Alabama Coach Kalen DeBoer reiterated his commitment to the program ahead of the College Football Playoff, saying Sunday he has “no interest” in discussing other employment opportunities.
“I have not spoken and have no interest in speaking with anyone about any other work,” DeBoer said in a statement. statement on X released through Yea Alabama, NIL's high school collective. “I am fully committed to this program and look forward to continuing as head football coach at the University of Alabama.”
DeBoer, who is in his second season as coach of the Crimson Tide, has been mentioned as a possible top target for the vacancy. Michiganwho fired Sherron Moore on Wednesday for engage in inappropriate relationships with an employee. December 4 DeBoer broken links To Penn State coaching vacancy, stating that there was no interest on his part.
DeBoer will lead the No. 9-ranked Crimson Tide into a CFP first-round matchup on Friday at No. 8. Oklahomawhich has beaten Alabama in each of the last two seasons. DeBoer, 51, is 19-7 with the Crimson Tide after replacing Nick Saban, who won six of his seven national championships at the school.
In a statement Sunday, DeBoer said he is “very happy” in Tuscaloosa and added that his only goal is to prepare the team for the CFP. Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne also expressed his gratitude to DeBoer on Sunday.
“We are proud to have Coach DeBoer lead our football program at the University of Alabama.” Byrne sent a message to X. “He is an incredible coach and does a great job developing 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 on Friday in the first round of the College Football Playoff.”
DeBoer got his first FBS job in Eastern Michiganwhere he served as offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016. DeBoer also spent time in the Big Ten as Indianaoffensive coordinator in 2019.
He is the second coach in as many days to oppose ties to the Michigan job. ArizonaKenny Dillingham of the United States on Saturday confirmed his intention to remain at his alma mater.
DeBoer, hired by Alabama in January 2024, is under contract through the 2031 season. He earned $10.25 million this season. DeBoer will owe Alabama $4 million if he leaves for another job before Jan. 1, and $3 million after that.
