Alabama Crimson Tide news and notes from the weekend.
Kalen DeBoer releases a statement amid Michigan speculation
Since Michigan fired Sherrone Moore last week, Kalen DeBoer's name has been at the top of every Wolverines coaching hot board. Rumors have been rampant about Michigan's interest, with plenty of folks speculating that DeBoer may not be happy in Tuscaloosa with the overwhelming expectations taht come with the Alabama job.
None of that is from credible reporting. It's a lot of people talking out of the side of their mouth, like former Alabama RB Damien Harris, who speculated that DeBoer was coaching for his job on Friday night against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff.
DeBoer put the speculation to bed on Sunday afternoon by releasing a statement through Alabama's NIL collective, Yea Alabama, to reaffirm his commitment to the Crimson Tide and deny any interest in the Michigan job or any other openings.
DeBoer's statement will allow the team to focus its full attention on this week's playoff game in Norman without worry that it could be its coach's final game with them.
On3 reports DeBoer, Alabama working on contract extension
Shortly after the statement was released, On3's Chris Low and Pete Nakos jointly reported that Alabama and DeBoer were in discussions on a contract extension.
DeBoer is only in year two, so some might (justifiably) question the merits of a contract extension so quickly. But that's the price of doing business, especially when you have a coach who is clearly in high demand across the country.
And as frustrating as the SEC Championship Game loss to Georgia was, DeBoer has the Crimson Tide moving in the right direction. They improved this season from a year ago, and just signed another excellent recruiting class with plenty of momentum to do it again in the 2027 cycle.
Alabama basketball gets overwhelmed in second half vs. No. 1 Arizona
Alabama had an opportunity to earn a marquee win in non-conference play on Friday night against undefeated and No. 1-ranked Arizona. After taking a two-point lead at halftime and quickly stretching it to four to open the second half, the Wildcats then went on a 28-6 run that effectively ended the game.
In the blink of an eye, Alabama went from leading by four points to trailing by 18. Arizona coasted from there en route to a 96-75 win over the Crimson Tide that showed just how far away Alabama remains from being among the upper echelon teams in college basketball.
It was the same story for Alabama against Arizona that it was against Purdue and, to a lesser extent, Gonzaga. Nate Oats called it the "toughness factor" that continues to plague the Crimson Tide against elite teams. Alabama was outrebounded 52-32 by Arizona in the loss.
Alabama women's basketball stays undefeated, tops Jackson State
Freshly ranked, the No. 25 Alabama women's basketball team stayed undefeated by knocking off Jackson State 62-51 on Sunday in Tuscaloosa. The win moved Kristy Curry's team to 11-0 on the season.
Diana Collins scored a career-high 20 points to lead the way.
It will be a quick turnaround for the Tide as they play host to Sam Houston State at home on Tuesday.