Tumultuous week leaves Washington trying to rebuild
But the success of the season raised DeBoer’s profile to the point of being on Alabama’s shortlist when Saban decided to step away. Throw in that Dannen is new in Seattle — he was hired in October — and it created a circumstance where DeBoer leaving for a premier job was a possibility.
None of that couldn’t have been expected when DeBoer was hired by former AD Jen Cohen and inherited a 4-8 program. The sudden turnaround of the past two years created rabid optimism from fans who hoped that DeBoer would be the next version of Don James who would regularly have Washington in the national conversation.
Instead, he’s headed for the Southeastern Conference and Washington’s pending move to the Big Ten appears to be facing massive tests for whoever takes over next.
The exodus after Washington played for a national title was going to include countless players with pro futures. And it has with the likes of Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, Bralen Trice and Dillon Johnson all declaring for the NFL draft. The Huskies won’t have Michael Penix Jr., their Heisman Trophy runner-up quarterback, either.
But it didn’t take long after the DeBoer news broke for some important pieces to
Washington’s success this season to announce their plans to enter the transfer portal. And some of Washington’s future is now unknown with expected reinforcements from the portal saying their commitment is now reopened. That includes quarterback Will Rogers, who was expected to take over for Penix, linebacker Ethan Barr and tight end Tre Watson.
The easiest way for Washington to stop any potential flood of departures or decommitments and attempt to build on this season would be rapidly filling the opening. The likes of Arizona’s Jedd Fisch, Iowa State’s Matt Campbell and Kansas’ Lance Leipold will be floated as external options. Ryan Grubb will be an obvious inhouse choice if he doesn’t follow DeBoer. JaMarcus Shephard should get similar consideration.
But less than a week removed, it’s a far different place than Washington expected to be walking off the field in Houston.
“We have one of the best head coaching jobs in all of college football, with our recent success, our upcoming entry into the premier intercollegiate athletics conference, the Big Ten, our passionate supporters and fanbase, and a world-class university,” Dannen said.
It just won’t be under DeBoer’s watch.