Is Kalen DeBoer a Legitimate Candidate for Michigan? Nick Saban’s Comments Add Fuel to the Fire
The Michigan head coaching search is officially underway after the dismissal of Sherrone Moore, and with the Wolverines looking to maintain their place among college football’s elite, all eyes are on who athletic director Warde Manuel might target next. One name that keeps surfacing? Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Now, to be clear-DeBoer has publicly stated he’s not entertaining other opportunities. But when Nick Saban, the most respected voice in the sport, casually drops Michigan’s name while discussing DeBoer’s status in Tuscaloosa, it naturally sends the rumor mill into overdrive.
Speaking on College GameDay, Saban made it clear that Alabama is fully behind DeBoer, saying, *"Kalen DeBoer has the total and complete support of the University of Alabama. They want him to be the coach at Alabama."
- But then came the curveball: *"Maybe they can get him at Michigan, I don't know." *
That’s not something Saban says lightly. And while it doesn’t confirm anything, it certainly doesn’t slam the door shut either.
DeBoer’s Past Decisions Keep the Door Cracked
Part of what makes this potential move intriguing is DeBoer’s own coaching history. Not long ago, he was at Washington, where he built a powerhouse and publicly downplayed interest in leaving-only to take the Alabama job shortly after. That’s the nature of the coaching carousel: things can change quickly, and public statements don’t always align with private conversations.
Michigan, meanwhile, is in a unique spot. Fresh off a College Football Playoff run and still stacked with talent, the program remains one of the most coveted jobs in the country.
If there’s ever a time to make a bold hire, it’s now-and DeBoer’s résumé fits the bill. He’s a proven winner, a sharp offensive mind, and someone who’s already shown he can handle the pressure of a high-profile job.
But prying him away from the SEC’s flagship program wouldn’t be easy-or cheap.
What’s Next in the Wolverines’ Coaching Search?
While DeBoer is the headline name, he’s not the only one Michigan is eyeing. Kenny Dillingham is reportedly another top target. The young Arizona State head coach has quickly built a reputation as an innovative play-caller and energetic leader, and he could represent a more long-term developmental hire if Michigan chooses to go that route.
Still, the DeBoer chatter won’t go away-especially with Alabama preparing to face Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff. If the Crimson Tide were to stumble early, the noise around DeBoer and Michigan could grow louder. On the flip side, a deep playoff run might cement his place in Tuscaloosa for the foreseeable future.
The Bottom Line
Right now, nothing is certain. DeBoer says he’s staying put.
Saban says Alabama is all-in on their coach. But the fact that Michigan is even in the conversation-especially with Saban giving it oxygen-makes this storyline worth watching closely.
The Wolverines are at a crossroads. They can play it safe or swing big. If they choose the latter, don’t be surprised if Kalen DeBoer’s name stays at the top of the list.