The college football world appears to know more about Kalen DeBoer than some Alabama Crimson Tide fans. Not all Alabama fans are sold on DeBoer, despite program after program being interested in wooing him away from Tuscaloosa.
Kalen DeBoer is not going anywhere. A loss to Oklahoma on Friday night will not change that. The latest pursuit of DeBoer came from Michigan, a college football blue blood that reportedly DeBoer had interest in while the coach at Washington.
On Sunday, DeBoer put the Michigan rumor to bed, saying, "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." He added that he and his family "are very happy in Tuscaloosa."
DeBoer Grateful of Alabama Crimson Tide Support
DeBoer said he and his family “are very happy in Tuscaloosa and are grateful for the support of UA president Peter Mohler, athletics director Greg Byrne, the UA System Board of Trustees, and so many others."
Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne posted a follow-up response, "We are proud to have Coach DeBoer leading our football program at The University of Alabama. He is an incredible coach and does an excellent job with the development of our student-athletes, both on and off the field. Just as he is committed to this team, we are committed to him." It has been reported that work is ongoing on a contract extension for DeBoer.
If the Crimson Tide loses to Oklahoma for the third time in 13 months, claims will be made that DeBoer will have 'hot seat' status. Those reports will be wrong. Only a downward spiral next season could put DeBoer's tenure in jeopardy.
A Saturday Blitz story included DeBoer in a list of five coaches under the most pressure from first-round playoff games. Four were head coaches, and two of them were Kalen DeBoer and Brent Venables. DeBoer will be under pressure on Friday night, but pressure for an Alabama football head coach is a given. Indications are that DeBoer not only understands that, but fully accepts it.
The best approach for any doubting Alabama Crimson Tide fan would be quiet patience. The reality is that patience is often in short supply for Crimson Tide fans.