Kalen DeBoer Remains Linked To Michigan Job Despite Commitment To Alabama
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Kalen DeBoer remains haunted by rumors about becoming the next head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, despite his attempts to dismiss them earlier this week.
DeBoer posted to social media this week, reaffirming his commitment to Alabama. He said, “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. 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.”
Despite this, some people still believe that DeBoer will become the next head coach in Ann Arbor. ESPN’s Michael Wilbon is among them. On his show “Pardon the Interruption,” he stated that he believes DeBoer will be the next head coach.
“The coach at Alabama is going to have a job-on-the-line situation in 24 hours, and then he’s headed to Michigan once he loses,” Wilbon said. “And then Alabama’s looking. Then what are you going to say?”
In his two seasons as head coach at Alabama, DeBoer has compiled a record of 19- 7. This season, he has guided the Crimson Tide to a No. 9 ranking with a record of 10-3. Although Alabama lost the SEC Championship Game 28-7 to the Georgia Bulldogs, the team did not drop in the College Football Playoff rankings and secured a playoff spot for the first time under his leadership.
DeBoer signed an eight-year contract worth $87 million when he became the head coach of Alabama. This agreement will last until Dec. 31, 2031. In his first year, he earned $10 million, and his salary is set to increase to $11.75 million by the final year. If he chooses to leave before the contract expires, he will be required to pay Alabama a specified amount.
- 2025: $4 million
- 2026: $3 million
- 2027-31: $0
If DeBoer ultimately becomes Michigan’s next head coach, his extensive connections in the northern region, ranging from the Sioux Falls Cougars to the Indiana Hoosiers and the Washington Huskies, would give him an immediate advantage in recruiting and provide a sense of familiarity in Big Ten territory. For a program aiming to stabilize quickly and reestablish itself among college football’s elite, these regional ties could be just as valuable as his proven success on the field.
As DeBoer mentioned, he is preparing his team to face the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners (10-2) in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Earlier in the season, the Sooners defeated the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa with a score of 23-21. This upcoming game will take place in Norman, Oklahoma, at 8 p.m. ET on Friday and will be on ABC/ESPN.
Related: Paul Finebaum Reveals Honest Feelings About Kalen DeBoer
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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