In a move that sent shockwaves across college football - and could alter the future of Alabama football - Michigan fired head coach Sherrone Moore on Wednesday.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has been immediately linked to the job by several sources, including ESPN, which lists the Crimson Tide's second-year leader as the top candidate for the job.
DeBoer was previously linked to the Penn State job opening, but there was never any credible reporting outside of silly message board rumors. But every major outlet believes DeBoer will be a top candidate for the Michigan job.
That doesn't necessarily mean that the interest will be mutual, but with the early signing period past, the Wolverines can afford to be patient and circle back with DeBoer at the conclusion of the College Football Playoff for Alabama. That could be as soon as next Friday night in Norman, or could extend an entire month later if the Crimson Tide makes a miraculous run to the National Championship Game.
DeBoer shut down the Penn State rumors a week ago when asked by On3's Charlie Potter, stating that he and his family were extremely happy at Alabama:
“We’re extremely happy at Alabama," DeBoer said. "We’re extremely happy here. Love the challenge, love the grind, love this place. And there’s never been any link. There’s never been any conversation. There’s never been any interest either way. And so, I’m glad we can put that to bed right now."
Kalen DeBoer is reportedly a top candidate for the Michigan job
DeBoer said last week that he loves Alabama. But does it love him back? That's the central question that could determine what he chooses to do with his future. He just signed an excellent recruiting class, and the Crimson Tide has taken a step forward in his second season at the helm. Alabama is in the College Football Playoff after missing it a year ago.
The vocal minority soured on DeBoer a year ago, and a 10-3 record hasn't changed their mind. But the majority of Alabama fans still believe he's the right guy for the job.
He understands the pressure. You will see the pressure of this job frequently used as a reason he might want out. But that was laid out to him by Greg Byrne when he agreed to replace Nick Saban two years ago. He knew what he was walking into.
But Michigan is also an elite job with elite resources. It could absolutely be tempting to him. It's a better job than Penn State, though the complete lack of any real smoke between DeBoer and the Nittany Lions makes it hard to believe that he was at all looking for an off-ramp out of Tuscaloosa.
But time will tell. The carousel isn't yet done spinning. Alabama already dodged the Penn State bullet, but may have to dodge a much bigger one coming down from Ann Arbor.