Ahead of his first Iron Bowl as the head coach of the University of Washington, Kalen DeBoer spoke with a mixture of excitement and reverence for one of college football’s most intense rivalries. While DeBoer is no stranger to high-stakes games, having led Fresno State to a 12-2 record in 2021, the Iron Bowl’s historical significance wasn’t lost on him.
DeBoer emphasized the importance of understanding the rivalry’s deep roots, acknowledging the passion and pride both Alabama and Auburn fans bring to the game every year. “This is more than just a football game; it’s about community, history, and tradition,” DeBoer said. “I’ve watched from afar, and I know the intensity that comes with this rivalry. It’s something every coach looks forward to experiencing.”
DeBoer also reflected on how critical the Iron Bowl is for postseason implications, especially with both teams vying for playoff spots or better bowl games. He noted that while Washington’s season isn’t directly tied to the SEC, he understood how the result of this game would resonate across the entire college football landscape. “It’s one of those games that the whole country will be watching,” he explained.
On the preparation side, DeBoer stressed the need for mental toughness and discipline. “In rivalries like this, anything can happen, so we have to be focused on executing our game plan but also prepared for the unexpected,” he said. He also spoke about the importance of players staying grounded amid the hype, ensuring they remain focused on the fundamentals.
As his first Iron Bowl approaches, DeBoer looks forward to experiencing the atmosphere firsthand, knowing that it’s a game that will live long in his memory.