Nick Saban says Kalen DeBoer has full support of Alabama as Michigan buzz swirls

Whether he stays or goes, Kalen DeBoer has the support of an Alabama legend.

During an appearance on ESPN’s “College GameDay” on Friday ahead of Alabama’s College Football Playoff game against Oklahoma, Nick Saban made it clear that his former program will “complete support” DeBoer.

“Let me say one thing, Kalen DeBoer has the total and complete support of the University of Alabama,” Saban said. “They want him to be the coach of Alabama. Maybe they [the fans] can get him to Michigan. I don’t know.”

Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts prior to a game against the Texas Longhorns at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 9, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Getty Images

Saban’s comments come as Michigan is reportedly eyeing the Crimson Tide head coach as a replacement for Sherrone Moore, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

“Sources tell me that Michigan officials remain convinced that they want to attempt to hire Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer,” Thamel said on the broadcast. “The result of tonight’s game is going to factor heavily into that pursuit, as an Alabama loss would make the logistics of attempting to hire DeBoer much more tenable.”

DeBoer, however, has previously insisted that he plans to stay at Alabama despite the rumors, saying in a statement Sunday that he has “no interest” in another job.

“I have not spoken and have no interest in speaking with anyone else about any other job,” DeBoer said in a statement released through Yea Alabama, the school’s NIL collective. “I am fully committed to this program and look forward to continuing as the head football coach at the University of Alabama.”

Alabama head coach Kalen Deboer speaks to an official during the first half of a Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game between Georgia and Alabama, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Atlanta. AP

According to Thamel, the Wolverines are also having discussions with Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz and Jedd Fisch, who is at the helm of Washington.

In the midst of Moore’s firing from Michigan after the school said it found he had an “inappropriate relationship” with a staffer, Saban said the new head coach of the Wolverines needs to be a leader for players both on and off the football field.

“You want character, integrity and someone who is going to set a great example for the players and provide the leadership to help them be more successful in their life, not just in football,” Saban said.