The Powerball jackpot has officially reached jaw-dropping territory. With an estimated $1.8 billion up for grabs in Saturday night’s drawing, people across the country are dreaming about what they’d do if they suddenly struck it rich. New cars, luxury homes, early retirement the possibilities are endless. But if you ask one Alabama Crimson Tide fan, her plans for the winnings are a little different… and let’s just say head coach Kalen DeBoer might want to hope she doesn’t have the winning ticket.
Tide Troubles After Opening Loss
Kalen DeBoer, now in his second season leading Alabama football, entered 2025 with enormous expectations. Taking over for the legendary Nick Saban was never going to be easy, and fans have been watching closely to see how he measures up. After all, the Tide’s football culture is built on championships, not patience.
But things didn’t get off to the best start. Alabama opened the season with a tough loss to Florida State, and the backlash was immediate. While DeBoer’s long-term contract suggests the program has faith in him, some fans aren’t exactly sold. And one of them, Susie Conerly of Guntersville, Alabama, has made it crystal clear where she stands.
A Fan’s “Power” Plan
In an interview with WHNT News 19, Conerly was asked what she would do if she landed the historic jackpot. While many people might mention vacations, paying off debt, or donating to charity, she had another priority in mind: showing Coach DeBoer the door.
“I’ll tell you exactly what I’d do with the first $70 million,” she said with a laugh. “I’d pay off Kalen DeBoer and get him the heck out of the University of Alabama. And then I’d take whatever else it took to get rid of the AD.”
Talk about a strong statement. Conerly didn’t stop there, though. She added that she’d still share her newfound wealth with her church, acknowledging that even after taxes, a prize of this magnitude would leave her with more than enough to make good on her bold football plans.
“I know I’m not going to win,” she admitted. “I just hope I win some scratch-offs.”
The Buyout Math
While Conerly may have been joking (at least partially), her comments sparked conversation about just how much it would cost Alabama to cut ties with DeBoer. According to CBS Sports, the buyout clause in his contract sits at roughly $63 million. DeBoer signed an eight-year, $87 million deal with Alabama, and the terms state that if he’s fired without cause, he’s owed 90% of the remaining value of his contract.
In other words, if Alabama decided to move on this season, the price tag would be monumental even for a powerhouse athletic program like Alabama’s.
Looking Ahead
For now, DeBoer isn’t going anywhere, but it’s clear the honeymoon phase in Tuscaloosa is over. The Tide are currently ranked No. 21 and will try to bounce back Saturday night against UL Monroe. A win won’t erase the sting of the Florida State loss, but it could quiet some of the noise around DeBoer’s job security at least for now.
Still, with passionate fans like Conerly dreaming up billion-dollar exit strategies, the pressure is very real. Alabama football has always been about chasing greatness, and anything less comes under fire quickly. If the Tide stumble again, conversations about DeBoer’s future buyout or not will only get louder.
Until then, DeBoer’s biggest hope might just be that Susie Conerly doesn’t end up holding the winning Powerball ticket.