DeBoer is in his second season at Alabama as the Tide prepares to play Oklahoma on Friday in their first-round College Football Playoff game. He had been widely mentioned as a possibility to be the Wolverines' next coach. On3 reported Sunday afternoon that DeBoer and Alabama had been in talks about a contract extension.

Michigan's unexpected entry in this season's coaching carousel following the firing of Sherrone Moore sparked conversation surrounding potential candidates with Alabama's Kalen DeBoer considered among the best fits.

The Crimson Tide quarterback completed less than half of his passes in the SEC Championship Game, and the offense only mustered seven points.