Michigan football coach search: Kalen DeBoer shuts down speculation
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The search for the next Michigan football coach is underway.
It's been a tumultuous few days for the Michigan athletic department, which is now looking at an expanded investigation into its handling of former coach Sherrone Moore and his firing on Wednesday, Dec. 10, as well as the surrounding circumstances. Moore was later arrested and arraigned in court on Friday, Dec. 12, on charges of third-degree felony home invasion, misdemeanor stalking and misdemeanor breaking and entering.
As Michigan navigates the fallout from the scandal, it'll be athletic director Warde Manuel's responsibility to land the Wolverines' next head coach very late in the hiring cycle as many of the top candidates have either re-committed to their current schools or just moved to a new one.
Who are the top candidates? Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer, one of the names connected to the Michigan job, made a definitive statement that he's happy in Tuscaloosa on Sunday, Dec. 14. So what's next?
Here’s the latest on the Michigan football coaching search:
Kalen DeBoer shuts down Michigan coaching buzz: 'No interest in speaking with anyone else'
Well, never say never, but Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer made his intentions about as clear as possible.
Even though DeBoer has his Crimson Tide in the 12-team playoff with a matchup against Oklahoma on Friday, he's been a popular name since the Michigan job came open on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
In a statement on Sunday afternoon, DeBoer seemed to squash nearly any debate about if he'll be on the move from Alabama after this season.
"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," 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
Kenny Dillingham staying at Arizona State, not going to Michigan
Dillingham, the 35-year-old Sun Devils coach, announced after Saturday, Dec. 13, bowl practice he will be staying in Tempe, Arizona. He had been linked as a potential candidate to fill the job at Michigan.
"This place is just − it's a special place to me," Dillingham said, according to The Arizona Republic, adding his agent is having discussions with university officials on an extension.
The Michigan opportunity "will be good for somebody," Dillingham said. "It doesn't change how I feel about here."
Arizona State will face Duke on Dec. 31 in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, the same day Michigan faces Texas in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
Michigan football posts simple message with interim Biff Poggi leading team
Just hours after former Michigan coach Sherrone Moore was arraigned in a Washtenaw County court on Friday, Dec. 12, Michigan football shared a simple message on "X."
"Focused on the next game."
While the regular season is over, Michigan is still set to play Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Thursday, Dec. 31 in Orlando.
Biff Poggi has been named the team's interim coach, and this is the first look at him leading the team (with the exception of when he served as the interim for Weeks 3 and 4 this year).
It also seems to be a pretty clear indication that despite the coaching change, Michigan is still planning to play its bowl game.
Either way, Michigan football made it clear with this post: they are moving on from Sherrone Moore and focusing on football. Or at least they're going to try.
Focused on the next game. pic.twitter.com/llOAJCfFux
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) December 12, 2025
Michigan reportedly interested in Browns OC Tommy Rees as next head coach
A former Notre Dame QB as Michigan football's next head coach?
It's possible.
Michigan football is reportedly interested in talking to Rees, according to Cleveland.com, who starred as a quarterback at Notre Dame. He moved up the coaching ranks fast, getting his big break as offensive coordinator with Notre Dame in 2020, where he served in the role for three years before moving to Alabama to be the offensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide in Nick Saban's last year. He has spent the last two years with the Browns, first as a passing game specialist and then as offensive coordinator this year.
Rees also reportedly talked to Penn State before the Nittany Lions landed on Iowa State coach Matt Campbell.
It's an interesting proposition, as Rees is seen as an up-and-coming young coach, but it can be wonky trying to hire NFL coaches into the college game due to the schedule. But in this circumstance, it just might work. The Browns are out of playoff contention so their season should drag out, and Michigan is in a position to wait longer than normal because early signing day for recruits is over and the transfer portal won't open until January.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football coach search rumors, news, candidates
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