Kalen DeBoer is heading into his third year at Alabama and remains fully committed to the task of following Nick Saban. His tenure in Tuscaloosa has been anything but steady, yet DeBoer chose to remain loyal to the program despite interest from big schools like Michigan.
Why Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer Shut Down Rumors About the Michigan Coaching Job
According to On3’s Chris Low, Michigan was reportedly prepared to “open the checkbook” in a serious push to land DeBoer following the firing of Sherrone Moore. However, DeBoer made it clear that he never engaged in any discussions with representatives from the Wolverines while the rumors circulated.
“I didn’t come here to follow Coach Saban only to turn around after two years and go somewhere else,” DeBoer said. “I mean, this is Alabama. I’m at an amazing place. That’s the way I was looking at it. I chose to be here. I love the support, love our players, and love the direction and everything the staff has done to put the pieces together here over the last two years.
“We fell short of our ultimate goal, which is to be the last team standing. But I think we took a step in the right direction as a program…A lot of heavy lifting’s been done to get us to this point. That will continue to happen. But man, we’re right here where we want to be, and I plan on being here for a while.”
Michigan ultimately decided to hire Kyle Whittingham after his departure from Utah. The Wolverines arguably secured a proven and respected coach in Whittingham, while Alabama fans can take comfort in retaining DeBoer. There’s also the argument that a move to Ann Arbor might have offered DeBoer a higher salary and slightly less pressure compared to the immense expectations that come with succeeding Saban in Tuscaloosa.
DeBoer is now 20-8 after two seasons with Alabama, which feels like a failure only to many Crimson Tide fans. However, DeBoer remained true to his Alabama loyalty by declining any other job offers.
“I never talked to anyone, not one time,” DeBoer said. “I just don’t know how you could live with yourself and look into your players’ eyes if you’re looking at other opportunities in the midst of the season and getting ready for a playoff game and hopefully making a run at a national championship.”
At Alabama, success is defined by championships, and DeBoer fully understands that benchmark. If he delivers a national title within the next couple of years, he will undoubtedly be celebrated. However, if the team produces another 9-4 type season in 2026, the earlier Michigan speculation could be revisited as a missed opportunity.
According to PFSN projections, Alabama currently has a 4.3% chance of reaching the national championship game in 2026 and a 2.1% chance of ultimately winning the title.
