CFB fans, media question if Michigan wants Kalen DeBoer as Alabama struggles against Oklahoma
By David Wasson
Published:
The intense speculation that followed Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer around all week about the Michigan opening made a crazy turn during the Crimson Tide’s first-round College Football Playoff matchup against Oklahoma, with pundits and fans all wondering if the Wolverines would still want DeBoer after his team’s effort and execution.
If it was becoming a popular topic on social media:
DeBoer reiterated his desire to stay at Alabama earlier this week in the wake of Michigan firing Sherrone Moore on Dec. 10. During the lead-up to Friday night’s game against the No. 9 seed Oklahoma Sooners, though, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Michigan would still attempt to lure DeBoer away from Tuscaloosa.
“Sources tell me that Michigan officials remain convicted that they want to attempt to hire Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Friday night on College GameDay. “The result of (Friday’s) game is going to factor heavily into that pursuit, as an Alabama loss would make the logistics of attempting to hire DeBoer much more tenable.”
DeBoer, 54, is 19-7 in 2 seasons at Alabama – including a 10-3 record in 2025. His overall coaching record in 11 seasons at Sioux Falls, Fresno State, Washington and Alabama is 123-19.
DeBoer earns a reported $10.25 million in the 2nd season of an 8-year, $87 million contract at Alabama. The Crimson Tide were the No. 9 seed entering Friday night and were making their record 9th appearance in the College Football Playoff
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
