The 2025 College Football Playoff opened with a heavyweight clash, and Alabama came out swinging. The Crimson Tide marched into Oklahoma and left with a 34-24 win, punching their ticket to the quarterfinals and setting up a New Year’s Day showdown with top-ranked Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
But while Alabama’s postseason continues, the ripple effects from that win are being felt well beyond Tuscaloosa-especially in Ann Arbor, where Michigan’s coaching search just got a little more complicated.
Alabama Advances, and So Does the DeBoer Dilemma for Michigan
With Alabama still alive in the playoff hunt, any hope Michigan had of making a quick move on Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer may have hit a temporary roadblock. DeBoer, who’s led Alabama to an SEC title and now a playoff win in just his second season, has drawn interest from the Wolverines as they look to fill the vacancy left by Sherrone Moore’s recent dismissal.
DeBoer has publicly maintained his commitment to Alabama, and there’s no indication he’s actively seeking an exit. But that hasn’t stopped Michigan from keeping tabs. According to reports, the Wolverines are still very much interested in trying to lure him away.
The timing, however, couldn’t be trickier. Alabama doesn’t play again until January 1, which theoretically leaves a window for conversations. But with the Tide still in championship contention, it’s far more likely DeBoer stays locked in on the task at hand-especially after a comeback win that quieted any postseason doubts about his ability to deliver when it matters most.
Michigan’s Clock Is Ticking
The longer Michigan goes without a head coach, the more precarious their offseason becomes. This is a pivotal moment for the program.
Retaining players, locking down recruits, and providing stability all hinge on having a leader in place. Every day without one increases the risk of losing talent to the portal or watching recruits decommit.
And while DeBoer might be the top target, Alabama isn’t sitting idly by. Reports indicate the school has been pushing to lock him into a new deal, though nothing was finalized before the win over Oklahoma. That could change quickly if Alabama makes a deep playoff run-or if Michigan forces the issue.
The Buyout Factor
If DeBoer were to leave Alabama for another job, he’d have to navigate a significant buyout clause. His eight-year deal, which runs through 2031 and pays him $10.25 million annually, includes a $4 million buyout if he departs before January 1, 2026. That number drops to $3 million after the new year.
It’s not a small number, but for a program like Michigan, it’s a manageable hurdle-especially if they believe DeBoer is the long-term answer.
Where Else Can Michigan Turn?
If DeBoer stays in Tuscaloosa-and right now, that seems the most likely scenario-Michigan will need to pivot. The coaching carousel has already spun through its busiest stretch, meaning the Wolverines may have to get creative or aggressive if they want to land a top-tier name.
Among the other potential candidates reportedly linked to the job: former LSU head coach Brian Kelly, USC’s Lincoln Riley, Washington’s Jedd Fisch, Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, and UNLV’s Dan Mullen. Each brings a different resume, but none come without their own challenges-whether it’s contract situations, fit, or timing.
What’s Next for Alabama?
For now, Alabama’s focus is squarely on Indiana. The Rose Bowl awaits, with kickoff set for 4 p.m.
ET on January 1. It’s a massive matchup against the No. 1 team in the country, and another chance for DeBoer to cement his place in Crimson Tide lore.
Whether or not Michigan is still waiting when that game ends remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Alabama’s win over Oklahoma didn’t just keep their title hopes alive-it may have reshaped the coaching landscape in the Big Ten.