At a pivotal point in the latest College Football season, Kalen DeBoer was rumored to be joining the Michigan Wolverines. However, the coach himself acknowledged that he found his place in Tuscaloosa with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
“I just don’t know how you could live with yourself and look into your players’ eyes if you’re looking at other opportunities in the midst of the season and getting ready for a playoff game and hopefully making a run at a national championship,” DeBoer said via on3.com.
“…I mean, this is Alabama. I’m at an amazing place. That’s the way I was looking at it. I chose to be here. I love the support and love our players and love the direction and everything the staff has done to put the pieces together here over the last two years. A lot of heavy lifting’s been done to get us to this point.”
The coach knows he is exactly where he wants to be: “…we’re right here where we want to be, and I plan on being here for a while.”
Head coach Kalen Deboer of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Rumors that didn’t materialize
Despite intense rumors linking Kalen DeBoer to high-profile openings at Michigan and Penn State, both programs ultimately went in different directions. Michigan aggressively pursued DeBoer but eventually hired former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham in December 2025 to replace Sherrone Moore.
Similarly, while Penn State considered DeBoer as a top candidate, they finalized a deal with former Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell to lead the Nittany Lions.
Simpson’s replacement
Following Ty Simpson’s departure to the NFL, the battle for the starting quarterback spot at Alabama for the 2026 season centers on two distinct talents. Austin Mack, a 6’6″ redshirt junior with deep knowledge of Kalen DeBoer’s system, holds the edge in experience and veteran leadership.
However, five-star prospect Keelon Russell is a serious contender, with his elite accuracy and mobility making him a fan favorite to potentially secure the job before the regular season kicks off.
Alabama Crimson Tide season kickoff
- vs East Carolina, September 5th
- at Kentucky, September 12th
- vs Florida State, September 19th
- at Mississippi State, October 3rd
- vs Georgia, October 10th
