Alabama rebounded strongly in 2025 after a 9-4 campaign in 2024, moving up to 10-3 (7-1 SEC) and the No. 9 seed in the College Football Playoff, where they will face No. 8 Oklahoma in the first round on Friday.
Under second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, the program has posted a 19-7 overall record and regained footing as a national contender.
Yet, speculation in recent weeks has emerged that DeBoer could leave for another open college football vacancy, notably Michigan, which just fired coach Sherrone Moore.
When asked on Monday if he plans to coach at Alabama next season, DeBoer reportedly responded with a swift “Yes,” putting to rest speculation about his future as rumors continue to swirl.
Michigan’s 2025 season was solid on the field, finishing 9-3 (7-2 Big Ten) and No. 18 ranking under Moore, but derailed quickly off it.
The school fired Moore with cause on December 10 after an internal investigation found credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
Hours later, Moore was arrested and charged with stalking and home invasion related to the incident, adding legal complications to Michigan’s leadership crisis.
Moore’s tenure ends at 18-8, and Biff Poggi will serve as interim coach in Michigan’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup vs. Texas on December 31.
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DeBoer’s name quickly emerged among the top targets for Michigan’s opening, alongside other candidates like Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham and Washington’s Jedd Fisch.
However, in his statement made on Sunday, DeBoer emphasized that he has “not spoken and has no interest in speaking with anyone else about any other job” and is fully committed to Alabama’s future.
The Tide and DeBoer are also reportedly in early contract extension discussions, reflecting mutual confidence between coach and institution.
On the Michigan side, the search continues.
With DeBoer seemingly off the board, focus will shift to other experienced leaders as Michigan seeks to stabilize the program and maintain competitiveness in the Big Ten and nationally.
