Alabama fans have been clamoring for Kalen DeBoer to release a statement shutting down the rumors linking him to the vacant Michigan head coaching job. Since the Wolverines stunningly fired Sherrone Moore, DeBoer's name has been at the top of all the hotboards for the job.
On Sunday afternoon, Alabama fans got their wish. DeBoer released a statement via Yea Alabama reaffirming his commitment to the Crimson Tide and denying any interest in any job now or in the future.
"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," DeBoer's statement read in part. You can read the rest below:
— Yea Alabama (@yea_ala) December 14, 2025
Kalen DeBoer's statement removes any distractions ahead of CFP
The DeBoer rumors have been rampant since the Michigan job opened. It came on the heels of message board speculation connecting DeBoer to the Penn State job that the Tide head coach put to bed just a week before. The Nittany Lions ultimately poached Matt Campbell from Iowa State.
The majority of the smoke surrounding DeBoer's rumored interest has been outside voices questioning whether he's happy in Tuscaloosa due to all the pressure that comes with the job. That speculation hasn't been based on any reality, however, as DeBoer knew the job he was taking when he agreed to replace Nick Saban nearly two years ago.
National voices like Chris Low and Pete Thamel openly cast doubt on DeBoer looking for an off-ramp out of Tuscaloosa so quickly.
His statement on Sunday seems to indicate that he's at Alabama to stay, though there's certainly nothing binding out of it, and maybe things change if the Crimson Tide fall to Oklahoma on the road on Friday night to open the College Football Playoff, though that seems unlikely.
But it was clear after hearing guys like Ryan Williams and Wilkin Formby speak after practice on Friday that the rumors were causing a bit of a distraction. DeBoer and Greg Byrne seemed to understand that, which led to Sunday's statement.
Now, Alabama can focus on the first round of the playoff against Oklahoma on Friday. This team has the ability to go on a run. A win over the Sooners would give the Crimson Tide a shot at No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.