TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— Alabama head coach released a statement Sunday trying to squash any rumors of him leaving for the Michigan job, saying he was focused on the Crimson Tide’s first-round playoff matchup with Oklahoma.

During a Monday press conference, DeBoer was asked directly whether or not he plans to be the Alabama head coach next season. He danced around the initial question, basically repeating what he said in the released statement.

“A lot of the same things I said before, you know, a couple weeks ago, when asked, really the same question,” DeBoer said. “Just, you know, 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. I think that’s a lot of what I said a couple weeks ago and continues to be the same thing. Feel strong about it.”

When asked directly again to clarify, DeBoer said yes. He will be the Alabama coach next season.

DeBoer credited his players for handling distractions well this past week and the entire season. Several players were asked after Friday’s practice about DeBoer’s future with the Crimson Tide.

“It’s been that way all season long,” DeBoer said. “They continue to do that.”

DeBoer is in his second season as the Alabama head coach. Last year, Alabama went 9-4, falling one spot short of the CFP. He was able to help the Crimson Tide rebound from a season-opening loss this season to a first-place regular season finish in the SEC and spot in the CFP.

Prior to Alabama, DeBoer was at Washington for two seasons, leading the Huskies to the CFP title game in 2023. He also has head coaching experience at Fresno State and Sioux Falls (Division II.) His name was immediately linked to the Michigan opening after the Wolverines fired Sherrone Moore for cause.

DeBoer has previous experience in the Big Ten as the offensive coordinator at Indiana in 2019. He is also familiar with the region as a native Midwesterner who played at Sioux Falls and also coached at Eastern Michigan.

For now, DeBoer is fully focused on leading his team in the playoffs. No. 9 Alabama (10-3) will face No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2) in the opening game of the College Football Playoff on Friday at 7 p.m. CT.

Kalen DeBoer head coaching record

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Ringo, an abandoned puppy that was dropped off at the Madison Police Department earlier this week, will get the surgery he needs thanks to an outpouring of donations from the city’s residents.

On Dec. 9, the Madison Police Department said in a Facebook post it was trying to raise $2,000 so Ringo could get an injured leg amputated.

“Citizens of Madison, we need your help. Recently, an abandoned and abused puppy was brought to us—sweet, loving, and still full of hope despite what he’s been through,” the post said.

“To give him the chance at a healthy, happy life, he needs a surgery to amputate an injured leg. Once he recovers, he’ll be ready for adoption and would make an incredible addition to a loving Madison family—just in time for Christmas.”

Just three days later, the department said in an update that they’d raised the money they needed, and Ringo would get his surgery in the middle of January.

During a vet visit, the pup was given a clean bill of health and all his required shots.

“We completely met the goal and could not have done it without the help of all our citizens here so we greatly appreciate everything you guys donated for him,” an update video said.

Now the police department is asking for the community to step up again and help get Ringo adopted before his surgery.

“Our next thing we can do is have him adopted. He is ready to go into somebody’s home so he can get acclimated and ready to go before his surgery,” the post said.

Anyone interested in adopting Ringo is asked to call Madison’s Animal Control at 256-772-5694.