Former Washington Husky coach Kalen DeBoer not interested in Michigan

One prominent football coach connected to the Michigan coaching search ruled himself out Sunday afternoon. It wasn’t Washington’s Jedd Fisch. 

Kalen DeBoer, the former UW coach who currently leads Alabama, announced in a statement that he has “no interest in speaking with anyone else about any other jobs” and pledged his future to the Crimson Tide. 

DeBoer is preparing to lead No. 9 Alabama against No. 8 Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Friday. He thanked Alabama president Dr. Peter Mohler and athletic director Greg Byrne in his statement, and said his family is happy in Tuscaloosa, Ala. 

“I am fully committed to this program,” DeBoer said, “and look forward to continuing as the head football coach at the University of Alabama.”

DeBoer’s declaration throws another twist in Michigan’s search to replace former coach Sherrone Moore, who was fired Dec. 10 for cause after an investigation found credible evidence he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. 

Fisch, who spent two seasons as an offensive assistant on Jim Harbaugh’s staff at Michigan, has been frequently linked to the job despite saying Friday that he expected to be at Washington in 2026. Washington defeated Boise State in the LA Bowl 38-10 to complete its 2025 season, its second under Fisch.

The Associated Press reported Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham and Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz had been contacted by the firm in charge of Michigan’s coaching search. 

The Wolverines also commissioned a full investigation by a Chicago-based law firm into their athletic department’s practices and culture following Moore’s firing.