Kalen DeBoer released a statement on Sunday afternoon affirming his commitment to Alabama amid speculation of interest from Michigan for the Wolverines' vacant head coaching job. The statement allows the Crimson Tide to refocus on Friday's College Football Playoff matchup in Norman against Oklahoma.
Shortly after the statement was released, On3's Chris Low and Pete Nakos reported that DeBoer and Alabama are in ongoing discussions on a contract extension:
NEW: Kalen DeBoer and Alabama are in ongoing talks about an extension, but nothing has been agreed upon or signed, @clowfb & @PeteNakos report. https://t.co/IfIPuPCkjk https://t.co/pDZOxYPStj pic.twitter.com/ctdfa20Ooj
— On3 (@On3sports) December 14, 2025
Some may question the merits of a contract extension for DeBoer, who is 19-7 in two seasons as the Tide's head coach heading into this year's playoff. The last impression for 2025 Alabama was a sour one in a three-touchdown loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.
But it's the price of doing business. DeBoer is clearly a coveted coach. His name came up during the Penn State search, and now again with the Michigan vacancy. Alabama took a step forward in its second season at the helm, and he has done an excellent job in recruiting. The Crimson Tide sits at No. 2 in the 2026 signing class, per the 247 composite.
A Kalen DeBoer contract extension would make sense for Alabama
DeBoer has earned some criticism as the Alabama head coach. But he's done a good job overall.
He endured massive roster turnover in the wake of Nick Saban's retirement. This wasn't nearly as easy a job as so many seemed to assume. The cupboard wasn't bare, but it also wasn't overflowing with talent and depth everywhere, either.
Alabama has had a lot of young players littered through the two-deep the last couple of seasons. More talent is on the way with yet another impressive recruiting class, and there's plenty of reason for optimism for the direction of the program under DeBoer's guidance.
There would be more confidence if he could lead the Crimson Tide to a win over Oklahoma on Friday night. Winning the national championship might be an unrealistic goal for this team, but winning a playoff game, even on the road, is not.
Alabama should have beaten Oklahoma in the regular-season meeting in Tuscaloosa. A third straight loss to the Sooners would be discouraging, though not enough for Alabama to consider moving on, as some might believe.
DeBoer is here to stay, regardless of what happens in the College Football Playoff. Though a win on Friday night would go a long way in quieting down the vocal minority.