Michigan football was thrust into turmoil after head coach Sherrone Moore was fired amid revelations of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Police responded to a report of an ‘alleged assault’ in Saline, Michigan, where Moore was taken into custody. Moore was promoted to head coach after Jim Harbaugh left for the Chargers following Michigan’s 2023–24 title run.
Still, soon after, he was arraigned on charges ranging from third-degree home invasion to stalking and breaking, offenses carrying potential jail time and fines. The situation affects both Moore’s family and the staffer involved, forcing Michigan to launch a fresh head-coaching search with Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer emerging as an early rumored target.
Would Kalen DeBoer Take the Michigan Job?
Although DeBoer has one of the best jobs in the country at Alabama, it is a high-pressure position in a region he has not previously coached in. Additionally, he has replaced arguably the greatest college coach of all time, Nick Saban.
DeBoer has gone 19-7 at Alabama. Previously, he posted a 67-3 record with Sioux Falls, 12-6 at Fresno State, and 25-3 with Washington. At Washington, he earned a playoff victory and advanced to the National Championship Game, although he lost to Michigan.
There were rumors that DeBoer had interest in the Penn State job, which ultimately went to Matt Campbell.
“I think there’s two who could be in play,” The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman said when asked about Michigan’s next coach. “I think there’s two that could be in play and the timing is interesting. One is Kalen DeBoer, head coach of Alabama.”
The added pressure of a second four-loss season
“Alabama struggled late in the season, found a way in the playoff,” Feldman explained. “Now they’re going to be on the road at Oklahoma later next week in the first round. If they lose that game, I think there will be a lot of pressure on Kalen DeBoer. A lot more pressure.”
“There aren’t a lot of candidates out there that I think Michigan would be interested in in the first place.”@BruceFeldmanCFB shares who he thinks could be in play for the head coaching job: pic.twitter.com/XEaVUQEmLq
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) December 11, 2025
Despite those rumors, several insiders, including On3’s Chris Low, don’t believe that’s true.
“I’m not speaking for Kalen DeBoer or Greg Byrne, but I have a hard time seeing him be the next head coach at Michigan,” Low said.
Feldman said DeBoer will likely stay at Alabama. However, if Alabama loses to Oklahoma, Michigan could become a realistic option for DeBoer, although such a move remains unlikely.
Could a former Jim Harbaugh Assistant Follow In His Footsteps?
If DeBoer does not become Michigan’s next coach, attention will naturally shift to other prospective candidates who are eager for the opportunity.
One such candidate is Jedd Fisch, DeBoer’s replacement at Washington.
“I could see Jedd Fisch listening,” Feldman explained. “I think there’s a bunch of people at Michigan who still really like Jedd Fisch and would hope he might the answer.”
MORE: Kalen DeBoer to Change Tune on Michigan If Alabama Unravels Against Oklahoma: Analyst
Fisch brings experience as Miami’s Offensive Coordinator, Jaguars assistant, Michigan QB/WR coach (2015-16), Arizona head coach (2021-23, 16-21 record with a 10-3 turnaround in his last year), Washington head coach (14-11), and NFL stints including Patriots QB Coach (2020). Fisch is a graduate of Florida and was a Florida graduate assistant under Steve Spurrier, but Tulane’s Jon Sumrall ultimately landed the gig.
Feldman believes hiring Fisch or DeBoer would boost Michigan’s offense. Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood is monitoring the search, and an offensive-minded hire could impact his decision. Underwood had his ups and downs as a freshman, earning a PFSN CFB QB Impact score of 78.1, good for a grade of C+, but his talent is obvious, and Michigan clearly views him as the future of the program.
Ultimately, Michigan’s decision on the head coaching position will influence both the program’s future and ongoing events in this college football offseason.
