Kalen DeBoer, Washington Head Football Coach

We got to get through the rest of the week because on Saturday, I can't wait as number seven, Washington welcomes in number eight, Oregon, a big Pac-12 showdown. To me, the two best teams in the Pac-12 are now joining us as the head coach of the Washington Huskies. Always do appreciate when he joins us right here on the Zach Gelb show on CBS Sports Radio.

That, of course, is Kalen DeBoer. Coach, we're almost there. We appreciate it. Thanks so much. How you been?

Yeah, I'm doing great. Thanks for having me on. So, you guys are coming off a bye. Oregon's coming off a bye. As well, and this almost has to be torturous with the build up to this game and how long you guys have had to wait to play this one coming up on Saturday. Yeah, you know, yeah, you kind of go full steam ahead for five weeks and then, you know, the buy, you never know if it's going to fall in a good spot or not. But for both of us to have it and, you know, it's a lot of chance to get maybe even a little little healthier, you know, then, yeah, the hype and all the excitement for the fans all two weeks.

They get to enjoy all that, so it's fun. I know you like to keep it real, but a lot of times coaches say it's a normal week. It's just one week of the entirety of the season. You know how big of a game this is. How do you kind of like kind of keep things normal knowing where this game and what this game is going to mean for both programs? Yeah, it's, you know, it's exciting and I'm glad we can make it a big game by having done our business, you know, through five weeks. The excitement our fan base has not just because of being a rivalry because, but because, you know, we're, you know, in the top 10 and continue to move forward. You know, I'm just proud of the way our guys prepare and that's what we really focus on when it comes to this is, is, you know, setting a high standard throughout the entire year to where, you know, different games when they come along and the height is all there.

It's not that much different, you know, and I think they've really bought into it over the last two years. We're in this position as a program because of the standard that they have and how they prepare each and every week and never taken anything for granted. Kaylin DeBoer here with us, head coach of Washington, big game this weekend, Washington hosting Oregon. I've run out of things to say about your quarterback and Michael Pennix Jr. because he's just so great each and every week for you the last two years.

What else is there left to say? And what do you want people to know about your quarterback? Yeah, I think it's just all about, you know, what, you see what he does on the football field and, you know, I think the other part is just who he is as a person and our team loves this guy. Just, you know, he came in with this humble, just attitude, wanting to fit in and just, you know, it's really taken us to these, these, these crazy high heights, you know, last year and then the decision to come back again and the team and, and everyone just continue to believe in him and deciding, you know, if there's opportunities to, to, to maybe enter the portal or go to, you know, the NFL.

A lot of these guys really choosing to stay, you know, here we are, you know, five weeks in. He's out in the community doing different types of things to support, you know, different charities, you know, on top of just being a great teammate each and every day. I know you had previous familiarity with him, but with how it's played out over the last two years, does this surprise you to the level he's been able to take his game? The, the, the, the potential was definitely there when I look at what he could do throwing the football he just is very instinctual to a quick, quick release. I mean, the accuracy and the deep ball it continues to get better, but there was a lot of that that was just already in place back in 2019 when he was a retro freshman. And I got a chance to be with him and just his arm strength and the, you know, I think he, you know, once he's locked in and knows what his reads are, you know, going into a game week, he just cuts it loose and lets it fly and plays ball, you know, does what he does. And, you know, that's what I always remind him.

It's just be you, you know, don't try to do anything you're not capable of because what you are is more than enough. We're very simple in what we do on radio shows where we break it down coaches and we pretty much break it down quarterbacks. It's always the biggest topic of conversations. This quarterback matchup, though, the stories are phenomenal where Michael Pennix and Bo Nix both were before getting to Oregon and Washington and both playing at elite level. We talked about your quarterback.

Now, how about the quarterback you're going up against on Saturday? What stands out to you with what Bo Nix has been able to do so far? Yeah, I mean, I think you first just look at the number of games and the experience factor, right? And that's what we got going for us. And that's certainly something you have a lot of respect for when it comes to Bo Nix.

And, you know, just, you know, there's just things you go through when you play a lot of games and play in big games. And so he's done that, you know, there's a skill set, obviously, that covers a lot of different ranges from throwing to running and, you know, doing a good job executing their offense. So, you know, he's done an amazing job again this year on top of what he did a year ago, even with a new offensive coordinator. Does last year's game at all matter when we look at the game this year? Is there anything you could take from it? Motivation may be on the Oregon side as well, or is that just a lot of things that we talk about and you kind of throw it out the window?

It's a new year. Yeah, I think it's just one of those games, you know, we were in some different games that were tight going down to the wire and just the ebbs and flows of the game, you know, the highs and lows, understanding that's what this is going to be. And so, you know, that's what you take from it. You take the moments that were big and understand that that's going to happen and that, you know, anytime you're facing good players, a good football team, there's going to be times where they make plays too. And so those experiences from last year in this game and, you know, the other ones, it all adds to kind of who we are, what we've been through together and what we're going to, you know, what we know we can count on when it comes to those big moments.

Kaitlyn DeBoer, I remember when we were talking to your coach in the offseason, we were discussing your defense through almost two months of the season. How would you kind of evaluate your defense right now? Yeah, I think they're really coming along nicely. You know, there's been more turnovers and takeaways, you know, they've just been forced the issue that way. It's been some big plays. And, you know, I think there's a physicality that, you know, we had to begin with and we continue to grow in that area and just as more guys take more snaps and they work together, I just see us continue to improve and really having an identity that, you know, we feel good about. We always wonder when coaches change jobs, is it going to be able to translate to a bigger program?

You only have two losses through a year and a half and both those losses, they were not by wide margins, eight points or less. Why has what you've been able to do in the past worked on a bigger stage here at Washington, in your opinion? Well, I think, first of all, the wins here, I mean, there's just a lot of great players that were in the program and a few that we brought in, like Michael Pennix and, you know, some other guys, but just, you know, the people you surround yourself with is so huge. The coaching staff and a lot of these guys at some point in my career over 20 plus years, I've worked with a lot of these guys.

And so we're very cohesive. And I think the players, anytime I've seen over the years, a coaching staff that has a piece that's maybe not, you know, cohesive and the chemistry is right, they see right through that. And so our team has got great chemistry, got a great vibe, and it starts with our coaching staff and great people that are on it. Let me ask about one of your more electrifying players in Roma Dunze. Were you surprised that he came back? I mean, I know you had to be elated when he did return to the program, but for people that have not watched him, what do you want people to know about your star real playmaker on the offensive side of the ball and also the return game?

Yeah, I got to sound like a broken record when it comes to Rome and talking about Michael and even other guys on our football team, but just super person. I remember the first spring we were here, just knowing how good a football player he was and all those things, he still was maybe one of the most coachable players that I've ever been around. And I think that says a lot about his character, about his determination to be elite and what his goals are to even compete at the next level.

But it was exciting. I can't say I was feeling like that maybe would be what he would choose to do, but there was a lot of really good opportunities that would seem to present themselves at the next level. It's just kind of up to him on what he felt his ceiling was and how much better he could improve. And I think in the end, it's been a really good decision for him, just based on what he's done through five weeks here this year. Coach, Kaitlyn DeBoer, before we let you run, when you had so many players that wanted to come back and then they come back and they said how much they believe in the staff and they believe that you guys could go win a Pac-12 this year, win even a national championship, just to hear that from your players that after one year together, they all believe in you. What does that mean to you as a head coach?

Yeah, I mean, it's special. You appreciate that. They know that I and the staff just appreciate them that much more for never flinching in any time when we ask them to do something from workouts to the offense, defense, special team schemes. They never flinched and they've just been all in and it's just been an awesome journey. We're right in the middle of it here this year, but it's exciting knowing every day we step on the football field.

You're going to get there very best. Coach, has anything surprised you about your football team so far this year? Not a lot.

I mean, just a lot of the same faces. I think continuing to be something that I notice is just how when a new player comes into the program, whether it's a freshman that's coming in or maybe a transfer that we had a few this year as well, if you come in with the right attitude, you're humble and hungry to do something special. I just think these guys will open their arms and if you can help our football team be better, they're all for it. Just sitting with guys that have come into the program and hearing their stories and how great it feels to be here, how much they appreciate that openness by our team with open arms.

It's special to know that that's what our culture is all about here. Last thing, Alaska, I know you're in your office right now and you're preparing for this game as Coach Kaitlyn DeBoer is here with us. This is a heavyweight fight. This is a big showdown. These are the two best teams, in my opinion, in the Pac-12. Have you thought about what that atmosphere is going to be like in a great college atmosphere on Saturday? We've gotten a taste of it to some extent. We've had some great environments here the last two years, but I think this one's going to be different. Just a sold-out crowd that is ready to erupt. I'm excited to hear it from Husky Nation here in our stadium. This place is known for that awesome environment.

Our players are excited about that as well. Coach, always appreciate your time. Good luck. I'll let you get back to preparation. We do appreciate you joining us today for a few minutes. My pleasure. Thank you.