Kalen DeBoer has put Michigan coaching rumors to rest ahead of the Tide’s next matchup.
It’s been a wild ride this season for the Alabama Crimson Tide under the second season of DeBoer, and the successor to Nick Saban faces his biggest test yet this Friday in Norman — another chance at the Oklahoma Sooners.
Over the last couple of weeks, DeBoer and his team have faced the added distraction of the head coach being linked to openings at other jobs, including both Penn State and Michigan. When asked directly prior to the SEC Championship about Penn State, DeBoer flat out denied it and said how happy he is at Alabama.
That seemed to shut things down for the moment, but that was until Michigan fired Sherrone Moore for cause last week. Everyone’s first candidate was once again DeBoer. Though the Wolverines are still searching for a new coach, DeBoer made a statement released by Yea Alabama Sunday that made it clear he will not be leaving Tuscaloosa for Ann Arbor.
“My family and I are very happy in Tuscaloosa and remain extremely grateful for the support of President [Peter] Mohler, Greg Byrne, the Board and so many others,” the statement read. “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 have 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 football coach at the University of Alabama.”
Greg Byrne issued a follow-up statement, expressing his gratitude to have DeBoer leading the program.
“We are proud to have Coach DeBoer leading our football program at The University of Alabama,” Byrne wrote on X. “He is an incredible coach and does an excellent job with the development of our student-athletes, both on and off the field. Just as he is committed to this team, we are committed to him, and we look forward to taking the field Friday in the first round of the College Football Playoff.”
Subsequent reporting revealed an extension is being discussed between DeBoer’s representation and UA, though nothing has been signed as of Monday morning. Most importantly, the Tide can give Oklahoma its full attention — a Sooners team that has given them serious trouble over the last couple of years — and figure out how to keep their season alive.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
