$87 Million College Football Coach Announces Decision Amid Michigan Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Dec 14, 2025 5:59 PM ET

The Michigan Wolverines football program saw the head coach job open up when Sherrone Moore was fired on Wednesday.

Moore was fired for cause due to an "inappropriate relationship with a staff member."

As soon as the news broke on Wednesday, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer's name circulated in rumors to be the new coach in Ann Arbor.

Others, such as Washington Huskies coach Jedd Fisch and Los Angeles Chargers DC Jesse Minter, also surfaced online as possible candidates.

DeBoer is in the end of his second season at Alabama after signing an eight-year deal worth $87 million to replace Nick Saban.

On Sunday afternoon, DeBoer released a statement amid all the rumors.

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer and his team during the 2025 seasonDavid Leong-Imagn Images

"My family and I are very happy in Tuscaloosa and remain extremely grateful for the support of President Mohler, Greg Byrne, the Board and so many others," DeBoer wrote. "We have an incredible opportunity in front of us, so my sole focus is on Alabama football and our preparations to play Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff."

"I have not spoken and have no interest in speaking with anyone else about any other job. I am fully committed to the program and look forward to continuing as the head football coach at the University of Alabama."

Alabaa AD Greg Byrne then reposted the tweet with a statement of his own.

We are proud to have Coach DeBoer leading our football program at The University of Alabama. He is an incredible coach and does an excellent job with the development of our student-athletes, both on and off the field. Just as he is committed to this team, we are committed to him,… https://t.co/q4FymqqtOX
— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) December 14, 2025

The Crimson Tide earned the No. 9 seed in the College Football Playoff and faces off against the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners.

Alabama lost in the SEC title game to the Georgia Bulldogs 28-7, who are the No. 3 seed in the Playoff.

While DeBoer's name was a common one in the rumors, Fisch, who was an assistant at Michigan under Jim Harbaugh, was pegged as the favorite on Friday.

For now, DeBoer is insisting he is staying in Tuscaloosa, and Alabama and Oklahoma face off in the College Football Playoff First Round on Friday at 8:00 pm ET in Norman.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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