Is Kalen DeBoer the Right Fit for Michigan? A Closer Look at the Pros and Cons
Kalen DeBoer’s name has been circulating heavily in connection with Michigan’s head coaching vacancy-and for good reason. The man has a 123-19 record as a college head coach, a résumé that commands attention. But while DeBoer’s body of work is impressive, it’s fair to ask: is he truly the best fit for Michigan right now?
Let’s take a deeper dive into the conversation surrounding DeBoer, not to discredit his success, but to examine some of the concerns that could make Michigan pause before going all-in on the Alabama head coach.
The Alabama Chapter: A Mixed Bag So Far
There’s no denying DeBoer’s track record of winning, but his time at Alabama hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. The Crimson Tide finished 9-4 last season and currently sit at 9-3 heading into the College Football Playoff. That’s not disastrous by any means, but for a program with Alabama’s resources and expectations, it doesn’t scream dominance either.
Following a legend like Nick Saban is a tough gig for anyone. But if Alabama falls to Oklahoma in the first round of the CFP-especially after already losing to them earlier in the season-it would mark the Tide’s fourth loss under DeBoer in just two years. At a place like Alabama, that’s enough to raise eyebrows.
The Clock Is Ticking for Michigan
Timing may be the biggest hurdle in all of this. If Alabama beats Oklahoma, DeBoer will be tied up for at least two more weeks preparing for a semifinal matchup. Meanwhile, Michigan is racing against the calendar, needing to make a hire before the transfer portal reopens on January 2.
That kind of timeline crunch could make it difficult for Michigan to wait around, especially when program stability and player retention are on the line. If Alabama loses and DeBoer suddenly becomes available, the optics get tricky.
Is Michigan really going to pin its hopes on a coach fresh off a fourth loss in two seasons? In a sport that’s constantly asking “what have you done for me lately?”, that’s a fair question.
A Familiar Foe-and Not a Favorable Record
DeBoer’s recent history against Michigan doesn’t exactly tilt the scales in his favor. Back in the 2023 National Championship, his Washington squad ran into a buzzsaw in the Wolverines and lost 34-13.
Then, in last season’s ReliaQuest Bowl, Alabama fell to Michigan again-this time in a 19-13 slog where the Wolverines managed just 9 passing yards in the second half. Alabama’s three turnovers proved costly, but it was another head-to-head loss to the maize and blue.
It’s not that losing to Michigan should disqualify DeBoer from coaching there, but it does add an interesting wrinkle. If you’re Michigan, are you ready to hand the keys to someone who hasn’t figured out how to beat you yet?
The Run Game-or Lack Thereof
One of the biggest concerns about DeBoer’s system is his approach to the ground game. Simply put, his offenses haven’t prioritized it.
Alabama ranks 116th in rushing offense this season. Last year?
47th. And back in 2023, his Washington team was 104th in the nation.
That’s a trend-not a fluke.
In today’s college football landscape, balance is still king. You can air it out and light up scoreboards, but when it comes to winning championships, the ability to run the ball when it matters most is critical.
Michigan has built its recent identity on a physical, run-heavy style. DeBoer could elevate the passing game, but there’s a legitimate concern that he might set the rushing attack back in the process.
DeBoer’s Public Commitment to Alabama
Earlier this week, DeBoer made it clear-at least publicly-that he’s not looking to go anywhere.
“I have not spoken and have no interest in speaking with anyone else about any other job,” DeBoer said. “I am fully committed to this program and look forward to continuing as the head football coach at the University of Alabama.”
That’s as strong a statement as you’ll hear in coaching circles. But as we all know, words in December don’t always hold up in January. Whether that statement remains true in the coming weeks remains to be seen.
Bottom Line: DeBoer Is a Top Candidate, But Not a Lock
Let’s be clear-none of this is meant to say Kalen DeBoer shouldn’t be considered for the Michigan job. He absolutely should. His win-loss record, his offensive acumen, and his ability to elevate programs are all real assets.
But there’s no such thing as a flawless coaching candidate. DeBoer has question marks, just like everyone else.
Michigan would be wise to cast a wide net-names like Kenny Dillingham at Arizona State are in the mix for a reason. DeBoer might be the right guy.
He might even be the best guy. But he’s not the only guy.
And in a moment this pivotal for Michigan football, that distinction matters.