Amid buzz about his job security and the surprise opening of another big-time head coaching job, Kalen DeBoer and athletic director Greg Byrne released statements Sunday reaffirming that the coach’s future is at Alabama.
Rumors have abounded about DeBoer’s candidacy to take over at Michigan in the wake of Sherrone Moore’s firing with cause this week due to an inappropriate relationship with a staffer.
At the same time, the pressure on Nick Saban’s successor in Tuscaloosa is sky-high in his second season and first College Football Playoff appearance with the program.
The Crimson Tide are 19-7 under DeBoer’s leadership and earned the No. 9 seed in the playoff bracket, but program alum Damien Harris said in an interview this week that he feels DeBoer’s job is “on the line” when they play their first-round game at Oklahoma.
“My family and I are very happy in Tuscaloosa and remain extremely grateful for the support of President (Peter) Mohler, Greg Byrne, the board and so many others,” DeBoer said in a statement. “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 this program and look forward to continuing as the head football coach at the University of Alabama.”
Byrne reposted the statement on social media and attached one of his own.
“We are proud to have Coach DeBoer leading our football program at The University of Alabama,” Byrne wrote. “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 Friday in the first round of the College Football Playoff.”
