Kalen DeBoer Reiterates Commitment to Alabama Amid Michigan HC Rumors

Kalen DeBoer's name has been mentioned as a potential candidate to take over Michigan's football program following the firing of head coach Sherrone Moore, but he reiterated Monday he does not plan on leaving Alabama.

"I just, first of all, our guys handle distractions phenomenally," he told reporters. "It's been that way all season long. They continue to do that. … I feel completely supported. My family loves living here. Just all the things that we continue to build on. Love the progress. Haven't talked with anyone. No plans of talking with anyone. 

"That's a lot of what I said a couple weeks ago and continues to be the same thing. I feel strong about it. Our guys, if there's been any distraction, I haven't seen it. I haven't felt it. So I'm really proud of the way they've handled whatever noise is out there. We've probably, all season long, have dealt with enough noise to where it doesn't surprise me with how they handle this."

The comments came after he released a statement Sunday that said, "I have not spoken and have no interest in speaking with anyone else about any other job. I am fully committed to this program and look forward to continuing as the head football coach at the University of Alabama."

Being so publicly adamant that he is staying put is notable, as college coaches are constantly juggling recruiting and the transfer portal. Having one's name connected to another job opening could present rivals with an opportunity to tell players they may not be getting the coach they think if they commit to Alabama.

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What's more, releasing a statement in an effort to quiet the speculation will also help DeBoer and the entire Crimson Tide team put the situation behind them and focus on the upcoming College Football Playoff.

Despite losing three games and being blown out by Georgia in the SEC championship game, Alabama received the benefit of the doubt and made the 12-team CFP field.

It will face Oklahoma in the opening round Friday in a rematch from a game the Sooners won in November.

Losing three games and falling short of a conference crown isn't the type of season a powerhouse such as Alabama expects with such incredibly high standards, but DeBoer has an opportunity to turn the entire campaign around with success in the CFP.

If he can find that while publicly pledging his desire to remain at Alabama, he could quickly become a fan favorite.