Will Kalen DeBoer be Alabama's head coach next season?
That question has been on the minds of a lot of people around college football. From fans to media to everyone in between. And despite putting out a statement reaffirming his commitment to Alabama and denying any interest in another job, DeBoer was still asked exactly that question during his Monday press conference.
AL.com's Nick Kelly asked it first. DeBoer laughed it off, referring to his statement, but dancing around it a little bit more than anyone would have liked. After fielding a different question, On3's Charlie Potter circled back to Kelly's question and pressed DeBoer for a more definitive answer.
"Will you be the head coach at Alabama next season," Potter asked.
"Yes," DeBoer replied.
Much better.
Kalen DeBoer says he will be Alabama's head coach in 2026
DeBoer wanted everything to be focused on the Oklahoma game. That was the purpose of the statement he put on Sunday afternoon in conjunction with Alabama's NIL collective, Yea Alabama. But he had to figure he would still get asked about it on Monday.
But the first question certainly seemed to catch him off guard. And his non-answer initially would have just opened up even more speculation about his future plans and given credence to the rumors connecting him to the Michigan opening. Credit to Alabama's beat reporters for not letting him get away with it and pressing him for a substantial answer.
He finally gave it. The simple, one-word reply that should, but probably still won't, shut down the speculation for good. Some out there won't accept that he isn't a realistic candidate for the Michigan job until the Wolverines fill the position with someone else.
Of course, going out and beating Oklahoma on the road on Friday night to advance to the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Indiana at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day would go a long way toward quieting that noise, too.
Some have convinced themselves that DeBoer's fate is tied to the outcome of the opening round of the College Football Playoff. Win, and all is well in Tuscaloosa. Lose, and either he or Alabama could choose to part ways.
That's foolish thinking. Contrary to what Damien Harris might believe, DeBoer isn't coaching for his job on Friday night. He will be Alabama's head coach next season if he chooses to be.
But it seems just as unlikely that DeBoer would look for an off-ramp after a loss.