It’s been a little over three months since Michigan hired Kyle Whittingham to be the new head coach of the football program.
Whittingham spent the previous 21 seasons as Utah’s head coach (he also coached the Fiesta Bowl alongside Urban Meyer in 2004). He compiled a 177-88 record during his time with the program.
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Before Whittingham took the job, Michigan had interest in Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, and he knew it. However, he also confirmed that he never talked to another school and felt like he couldn’t while trying to win a national title with Alabama this season.
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer looks on during warmups.© David Leong-Imagn Images
(© David Leong-Imagn Images)
“I would have had to be living under a rock (not to know). I’m not naive,” DeBoer told On3’s Chris Low. “I never talked to anyone, not one time. I just don’t know how you could live with yourself and look into your players’ eyes if you’re looking at other opportunities in the midst of the season and getting ready for a playoff game and hopefully making a run at a national championship.”
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In a way, this paved the way for Michigan to hire Whittingham as its next head coach since DeBoer didn’t want to leave Tuscaloosa.
DeBoer has been the head coach at Alabama for the last two seasons after signing a big contract, compiling a 20-8 overall record. He helped the Crimson Tide make the College Football Playoff this past season before they lost to the Indiana Hoosiers in the quarterfinals.
The Crimson Tide will open the 2026 college football season against the East Carolina Pirates on Sept. 5.
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Related: Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer Announces Future Plans After Tough College Football Season
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
