SEATTLE — Kalen DeBoer arrived at the University of Washington one year ago as something of a nomad, which is how it works in the college coaching world for the upwardly mobile as they ascend the ladder. DeBoer had held five jobs in the previous 10 years, none longer than four years. I asked him at his introductory news conference last November if he viewed Washington as a destination spot where he could put down roots.
Before he could even answer, DeBoer's wife and two daughters in the audience began nodding their head vigorously. DeBoer replied, "Yes, absolutely," and then added with a laugh, "My whole family is going yes."
On Tuesday DeBoer took a major step toward firming those roots, signing a contract extension with Washington through 2028. Mind you, that doesn't ensure he'll stay that long, because another truism of the coaching world is that if another school wants you badly enough, they'll find a way to make it happen. And conversely, if your program plummets, they'll find a way to get rid of you before the contract expires.
