TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepare to take on the Oklahoma Sooners next Friday in the College Football Playoff first round, a swirling coaching rumor has dominated media chatter: Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer being linked to the open head coaching position at the University of Michigan. But star wide receiver Ryan Williams and other Crimson Tide players are adamant that the speculation isn’t a distraction as Alabama focuses on its championship aspirations.
DeBoer’s name quickly emerged in the conversation after Michigan fired Sherrone Moore this week, creating one of the most high-profile coaching vacancies in college football. Reports have suggested DeBoer could be a leading candidate for the Wolverines, with some outlets even listing him atop early betting odds to take over in Ann Arbor. (New York Post)
Amid all the noise, Johnson City, Tenn. native Ryan Williams was asked during Friday’s media availability how the team is handling the external speculation. Williams made it clear the focus remains solely on preparation and execution against a tough Oklahoma squad.
“At the end of the day, he serves us 100 percent,” Williams told reporters. “That’s our coach, so we’re going to play for him. External noise is external noise. We just focus on the internal voices.” (SI)
When pressed on whether the rumors create any tension or worry in the locker room, Williams dismissed the notion.
“Not really. We’re not really worried about it,” he said bluntly. “He hasn’t really said much to us about it. Our focus is Monday through Friday and growing as a team.” (Touchdown Alabama)
Williams’ sentiment was echoed by other players, including offensive lineman Wilkin Formby, who admitted he’s seen speculation on social media but doesn’t sense any change in DeBoer’s approach or leadership. “He’s the same Coach DeBoer to me,” Formby said. “We just had a great practice and I’m not too sure about all that.” (Yardbarker)
DeBoer, in his second season at the helm of the Tide, has steadily built momentum — guiding Alabama back into the playoff picture after a 9–4 campaign last year just missed postseason qualification. Prior to arriving in Tuscaloosa, he led Washington to the College Football Playoff title game, reinforcing his reputation as one of the sport’s top coaches. (Yardbarker)
Despite the Michigan rumors, multiple college football analysts have downplayed the likelihood of DeBoer leaving Alabama. Some believe Michigan would need to make a compelling pitch to even get a “no” from him — but those close to the situation don’t expect him to bolt from the Crimson Tide just yet. (Rocky Top Insider)
For now, with Alabama’s playoff fate on the line, Williams and his teammates are keeping their eyes squarely on Oklahoma. In an era of coaching carousel headlines and endless speculation, one thing remains certain: the Crimson Tide locker room is united in its commitment to the present moment.
