Kalen DeBoer has made one thing clear: his focus is locked in on Alabama’s College Football Playoff showdown with Oklahoma. Despite the noise swirling around his name in coaching circles, the Crimson Tide head coach isn’t entertaining any outside conversations - and he’s putting that message out loud and clear.
Over the past few weeks, DeBoer’s name has been floated in connection with high-profile vacancies, most recently the Michigan job following Sherrone Moore’s dismissal. Before that, he was briefly linked to Penn State before shutting those rumors down - a job that ultimately went to Matt Campbell. But with the stakes rising in Tuscaloosa, DeBoer isn’t letting the rumor mill distract from the task at hand.
— Yea Alabama (@yea_ala) December 14, 2025
On Sunday, he addressed the Michigan speculation head-on with a firm statement of commitment to the Crimson Tide.
“My family and I are very happy in Tuscaloosa and remain extremely grateful for the support of President Mohler, Greg Byrne, the board and so many others,” DeBoer said. “We have an incredible opportunity in front of us, so my sole focus is on Alabama football and our preparations to play Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff.
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.”
That’s about as definitive as it gets - no backdoor conversations, no quiet interest, just a coach locked in on the moment. And it’s a big one. Alabama is gearing up for a CFP matchup that could define the early chapter of DeBoer’s tenure in Tuscaloosa.
Athletic director Greg Byrne echoed that sentiment, reinforcing the university’s confidence in DeBoer as the right leader for the program.
“We are proud to have Coach DeBoer leading our football program at The University of Alabama,” Byrne posted on social media. “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, and we look forward to taking the field Friday in the first round of the College Football Playoff.”
It’s a united front from Alabama’s leadership - and a timely one. With the Playoff just days away, the program can’t afford distractions.
DeBoer’s message helps set the tone: this isn’t about job offers or coaching carousels. It’s about preparing for Oklahoma, chasing a national title, and continuing the legacy of excellence in Tuscaloosa.
Now, whether the speculation dies down completely remains to be seen. In college football, coaching rumors are as seasonal as bowl games and Heisman debates.
But for now, DeBoer has drawn a clear line in the sand. He’s not going anywhere - at least not while there’s a Playoff to win.