‘Very real’ – Michigan coaching vacancy hangs over Alabama as Kalen DeBoer’s future in doubt

Dec 20, 2025 - 03:15

All eyes are on Norman, Oklahoma.

Alabama and Oklahoma are set to kick off the College Football Playoff, and depending on the outcome, another major domino could fall in the sport.

A general view of the inside of the stadium prior to the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Oklahoma Sooners during 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma — It’s a party in Norman under the lights

Head coach Kalen DeBoer of the Alabama Crimson Tide watches during the first quarter of a football game against the Florida State Seminoles — DeBoer is only in his second year at the helm in Tuscaloosa

If Oklahoma defeats Alabama, Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer could be on the move.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on College GameDay that the Wolverines are closely monitoring the outcome of Friday’s game.

“Sources tell me that Michigan officials remain convicted that they want to attempt to hire Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer,” Thamel said.

“The result of tonight’s game is going to factor heavily into that pursuit, as an Alabama loss would make the logistics of attempting to hire DeBoer much more tenable.”

Michigan fired Sherrone Moore after off-field issues arose that left the university with no choice and have now reportedly identified DeBoer as one of its top coaching targets.

The smoke isn’t just a rumor. It’s very real.

There’s more at stake than just advancing on Friday night, as one team could potentially lose their coach with a defeat.

One man who is very much in the know with all things Alabama is former head coach Nick Saban.

The six-time national champion shared his thoughts on the situation.

While his words provided some comfort to Alabama fans, they also added another layer of uncertainty to an already complicated situation.

Head coach Kalen Deboer of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter in the 2025 SEC Championship — DeBoer has Alabama back in the postseason after missing it last year

ESPN Broadcaster Nick Saban talks before the game between the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Acrisure Stadium — Saban is the greatest college football coach of all time

“Kalen DeBoer has the total and complete support of the University of Alabama,” Saban said on College GameDay prior to the game.

“They want him to be the coach at Alabama.”

However, he teased at the end that, “Maybe they can get him to Michigan. I don’t know.”

According to Alabama alum and Always College Football host Greg McElroy, people close to Michigan say the school is prepared to back up the Brinks truck to land DeBoer.

Cover your ears Alabama fans.