIA national championships and compiled an extraordinary record of 67-3. His success at the lower level attracted attention from larger programs, setting the stage for more lucrative opportunities.
After leaving Sioux Falls, DeBoer began moving up the coaching ranks, with stints as an offensive coordinator at programs like Southern Illinois, Eastern Michigan, Fresno State, and Indiana. Each move up the coaching ladder came with an increase in pay, as his reputation as an innovative offensive mind grew. By the time he took the head coaching job at Fresno State in 2020, DeBoer was making over $1 million per year.
Big Money at Washington
DeBoer’s financial peak came after he accepted the head coaching position at the University of Washington in 2022. His initial contract was worth $3.1 million annually, a figure that positioned him among the more highly compensated coaches in the Pac-12 conference. Over time, DeBoer’s salary was set to escalate, and his contract also included performance-based bonuses that could push his annual earnings even higher.
In total, Kalen DeBoer’s career earnings are estimated to be in the range of $15-20 million, a figure that reflects not only his coaching expertise but also the business side of college football, where success is handsomely rewarded.
As DeBoer steps into retirement, he leaves the game not only with an impressive coaching record but also with financial security, marking the end of a chapter in college football filled with achievements and monetary success.