Michigan has as many as six candidates on its board as it searches for its next head football coach, sources told On3, following the dismissal of Sherrone Moore for cause last week.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has been the most frequently linked name since Michigan made its move. DeBoer released a statement Sunday saying he has not spoken with any schools and has no interest in other jobs. Sources told On3’s Chris Low and Pete Nakos that Alabama and DeBoer are in ongoing extension talks, though no agreement has been finalized.
DeBoer reaffirmed his commitment to Alabama with a statement on Sunday. "My family and I are very happy in Tuscaloosa and remain extremely grateful for the support of President [Peter] Mohler, [athletic director] Greg Byrne, the board and so many others," DeBoer said. "We have an incredible opportunity in front of us, so my sole focus is on Alabama football and our preparations to play Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff."
Five other names continue to surface in conversations with sources: Louisville’s Jeff Brohm, Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, Washington’s Jedd Fisch and Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Three of those candidates — DeBoer, Dillingham and Drinkwitz — are either in the midst of extension talks or expected to engage in them with their current schools.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel has made it clear internally that the university is prepared to spend aggressively to secure its top choice. That includes buying out contracts if necessary to lure a sitting head coach to Ann Arbor, sources said.
Reports emerged over the weekend that Dillingham is nearing a contract extension at Arizona State. Those discussions have been ongoing for months, with much of the focus centered on staffing budgets and program resources.
The Sun Devils coach got emotional while discussing his future in Tempe on Saturday. He never spoke to Michigan and called it one of the best jobs in the country and a great opportunity for “somebody.”
“That doesn’t change how I feel about here,” Dillingham said. “That doesn’t change that my sister’s my neighbor, that doesn’t change that my parents live three doors down, that doesn’t change that my son’s best friend is my sister’s daughter.”
Brohm was a top name at Penn State, but decided to stay at Louisville. He has yet to publicly announce a contract extension.
While Michigan would prefer to hire a coach quickly to move past the Moore saga, the interview process is expected to take time. Ideally, a new coach would be in place by Jan. 2, when the transfer portal officially opens.
Michigan has launched a full investigation into its athletic department. As of Monday, Manuel remains in his position.
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