Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide are gearing up for their College Football Playoff matchup on the road against the Oklahoma Sooners.

After losing to the Georgia Bulldogs by a final score of 28-7 in the SEC championship game, no one knew if Alabama would get into the playoff or not. However, the committee decided not to penalize them for their championship loss.

Despite the outside noise calling for the Crimson Tide to be excluded, Alabama was given the No. 9 seed in the field. Going up against Oklahoma on the road will be no easy task, but Alabama is talented enough to make a run.

Read more: Clemson’s Dabo Swinney Put on Notice Amid Rumors About Future

While all of the team’s focus is on the Sooners, DeBoer’s name continues to circulate in the coaching carousel rumor mill.

Kalen DeBoer, Alabama

Just a few short weeks ago, all of the talk was about DeBoer being a candidate for the Penn State head coaching job. He put an end to those rumors and made it clear that he intends to remain with the Crimson Tide.

Of course, Penn State ended up hiring Matt Campbell to be the program’s new head coach. That put an end to the DeBoer rumors. Unfortunately for Alabama fans, new rumors have picked up.

Following Sherrone Moore’s firing by the Michigan Wolverines, DeBoer has instantly become a rumored candidate for the historic program.

J.D. Pickell of On3 Sports took some time to speak out on the rumors. He understands why Michigan would want to hire DeBoer, but doesn’t think the head coach feels the same way.

DeBoer took over the Crimson Tide head coaching position last season. He has gone 19-7 so far in his first two years. There has been some criticism following in the footsteps of the legendary Nick Saban, but has done a nice job at the end of the day.

Leaving Tuscaloosa would be a decision that most head coaches wouldn’t make. It doesn’t seem likely that DeBoer will be looking to leave Alabama after just two seasons.

Read more: Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman Emerging as Candidate for Elite Job

Granted, he’s an elite candidate for any high-profile position. The Wolverines would likely love an opportunity to hire him away from the Crimson Tide. However, the reality of the situation is that they likely don’t have a chance to do so.

No one can say never for sure, but Michigan will likely need to focus on other candidates to replace Moore. DeBoer seems very likely to remain with Alabama for the 2026 season and the foreseeable future.

For more on the Alabama Crimson Tide and college football news, head to Newsweek Sports.