Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has been a popular name floated around during this chaotic coaching carousel. Penn State reportedly targeted DeBoer with the second-year Alabama coach quietly turning down the Nittany Lions.
But with the Michigan job unexpectedly opening up last week, DeBoer became a popular candidate. DeBoer is getting out in front of things this time, releasing a statement Sunday that he’s staying at Alabama and not interested in the Michigan job or any other.
“My family and I are very happy in Tuscaloosa and remain extremely grateful for the support of President Mohler, Greg Byrne, the board and so many others,” DeBoer wrote in a statement through Yea Alabama. “We have an incredible opportunity in front of us, so my sole focus is on Alabama football and our preparations to play Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff.
“I have not spoken and heave no interest in speaking with anyone else about any other job. I am fully committed to this program and look forward to continuing as the head coach at the University of Alabama.”
As mentioned, Alabama is preparing for a first round matchup in the College Football Playoffs next Friday night. The Crimson Tide earned the No. 9 overall seed and will go on the road to face eight-seed Oklahoma.
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DeBoer is in just his second year at Alabama where things have gone alright. Alabama is 10-3 (7-1 SEC) this season ahead of the playoffs. The Crimson Tide started the season with an embarrassing loss against Florida State before bouncing back the rest of the regular season.
But Alabama again faltered again last week with Georgia thoroughly beating the Crimson Tide 28-7 in the SEC Championship. DeBoer’s first season was undoubtedly a disappointing one as the Crimson Tide went 9-4 with losses against Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Michigan.
DeBoer has a chance to earn some good will in the playoffs but many in Tuscaloosa have been displeased with his program over the last two years. That rocky feeling led many to believe that the former Washington head coach might search for a fresh start elsewhere.
Instead, DeBoer is re-affirming his commitment to the Crimson Tide. He’s 1-1 against Tennessee in his two years in Tuscaloosa, losing in Knoxville in 2024 before winning this season in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide return to Knoxville on the Third Saturday in October in 2026.
Just because DeBoer is staying put doesn’t mean that Michigan couldn’t poach a coach from the SEC. Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz has particularly been a popular name mentioned for the Wolverines job.
