It feels like the national media has been split on whether or not Michigan football would be able to hire away Alabama's Kalen DeBoer to be its head coach.
People like Kirk Herbstreit have said it's not going to happen. Josh Pate has agreed with that. However, Michigan doesn't agree.
The only reason to keep delaying this decision, without much movement in the Michigan football head coaching search the past few days, is because all eyes are on DeBoer, clearly the No. 1 target.
Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider and others have said that Michigan believes it can hire away DeBoer. Pete Thamel of ESPN echoed that on College Gameday on Friday night, saying that the Wolverines are "convinced" they can land DeBoer, if the timing works out, which is why Friday's game is of interest to U-M fans, and the U-M administration, whoever is making this hire.
Reports @PeteThamel on @CollegeGameDay: "Sources tell me that Michigan officials remain convicted that they want to attempt to hire Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. The result of tonight's game is going to factor heavily into that pursuit, as an Alabama loss would make the…
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) December 19, 2025
"Sources tell me that Michigan officials remain convinced that they want to attempt to hire Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. 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."
To translate, Michigan football can't wait two more weeks if Alabama wins. He has issued public denials, but that's a lot different than being able to truly consider an offer once the season is over.
Alabama has been trying to sign him to an extension. It wasn't announced before the game on Friday, which makes you wonder if that's a coincidence or if DeBoer is leaving the door open to go to Ann Arbor.