Just over a year ago, longtime Alabama head coach Nick Saban shocked the college football world by announcing his retirement. Following a brief coaching search, the school selected Washington’s Kalen DeBoer to take over the program after he had led the Huskies to a national title appearance. In DeBoer’s first season, the Crimson Tide experienced a decline on the field, finishing with a 9-4 record, including a disappointing loss to the Michigan Wolverines.
Transitioning from Saban—who delivered six national championships to Tuscaloosa—to DeBoer proved challenging not only for the program but also for the university’s finances. According to 247Sports, the University of Alabama’s athletics department reported a $27.9 million deficit for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Operating revenues totaled $234 million, while expenses reached $262 million. The school attributed much of the financial shortfall to one-time costs associated with the football coaching change.
While Alabama’s football program remained profitable, its earnings dropped significantly year-over-year. The program posted a $26.4 million profit, down from $46 million in 2023 and $52 million in 2022. Football operating revenues rose from $129 million in 2023 to $140 million in 2024, but expenses increased sharply from $83 million to $113 million. The school spent $65 million on coaches’ salaries during the year, with $47 million allocated to the football program following Saban’s departure. Notably, the athletics department had already recorded a $12 million loss in the 2022-23 fiscal year.
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