Kalen DeBoer squashes Michigan football coaching rumors
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Kalen DeBoer, thought to be one of the main contenders for the open Michigan football coaching gig, has seemingly removed his name from consideration.
DeBoer, head coach at Alabama, released a statement on social media through Alabama’s official fan account on Sunday, Dec. 14, restating his commitment to the Crimson Tide while saying he does not intend to leave Tuscaloosa for any other program.
He didn’t mention Michigan by name, but amidst all the buzz, the reason for the post was clear.
“My family and I are very happy in Tuscaloosa and remain extremely grateful for the support of President (Peter) Mohler, (athletic director) Greg Byrne, the Board and so many others,” DeBoer said in a statement posted on Alabama’s official fan page. “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.”
— Yea Alabama (@yea_ala) December 14, 2025
The Wolverines are in need of a new coach after firing Sherrone Moore last week after he was found to allegedly have been in a relationship with a staffer. He was later arrested and now faces three charges after being arraigned
That’s left Michigan looking around for a new coach after what was already a crazy coaching carousel. Earlier in the week, SEC Network host and ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum mentioned DeBoer as the top target.
“It feels like the No. 1 candidate is going to be Kalen DeBoer of the University of Alabama,” Finebaum said Thursday morning on “SportsCenter.” “He has led Alabama to the playoffs in his second year. He was under consideration when he was the head coach at the University of Washington.”
DeBoer has some ties to Michigan, spending three years as Eastern Michigan‘s offensive coordinator (2014-16) and became a name to watch in the Big Ten, when he was Indiana’s OC and quarterbacks coach in 2019.
He also led Fresno State and Washington, where he took the Huskies to the national championship game in 2023, a 34-13 loss to Michigan. A few weeks later, he left for Alabama.
The Tide went 9-4 in Year 1 under DeBoer (including a 19-13 ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan) before a 10-3 record and SEC Championship game appearance in 2025.
The search will continue for U-M and evidently won’t include the man who took over for Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa.
Tony Garcia is the Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Kalen DeBoer squashes Michigan coaching rumors, recommits to Alabama
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