Inside the first encounter between Alabama football and Kalen DeBoer. What he said to the Crimson Tide athletes.
In the world of college football, certain encounters are etched in history due to their significance in shaping the direction of a program or the course of a game. But occasionally, there are moments that transcend the game itself, moments where the personalities involved leave a lasting impact not only on the field but also in the locker room, influencing the minds and spirits of players. One such encounter took place between Alabama Football and Kalen DeBoer, the head coach of the Washington Huskies, during a pivotal offseason event that took place years ago.
When the Crimson Tide faced Washington in a high-stakes matchup, there was a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding the contest. DeBoer, a rising star in the coaching world, had made a name for himself with his innovative offensive schemes, particularly his ability to turn programs into offensive juggernauts. As the Huskies prepared to face the mighty Crimson Tide, DeBoer and his team would encounter a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take on Nick Saban’s Alabama team, and it would turn out to be a learning moment not just for Washington but also for Alabama’s athletes.
During the build-up to the game, DeBoer, known for his calm demeanor and a sharp intellect, was invited to address the Alabama players ahead of the contest. It was an unusual but fascinating moment for Alabama’s athletes—an outsider, someone who had studied Saban’s methods from afar, standing before them in the locker room, offering insights and wisdom. What DeBoer said to the Alabama players, and how he approached this rare opportunity to address such a storied team, would go on to impact them in ways that transcended the game itself.
The Lead-Up to the Encounter: A Meeting of Minds
The meeting between Alabama and Kalen DeBoer didn’t happen on the football field during a practice or a pre-game huddle. Instead, it was a much more intimate setting: the Alabama locker room. DeBoer had arrived in Tuscaloosa as part of a pre-game tradition where opposing coaches would spend time with the host team’s players, exchanging ideas, offering advice, and discussing football from their unique perspectives. This event, while rare, wasn’t about gaining an advantage over the other team—it was about fostering respect, acknowledging the sport’s deep connections, and engaging in a dialogue that elevated everyone involved.
In many ways, this meeting stood out as a contrast between two different approaches to coaching. On one hand, you had Nick Saban, who had built a dynasty at Alabama, creating an atmosphere of excellence, discipline, and success. On the other hand, there was Kalen DeBoer, a coach who had turned several programs around with his offensive innovation and leadership. While DeBoer’s resume was impressive, he had yet to reach the monumental heights that Saban had reached, making this meeting a moment of mutual learning and professional exchange.
DeBoer’s Opening Remarks: Respect and Acknowledgment
As DeBoer entered the Alabama locker room, he was aware of the enormous weight of his words. These were players who had dominated the college football landscape, many of whom would go on to be NFL stars, under the tutelage of one of the greatest coaches to ever step on the sideline. DeBoer, on the other hand, was the head coach of a Washington team that had the daunting task of facing the Crimson Tide. Despite this clear contrast in their positions, he wasted no time establishing respect and humility in his opening remarks.
“I know you all don’t need me to tell you how good you are,” DeBoer began, standing before a group of Alabama’s most talented athletes. “You don’t need me to remind you of your championships, your history, or your track record. You’ve earned all of it. But what I want to tell you today is that no matter how successful you’ve been, there’s always room for growth. There’s always a chance to get better, and I’m here today to talk about that with you.”
The players, though undoubtedly aware of the tremendous success their program had achieved, could not help but feel a sense of respect from the calm but confident tone DeBoer brought with him. It was immediately apparent that he wasn’t there to challenge the foundation Alabama had built under Saban. Rather, he was there to engage them on a level of mutual respect for the game and the continuous pursuit of excellence.
The Message: Growth, Adaptation, and Mentality
DeBoer’s address to the Alabama players wasn’t just about football—it was about mindset. The players, who were conditioned to think of football in terms of dominance, discipline, and consistency, were now being encouraged to think of the game in a slightly different way: one of constant growth and adaptation. As much as Alabama had set the gold standard in college football, DeBoer’s message was about how even the most successful programs must evolve in order to sustain that success.
“You are the standard,” DeBoer remarked, looking at the players with sincere admiration. “But being the best doesn’t mean you stop evolving. I’ve watched a lot of your games—studied how you work, how you approach practices—and it’s impressive. The discipline you guys have, the way you work as a team, is something that can’t be ignored. But one thing I’ve learned in my time coaching is that to stay ahead, you need to keep asking yourself: ‘What’s next?’”
He paused for a moment, allowing the words to settle. He continued, sharing a story from his own experiences as a coach. “When I first started coaching, I used to think that simply sticking to what had worked in the past would always be enough. But I quickly learned that it’s not enough just to be good at what you do. The game changes. The players change. And you have to adapt or fall behind. That’s something I see in your team. You’ve set the standard, but now it’s about figuring out what the next step is to remain the best.”
DeBoer’s remarks resonated with the Alabama players in ways that extended beyond the strategy of the game. What DeBoer was emphasizing was not just physical prowess, but intellectual agility in the sport. He spoke about growth as an ongoing process—a process that didn’t stop when you reached the summit but instead continued as long as the game was played. This mindset was one that not only challenged the players to think critically but also inspired them to adopt a philosophy of continuous improvement, even in a program as successful as Alabama’s.
Adapting to the Game: Offense, Defense, and Innovation
While DeBoer’s message was one of broad growth, he also took the time to speak directly about the nature of football and how programs like Alabama, known for their strong defense and methodical offense, could learn to adapt in the modern era of college football. He shared his thoughts on offensive football and the importance of balance in today’s game. “Offense is evolving, and you can’t ignore the new trends in the game. The spread, up-tempo, and multi-dimensional attacks are more effective than ever. But here’s the thing—defense is evolving too. That’s why you’ve been so successful: because you’ve been able to stay ahead of the curve on defense. But to keep that going, you need to challenge yourselves on the offensive side as well.”
The players listened intently, even if they didn’t always agree with every nuance of his approach. DeBoer’s offensive philosophies, known for their creativity and unpredictability, were in stark contrast to the Alabama way of grinding opponents down with power and discipline. But that was precisely what made his message so valuable: DeBoer was urging Alabama to maintain its strength while pushing the boundaries of what they were doing offensively.
The Closing Remarks: The Power of Perspective
DeBoer’s speech culminated with a reminder about the importance of perspective. “At the end of the day,” he said, “football is about people. It’s about the guys in this room and the work you put in every day. The X’s and O’s are important, but it’s the relationships you build, the mentality you foster, and the way you treat the game that defines greatness.”
He looked each player in the eye before continuing. “So, when you take the field, remember that the best teams aren’t just about the plays they call or the athletes they recruit—they’re about the mentality they carry with them. Stay humble. Stay hungry. And most importantly, stay true to yourselves.”
The words had a lasting effect on the team. For players who had been accustomed to hearing about their physical attributes, their legacy, and their statistical accomplishments, DeBoer’s message gave them something else to consider: the intangible qualities that made teams truly great. His calm and composed demeanor set the tone for a conversation that was less about football strategy and more about football philosophy.
