TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Kalen DeBoer reiterated his intention to continue leading the Alabama football program in a statement released on Sunday.

“My family and I are very happy in Tuscaloosa and remain extremely grateful of the support of President Mohler, Greg Byrne, the Board and so many others,” DeBoer said in a statement released through the school collective Yea Alabama. “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.

“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.”

The statement comes on the heels of Michigan firing coach Sherrone Moore on Wednesday. DeBoer has widely been reported to be a top candidate for the vacancy.

“We are proud to have Coach DeBoer leading our football program at The University of Alabama,” athletic director Byrne said on X. “He is an incredible coach and does an excellent job with the development of our student-athletes, both on and off the field. Just as he is committed to this team, we are committed to him, and we look forward to taking the field Friday in the first round of the College Football Playoff.”

DeBoer, 51, is in his second season leading the Crimson Tide.

Alabama resumed practice on Friday in preparation for a College Football Playoff first round matchup at Oklahoma on Dec. 19.

This marks the second time in recent weeks that DeBoer has had to address his coaching future at Alabama. He was widely seen as a leading candidate for the Penn State vacancy before the Nittany Lions hired Matt Campbell.

“We’re extremely happy at Alabama. That’s the first time I’ve been asked, so I appreciate you,” DeBoer said in response to a question from a reporter on Dec. 4. “We’re extremely happy here. Love the challenge. Love the grind. Love this place.

“There’s been any link, there’s never been any conversation, there’s never been any interest either way. I’m glad we can put that to bed right now.”

DeBoer is in the second year of an eight-year deal that pays him more than $10 million annually.

If he were to leave for another job on his own accord before Jan. 1, he would owe $4 million to Alabama. After Jan. 1, the buyout drops to $3 million.

DeBoer is scheduled to meet with the media on Monday.