Alabama's Kalen DeBoer Named To Paul 'Bear' Bryant Coach of the Year Award Watchlist

TUSCALOOSA, AL— First-year Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer is one of 27 coaches to be named to the 2024 watch list for the prestigious Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award.

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Announced this week by the American Heart Association announced, the award is in its 39th year and recognizes coaches for their contributions to the sport, which reflect integrity, grit, and a commitment to improving the experience for athletes and fans alike.

During his first season in Tuscaloosa after taking Washington to the 2024 College Football Playoff championship game last season, DeBoer is currently 4-1 overall and 2-1 in Southeastern Conference play.

Despite the Tide fanbase dealing with heartburn from an unexpected road loss to Vanderbilt, DeBoer made a massive splash on the scene as his Crimson Tide squad's 41-35 win over Georgia to open the conference slate.

The winner of the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award will be announced live from Houston's Post Oak Hotel on Jan. 22, 2025.

The watch list is compiled through votes from the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards’ Executive Leadership Team and the Bryant Family.

The 2024 Watch List

• Bret Bielema – University of Illinois
• Matt Campbell – Iowa State University
• Jamey Chadwell – Liberty University
• Curt Cignetti – Indiana University
• Mario Cristobal – University of Miami
• Spencer Danielson – Boise State University
• Ryan Day – Ohio State University
• Kalen DeBoer – University of Alabama
• Kenny Dillingham – Arizona State University
• Mike Elko – Texas A&M University
• James Franklin – Pennsylvania State University
• Marcus Freeman – University of Notre Dame
• Josh Heupel – University of Tennessee
• Brian Kelly – Louisiana State University
• Chris Klieman – Kansas State University
• Dan Lanning – University of Oregon
• Rhett Lashlee – Southern Methodist University
• Clark Lea – Vanderbilt University
• Joey McGuire – Texas Tech University
• Jeff Monken – United States Military Academy (Army)
• Pat Narduzzi – University of Pittsburgh
• Brian Newberry – United States Naval Academy (Navy)
• Steve Sarkisian – University of Texas
• Kalani Sitake – Brigham Young University
• Kirby Smart – University of Georgia
• Dabo Swinney – Clemson University
• Bryant Vincent – University of Louisiana Monroe

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