Editor’s note: More context was provided that the clip below was edited in a misleading way. The entire clip of DeBoer and Penix can be viewed here.
Well, I guess there is love lost between Washington football players and former Washington head coach Kalen Deboer. Former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is shown in a video on X slightly pushing back his former coach as he was posing for a picture before his Reese's Senior Bowl practice
Michael Penix shook Deboer off with the backwards karate chop 😂😂
— Purp Smoke (@PurpSmoke8) February 1, 2024
The look on KDB’s face ☠️ #PurpleReign #RollTide pic.twitter.com/AdSnFOyOLu
DeBoer left Washington in early January to take over for newly retired Nick Saban at Alabama. Even though Penix Jr. won't be lacing it up for the Huskies next season, it seems he still hasn't quite forgiven his former coach for leaving his team after just two seasons.
As seen in the video, Penix Jr. is taking a picture with what looks like possibly another coach, and when Deboer tries to join his former quarterback in the photo op, Penix Jr. swiftly shows he is not welcome. The new Alabama head coach kind of laughs off the interaction, but I can feel how awkward it is and I'm not even there. Clearly, there is tension there.
The former Washington head coach was reportedly working on an extension with the school he led to a National Championship that would have made him one of the top-paid coaches in college football. Instead, DeBoer chose to go elsewhere and take over for the legend Nick Saban at Alabama.
If I were a betting person, DeBoer wouldn't have a very warm homecoming if the Crimson Tide ever visits the Huskies in the future. If I am a betting person, it also seems like DeBoer won't be getting any draft day invites from Penix Jr. anytime soon. Can you blame the guy?