Alabama fans can settle down, even if the rumors refuse to do the same. For weeks, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was loosely linked to Penn State, only for speculation to pivot toward Michigan following Sherrone Moore’s firing.  But DeBoer quickly slammed the door on any potential move, and Alabama’s athletic director (AD) backed him emphatically.

“We are proud to have Coach DeBoer leading our football program at The University of Alabama,” Alabama’s AD Greg Byrne said on X. “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, and we look forward to taking the field on Friday in the first round of the College Football Playoff.”

After gaining constant interest from other programs, Alabama is making every move to keep DeBoer close. The contract extension talks are going on between Bama and DeBoer as per On3’s reports. While neither side has reached an agreement or signed a deal, the talks are going on.

On top of it, matching DeBoer’s salary won’t be that easy for Michigan. As of this season, he earned $10.25 million, which is set to go up to $11.75 million by 2031. And if he leaves for Michigan or any other program, it will cost him big. As per his contract, he would owe a $4 million buyout to Alabama.

Greg Byrne’s trust in Kalen DeBoer makes sense, as after last year’s playoff miss, they recorded four straight wins against ranked opponents and are heading for their first playoff game against Oklahoma. Even when the pressure was intense, DeBoer never backed down from it. He and his staff developed players not just athletically but academically and spiritually too, so that they leave the program as better men.

Even before the extension talk Kalen DeBoer denied all the rumors around his interest in taking over the reins at Michigan. And for now, all his focus is on winning their first-round game against Oklahoma.

“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 said. “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.”

And why would he make the move? Taking over Alabama was already a big risk, and after losses against Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Michigan, he was already skeptical. Michigan’s present-day scenario is nothing more than a mess. With Moore’s arrest and firing, they are already in chaos. So, even if they offer a major deal, there’s nothing that stands out right now for any head coach.

Now, with DeBoer’s clear verdict what are other options remaining for Michigan.

Michigan’s other coaching targets

After Kalen DeBoer’s denial, Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch becomes Michigan’s next target. As he brings Big 10 familiarity after the Huskies moved to the conference, he also has old ties to Michigan. As he served as Michigan’s passing game coordinator in 2015 and 2016. He also carries extensive NFL experience and has overseen program turnarounds at Arizona and Washington, where his teams showed steady improvement.

Another option is Duke’s head coach, Manny Diaz, who has won the ACC championship this season and revived the Blue Devils program. He holds prior head coaching experience at Miami and has spent two seasons as Penn State’s defensive coordinator, where they posted one of their top defenses.

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Then there’s Seattle Seahawks special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh, who knows Michigan in and out after staying nearly a decade with them. Then there’s Charger’s defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who helped Michigan to a national title in 2023 and continues to thrive in the NFL. Now, let’s wait and see which coach finally takes this risky job at Michigan.