Michael Penix Jr. has turned some heads in his three games since replacing Kirk Cousins as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback. But there are no bigger fans than his former coaches who know him better than just about anyone.
Current Alabama head coach and former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer made the trip to Atlanta on Sunday for the team’s game against the Panthers to watch his former quarterback make his third career start.
DeBoer has plenty of time on his hands since Alabama was left on the outside looking in at the College Football Playoff following an up-and-down season replacing Nick Saban.
Michael Penix Jr.’s college head coach and current Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer in Atlanta today to see Penix play. pic.twitter.com/CWeivpAMHv
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) January 5, 2025
Penix and DeBoer spent a lot of time in the quarterback’s college career together as DeBoer served as both Penix’s offensive coordinator at Indiana and his head coach at Washington.
DeBoer spoke to Penix’s talent and maturity in an interview with the team last year:
“He’s been through a lot over the course of his college career, now into his professional career,” said DeBoer. “He’s understood how to handle different adversity that comes his way, on and off the field.”
Penix, who completed 21 of 38 pass attempts for 312 yards and two touchdowns, will look to continue his success as Atlanta’s starting quarterback next season.