“Met Through Her”: Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer Unveils Unsung Love Story With Wife Nicole

Alabama’s new head coach, Kalen DeBoer, stepped into the role of Nick Saban amidst much speculation after the former HC’s impressive record with the Crimson Tide with six National Championships. But he’s not to be underestimated. He has a remarkable coaching career in Sioux Falls, securing three NAIA Championships, and led the Washington Huskies to a pristine 13-0 record last season.

Like many other successful head coaches, Kalen DeBoer has a supportive weapon who’s been by his side for over two decades. This enabled him to carry his coaching career to great heights. Let’s look deeper into his rock and pillar, Nicole DeBoer, and how they first met.

Kalen DeBoer reminisces about his first meeting with Nicole

In a recent YouTube episode on ABC 33/40, Kalen DeBoer answers his curious host about how he met and proposed to his wife, with whom he’s been married for 22 years. He said, “Not the most glamorous way. Just at a dinner where I proposed. We met through a mutual friend… We had one friend in particular who was a teammate of hers on the college basketball scene. So we met through her.”

Nicole DeBoer is an athlete herself, hailing from Sioux Falls, where she displayed an early passion for basketball. During her college days, she played on the Augustana University women’s basketball team. The couple’s love story began in 2000 when DeBoer was the University of Sioux Falls OC. They exchanged vows in 2001, the same year Nicole graduated from college. The news of their marriage landed in the wedding column of The Daily Argus-Leader. Fast forward to today, the 49-year-old credits his supportive wife for his success.

Kalen DeBoer puts his wife on the pedestal

Kalen DeBoer is lauded for his innovative coaching style and offensive strategies. He was named the College Football Coach of the Year by Sporting News in 2023. But he credits his success to his wife with whom he shares two daughters — Alexis and Avery, who are sports-oriented like their athletic parents. DeBoer said, “It’s a pleasure, it’s a joy, a blessing to have two daughters like I have and a wife that’s so supportive in Nicole.”

Nicole DeBoer may have dedicated her life to being a supportive partner to her husband and a loving mother to her two daughters. But it’s not to say that her love for sports has diminished. Under their parents’ guidance and support, Avery shows a passion for horseback riding. Meanwhile, Alexis, who played softball at Bellevue High, committed to her father’s previous college at Washington. Sports run in the DeBoer family, and seeing how the future lies for them will be enjoyable.