Coach Kalen DeBoer Faces Pressure as Michigan Job Speculation Rises

Kalen DeBoer is set to lead his team into the College Football Playoff on Friday night, as the Oklahoma Sooners prepare to face the Alabama Crimson Tide in a highly anticipated rematch. This comes amidst growing speculation regarding his future, particularly in connection with the coaching vacancy at the University of Michigan. According to Fox Sports insider Bruce Feldman, DeBoer has expressed a preference for Tuscaloosa, but the outcome of tonight’s game may significantly influence his trajectory.

Feldman noted, “What I’ve heard is that [DeBoer] does like it at Alabama and I know the AD (athletic director Greg Byrne) really likes him and the leadership likes him and thinks he’s the guy they want to lead the program. But if they lose, man, I wonder if that changes the calculus for a lot of people — including DeBoer.” With DeBoer remaining a prominent candidate for the Michigan role, an unexpected contender has emerged in the coaching race.

As DeBoer continues to be a focal point in discussions about the Michigan job, former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham is gaining momentum. Whittingham recently stepped down from his position and has rapidly climbed the ranks in the coaching search, now positioned second behind Kenny Dillingham of Arizona State.

Recent data from the predictive marketplace Kalshi indicates that Whittingham has improved his odds of being hired, with a 20% chance of landing the Michigan job after a 10% increase in the last 24 hours. In contrast, Dillingham’s prospects have diminished, dropping by 10% to 23% in the same time frame.

Whittingham clarified that his decision to leave Utah was not a retirement, stating, “I’m a free agent, I’m in the transfer portal. Like I said, I’m at peace and I did not want to be that guy that overstayed his welcome with people just saying, ‘Hey, when’s this guy gonna leave?’ That was not my intention, ever.” His comments suggest that he remains open to new opportunities, with the Michigan job now potentially within reach.

As the coaching landscape shifts, the upcoming playoff game between Oklahoma and Alabama will serve as a pivotal moment for DeBoer. Should DeBoer and the Crimson Tide experience a setback, the implications for his future, particularly in relation to Michigan, could become more pronounced.

The Michigan Wolverines are actively seeking a new head coach to guide their program, and with names like DeBoer and Whittingham in the conversation, the coaching search promises to be dynamic as the season progresses. As both coaches navigate their respective situations, the college football world will be watching closely.