Title: The Nordstrom Tip-Off: How a Retail Worker Broke the Kalen DeBoer to Alabama News
The college football world was stunned when Kalen DeBoer was announced as Alabama’s new head coach. But the real shock came days earlier, when a Nordstrom employee in Birmingham leaked the scoop before any major outlet.
It started with a routine shopping trip. A well-dressed man, later identified as an Alabama athletic department executive, walked into Nordstrom’s men’s department looking for a suit. “Big meeting coming up,” he mentioned casually to the sales associate, Jake Carter, as he eyed a high-end navy blazer.
Carter, a die-hard Crimson Tide fan, pried a little. “Business or pleasure?” he asked. The executive hesitated, then smirked. “Let’s just say it’s a big week for Alabama football.”
That was enough to set off alarms in Carter’s mind. Alabama had been searching for Nick Saban’s replacement, and rumors swirled about several candidates. The way this customer carried himself, the weight of his words—Carter knew something was up.
As the man handed over his corporate card, Carter caught the name: James Holloway, Senior Athletic Administrator, University of Alabama. His instincts kicked in. He casually asked, “So, any chance we’re getting DeBoer?”
Holloway froze, then chuckled. “Let’s just say, you’ll like what’s coming.” He grabbed his receipt and walked off.
Carter immediately posted on an Alabama football fan forum: “Nordstrom scoop: Bama’s got DeBoer. It’s happening.”
The thread exploded. National reporters dismissed it at first, but soon, insiders began hinting that DeBoer was indeed the top target. Within 48 hours, ESPN and The Athletic confirmed the hire. Carter’s post had beaten them all.
The fallout? Carter was briefly internet-famous, getting interview requests from sports blogs and even a shoutout on a major podcast. Nordstrom, however, wasn’t thrilled about a customer’s privacy being compromised. Carter was let go, but he had no regrets.
“It was worth it,” he later tweeted. “Roll Tide.”
