July 23, 2024 • 30 mins
Kalen DeBoer, former Dawgs and now Alabama football coach joins Dave Softy Mahler and Hugh Millen to talk about departing UW after the National Championship, how the timeline played out in January, the UW extension offer, Athletic Director differences at Washington, the roster fallout that happened, following Nick Saban, and Tybo Rogers.
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Live from the R and R FoundationSpecialist Broadcast studio. Now back to Softie
and Dick, your home for theHuskies and the Kraken Sports Radio ninety three
point three KJR FM. You know, he If you would have told us
ten months ago that July twenty third, twenty twenty four, you and Safie
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we'll be talking to Kailn de Boor, you would have thought, Okay,
we're talking about year three Husky Campstarting soon, all that stuff, and
here we are and it's none ofthat stuff. It's a completely different conversation.
The last time we had this guyon the air with us was the
morning after the National Championship game.We were in Houston doing the morning show,
exhausted from a long night, andKlen jumped on with us after the
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lost to Michigan and Mio. My, what a lot has happened since then.
The head coach of the Alabama CrimsonTide and the former head coach of
the Washington Huskies, Kaitlin de Boor, is back with us on the radio
program six months later. Klen,how are you? I'm good. It's
good to hear familiar voice, Softie, and hope you're doing well. Thanks
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for having me on. We justappreciated what you what you did for me,
So it's great to be on withyou. Well, Hugh milling is
here as well. We appreciate youdoing this. It's been a long time
and not the circumstances any of uswould have liked to be talking with.
All of us would have loved foryou to have stayed at Washington for a
long long time, but that didnot happen. So I why don't be
just first of all, before weget into some details, give us just
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kind of some thoughts on how thingshave gone for you for the last six
months, the move to Alabama,the move to Tuscaloosa, everything that transpired
after the Michigan game. What's what'syour life been like for the last six
months? Kalen, Yeah, Imean anytime there's a move, I don't
care what it is, what aprofession you're in. You know, you're
you're picking up your family, andyou know you're selling house and finding a
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place to live, and so there'sa lot to that. And of course
when you're coaching a football team,you know there's a lot to that as
well, especially in today's you know, time of college football. But it's
been and extremely welcoming for me andmy family there at Tuscaloosa. It's gone
well. I think our staff isdoing a great job in all facets,
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whether it's with our team, whetherit's with the recruiting, you know,
just building it. And it's hardto believe that a week from now,
all of us are going to beon the football field, whether it's at
Alabama or across the country. Football'shere. Yeah, well, let's let's
let's talk about kind of what youleft behind here. And let's first of
all talk about the fans, becauseI'll be honest with you that when we
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talked about doing this, we knewthere was going to be some hard feelings
from from some portions of the Huskyfan base. And I know that you
get that the passion runs deep inSeattle. But for the fans that are
angry, for the fans that arehurt by you taking off some fans or
even asking today, why not aletter on social media? Why no formal
goodbye? Talk to those people outthere that still harbor those feelings of frustration
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and disappointment. Yeah sure, yeah, I mean I think, you know,
first of all, my family andI and I mean staff, I
think would be included all our players. I mean, just the time for
me and my family. You know, those two years are something that gonna
be some of the most special inour life. Just the experiences of the
relationships, the memories that we have, you know, just will never be
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forgotten. And I think, youknow, you're talking about a letter or
something like that, you know,and I think you just go back to
that weekend and you know, itwas a Friday, you know, you
accept a job, and I thinkthat the whole, you know, the
whole focus had to be on thepeople there. I referred to the landscape
of college football and the portal andit being a contact period and a team
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that just lost the legendary coach andcoach Saban. You know, a lot,
a lot of things are happening fast, and I think that you know,
pouring every minute and every second Ihad into the players, I think
it paid off. I think ithelped in us retaining some guys on the
team. I think it helped inus, you know, efficiently highing a
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great coaching staff. And you know, I think there's a window that you
kind of can hit on to dosomething like that. And I guess I
had never done it in the past, you know, at any other places,
and I love every other place I'vebeen to as part of my journey,
and I know it was a specialyear that you dubbed, so just
you know, nothing intentional that way. I I've tried to use and been
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fortunate enough to have pretty much theinterview on to have an interview, whether
it's local or national, and evenin the press conference to trying to continue
to express my appreciation for you duband you know, everyone that you know
makes that program go. And Iguess I would also just say that it's
been I'm pretty grateful for the Alabamafan base and even our players just understanding
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that this is a part of myjourney. And when I do answer these
questions, uh, you know publiclythat you know, they've allowed me to
speak freely, and you know,and at the same time, while we're
building our team here at Alabama,well, it's great that you're coming on
to answer these questions so that Huskyfans can get some closure and wish you
well at Bama. Now you mentionedFriday, that was that was January twelfth.
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Of course we played Michigan on Mondaythe eighth. A lot of fans
are wondering about the timeline, likewhen did you first have contact I'm not
gonna say with Alabama representatives, butany agent, conduit, proxy, anybody
representing Alabama's interest that timeline. Youtake the job on Friday, When did
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you first have any contacts through intermediariesabout the Alabama job? Sure, yeah,
I'm not. I don't feel likeI'm I'm sharing anything that's not out
there publicly. I think, whetherit be Greg Burn or myself, different
interviews that have been kind of documentedthat timeline, you know, late would
be Wednesday, Wednesday night late,you know, tennish eleven o'clock that night,
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really not talking to anyone, justkind of an understanding that they would
like to interview me. And youknow Thursday that interview happening. No no
real job offer or anything like that. Really, that all happened on Friday,
And so just being really transparent again, I think most of it's kind
of pretty much out there for everyoneto have seen already before now. But
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you know, that's really the timeline. It's as simple as that. H
I found out just like every otherperson across the country and was kind of
blown away when coach Saban announced hisretirement and it became public so on that
Monday the eighth, for those Huskyfans that in the aftermath of that painful
loss to Michigan, if there's anythought that that Klein de Boord, the
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head coach, had any distractions becauseof prior communication about the Alabama job.
You're saying that you had no ideaand there was nothing there, and and
that that there was no even apotential for there to have been a distraction
on that Monday night. Yeah.Zero, I mean zero percent chance.
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There was no distractions that always,I guess, you know, really zero.
And I've always prided myself and havingone hundred percent focus, and that's
exactly what myself and our whole staffhad, whether it be that game any
other games. I know I've beenasked this question a few times, so
I know it's out there. Butthere was never any indication we were one
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hundred percent focused on on our team, and there was never an indication that
any opportunities such as Alabama would evenpop up. And so you know,
I take pride. I know Igave it everything I had. That was
a heart heartbreaker, just because Ithink we had high expectations and went in
there feeling we could win that thing. And so you know, that's that
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was a hard night, not justfor fans and players, but coaches as
well. Yeah. Well, CalenDebora is with us on the radio show,
and you know there's been reports andyou can confirm it that there was
a contract offer that was made byTroy Danon sometime after the first Oregon win
at Husky Stadium. And I guess, for lack of a better question,
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when that first initial contract offer camein, uh, why didn't you take
it? Uh? Yeah, Imean I think that that timing, I
mean where we were at with theconversations at that time, I mean just
at the regular season and just knowingthat it wasn't kind of where it needed
to be at that at that point, and then it kind of led into
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the latter part of the season ofNovember, you know, just again it
got to the point where conference championshipscoming up, and I really felt in
my heart that we would get toa point at the end of the season
where we could, you know,get this all resolved and be in a
great spot. And so I just, again, like I said earlier,
wanted to put one hundred percent intojust being locked in with the team,
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having full confidence and still building thatrelationship at the time with Troy Dana,
you know. And I can't expressenough appreciation for all the leadership that you
dub whether it be Jen Cohen whohired me, or President Halsey, you
know, the board there. Youknow, I just I, you know,
I want that to be kind ofthe way I feel. But I
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understand that you're asking questions about thetimeline and I can't remember even specific dates
or or it's more just generally speaking, but you know, it just felt
like it got to the point whereI didn't want those distractions for myself or
the team. Kaylen to boord withus and and Caylen, I'm gonna pick
up on a couple of points there. First of all, I'm gonna just
kind of speak, uh uh fromwhat I learned about Troy Dan, and
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if I was a coach, Iwould rather be uh I have Jen Cohen
as my d than Troy Dan.And and so I'm I'm curious just the
nature described to us the differences betweenDan and Cohen. And then and then
you you also said that there wasan underwhelming offer after the Oregon game.
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Uh, that's that's my words,But that's my interpretation of what you said.
What about that idea of Dan andversus Cohen and their differences and that
offer, maybe speaking in greater detailabout what you thought about that offer after
the Organ first Organ game. Yeah, yeah, shoot, I'm I'm not
really going to get into comparing,you know, but I do know that
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I mean Jen you know, uh, I mean she was all in and
just going through the process of evenmyself being hired there, just such a
strong leader and uh, you know, I appreciate the way she took a
chance on me at the time.You know, there's a lot of questions
on whether I could do the jobthere, coming from a group of five
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school and she took that chance.And you know, I hope everyone appreciates
the time she put in there aswell. But uh, you know,
we're still family, friends and allof that, and you know, I
don't want to get in just sucha brief amount of time there with Troy,
you know, trying to get toknow he was busy trying to get
his move and all that kind ofstuff too, So it was just you
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know, very few face to facekind of interactions just because of how busy
he was, and you know,we're in the middle of the football season,
so you know, that relationship probablynot really coming even close to where
it was with Jen, but that'sunderstandably so just based on the amount of
time we were together. Well,Kaylen, Debora's with us and Klen.
One of the things that we hearda lot from from Husky fans after you
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left is look at what the rosterlooks like now, and Jetfish I think
has done a really good job rebuildingit considering the circumstances. But Washington does
not have one offensive lineman back fromlast year that started against Michigan. They've
got two starters back overall, andthat's Elijah Jackson and Carson brun Or.
So for for somebody that would sayhe really left us in a lurch roster
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wise, what do you say tofans that have that take. Yeah,
you know, unfortunately, just againwith the landscape of college football, and
you know, I don't think it'sright that exactly how the rules are with
I mean, I went through itmyself. You know that, you know,
you're really up against it, especiallyin January when every other program has
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their coaches in place, they've gonethrough the Bowl season. You know,
it's a contact period. You know, they're really focused on just those teams
that have the situations that happened likewe'd had at Alabama, at Washington,
at Arizona, and so you know, they're just feasting on the guys.
And I mean, you know,a lot of noise, especially when you're
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talking about teams that had successful seasons, and that means that there's a lot
of talent. So you know,I guess I would just want to say
that, you know, when youput a lot of time into a program,
whether you'ren assistant or a head coach. But I think especially when you're
a head coach, I know I'veI want his programs to be successful after
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I left. I think your goalis always come in and make it better
than it was when you got there. And I think, you know,
a guy like coach Saban, that'sexactly how he wants it. He wants
it to continue on and be better. Chris Peterson, you know, wants
it to continue to improve and andbuild on the foundation that's in place.
Jed Ted, Jeff Hedford, PatHills come to mind. You know at
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Fresno State, and so you knowthat's the case for me, and then
unfortunately, I mean that's not whatyou want. You know, I want
the place to continue to grow.And I think you know, I mean,
I can tell you this, I'llbe I'll be rooting for for that,
for Washington and those programs that Imentioned, the places I've been forever.
Obviously, if we're playing each other, I got, you know,
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uh, specific interests involved for myselfand my team at Alabama. But you
know, I just that's that's theway I would answer, just kind of
you know, wish it, wishit, wish them well, and you
know, hope that you know,you can build it back quickly. Kaylen
to board with us and and Caitlyn, you appear to have violated one of
the ten commandments of coaching and andand they always say, don't follow a
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legend, right you've heard and andso yet you're you're throwing yourself into the
fire in that regard. And that'scompounded by I think a lot of people
would say even a younger Nick Sabanif he was trying to coach now,
let's say a fifty year old Sabanwith the nil and the portal and all
the differences that it would be hardeven for a saban Uh to be successful
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anywhere, including Alabama. What aboutthat idea that you have tackled the ultimate
challenge and the ultimate you know,violation of the rule don't follow the legend.
What's your what's your response to them? Right? Uh? Yeah,
I totally get it. Been toldthat many times, heard it many times,
and you know, I think whenit comes to Alabama, you know,
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you certainly get what Coach Saban needsthe program and and what he's done
and and you know, he's builtthe infrastructure and you know, by winning
more resources have been put in placeover the years, and so you know,
I have nothing but gratitude and CoachSaban's been awesome for you know,
the first six months here and howhe's you know, when I needed to
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been there to help and answer aquestion here or there, whatever it might
be. But you know, Ithink there's just such an alignment that happens
that exists at Alabama from doctor Bellour president to Greg Burn, our ad
and I just felt the strong,the strong foundation that's in place and that
alignment and Greg Burn really coming tome and having me be a part of
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his vision. I just feel likewe can continue to build on the areas,
and you know, today's day andage of college football, it's hard
to sustain it over a long periodof time. But I feel if there's
any place they can do it,we can do it at Alabama. Well,
Calen de Bora is with us,and I do want to relive some
of last year because it was aspecial season obviously, But you know,
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we talked about some of the concernsand questions that fans that had, you
know, had and Hugh mentioned,you know, the Michigan game, was
there a distraction? You addressed that, you know, knowing about Saban's retirement,
you addressed that. One of thequestions I get a lot from people
is the Tiber Rogers situation. Calen, he sits out the Oregon game in
the Pac twelve Championship and then playsagainst Texas and plays against Michigan seemingly with
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some pretty nasty accusations hanging over hishead. How would you address folks that
are wondering why Tiber Rogers was playingin those games? Yeah, I mean,
Sotia, I totally appreciate the question. Understand, you know, especially
people that aren't close to the situation, Questions that I have. I just
you know, I put out statementthis spring too, just in regards to
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this. But you know, Ijust say that it's important me if all
the policies, procedures, It's alwaysbeen important and always will be, you
know, and those that were inplace. I'm one hundred percent convinced that
incompetent that we did that, whetherit was me or the rest of the
administration there at the university. Andso you know, you know, that's
really all I can say in regardsthat situation is that, you know,
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I feel confident that we followed thepolicies procedures that are in place. Got
it? And again, Kitlein deBora's with us, and I think I
speak for Hugh when I say bothof us are extremely grateful for the time
you spend on mot Lake. Imean both of us are bummed out beyond
belief that you took off hoping thatJeed Fish can continue the magic. But
when a guy goes twenty five andthree and beats Oregon three times, has
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a guy that finished his second theHeisman Trophy, first New Year six Bowl
wins since the Rose Bull in twothousand and plays for a national championship,
I would call that a massive success. And I appreciate the time you spend
here because I know you as aman, I know you as a coach,
and I'll never trade anything from thelast two years for anything. But
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for the fans out there that feeldifferently, how do you want to be
remembered? How does Caitlin de Borwant his time in Seattle to be thought
of? And five, ten,fifteen, twenty years down the road.
Yeah, I mean, I'm notin this profession to have statues or anything
like that. I think those areall a result of success, and I
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get it. But man, whatI what I hope it's just always about
wherever I've been and Washington be inthe same case, is that they trust
and believe they gave you gave themeverything to had, and that was with
our players, that was in thecommunity, and that you know, you
know, just can be you know, build a continue to have those relationships,
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and you know, I'm certainly goingto be coming back to campus.
You know, I got a daughterthat's on the softball team there and she's
so fired up. She's got tospend a month there with the bridge program
Leap in the summer and just loveseverything about you know, what's happening there.
And I you know, we allknow what Heather tar is as far
as a softball coach, She's asgood as it gets. And so,
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you know, the relationships, thememories, all of that at you know,
just that we can continue, youknow, someday look back on it
and celebrate it. There's a lotof great players that poured so much into
it, and I, you know, I expressed my appreciation and great grateful
to have those guys, you know, and thankful for them as well.
So a lot of these guys youcan't even you know, really reach out
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to yet because they're on other rosters, you know, and looking forward that
time when they move on to thenext level and I can, uh,
you know, I have to contactwith them, but you know, just
two great years, like you said, and I hope we can all look
at some points appreciation for what itwas and see that it was a stepping
stone for even a greater time thanin Husky football. And you know,
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Kaylen, picking up on what Davesaid, uh, you know, I'm
gonna echo similar statement what I've said, and I'm gonna say to you,
I'm a big fan of Kaitlin deBoor for two reasons number with respects to
this question. First of all,it's Bama's Bama. I'm never gonna fall
to a Husky coach who's earned theopportunity to coach there. If that's what
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he wants to do, that's hisvalues. And then secondly, there's people
that I know that were back whenI was playing in the mid eighties and
everybody said, you know before youleft there, like, hey, this
guy is is nothing but class andsupportive and kind and considered to every single
person in the building. That goesa long way with me. So I'm
a KDB fan forever. But youmentioned statue, and Don James has a
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statue, and you know what Isaid is, hey, look, Don
James was pursued by Ohio State andhe said, I've got everything that I
want at Washington. That's what CarolJames told me that a few months ago,
and that's a story that's been repeatedin Husky circles. So I say,
I support Kaitlyn de Boor's values forthose who wish that you had those
values to say, hey, Washington'sgot everything I want. I want to
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be a legend there. You chosesomething else, What in your mind did
Alabama provide that was just such anallure? And and and then now that
you've been there, is there somethingthat that you didn't know that draws even
more so? What what have youlearned about Alabama and now that you've taken
the job? Sure? Yeah,no, I appreciate that question. You
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have grateful for your uh, youknow, your perspective and even understanding kind
of even in in how you youpreface the question you asked there, And
I know, I think I kindof answered it earlier, maybe just a
little bit, you know, withthe infrastructure of the depth, I mean,
I think that of the program andthis has got such a consistent,
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consistent tradition, you know, prestigethat you know, when you're from Afar
you kind of have just noticed overmany years, you know, and Coach
Haven's obviously been a part of that, and I've observed that. But you
know, going back to that alignmentand just uh, you know, the
magnitude of what the program is,the passion that the the region of the
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country, the the the city atTuscaloosa and all its fan base. It's
different, you know, just geographically, you know where we're at. I
mean, the passion, it's ait's a different not ye, but it's
a different, different look just becauseI mean there's no professional teams of any
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you know, sport they're in Alabama. I mean, you know, we're
really the show and you know yousee that. And that's not just been
for a couple of years, that'sbeen over decades, and so you know,
there's there's just a lot of thingsthat make it really special. And
I hate saying it that way becauseit takes it. It makes me feel
like Washington's not This is the onlyplace that I would have left Washington for
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I'll just put it that way.And it's just the timing of it.
It is what it is. Andyeah, I feel like I'm at a
great place and all the things thatI hoped would be at Alabama and come
to fruition. You know, it'sonly six months in, but they're happening.
And so I'm excited about the futurethere, but grateful for everything that
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Washington has and we'll continue to havemy time there as well. Well.
There's only one way to settle this, in my opinion, home and home
with a Crimson tide. You comehere, we go there, Let's find
a way to settle this on thefield. Are you in okay? Sounds
good, Saftie. I feel yeah, we're good. We're good. Hat's
on the phone right now. Ishould have known that would come from the
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safe. Get it done, man, make it happen, all right,
listen, thanks for doing this,Thanks for everything you did for Washington.
Time for everyone to turn a pagethough and move on, so us to
luck down the road and we'll talksoon. Man. Thank you. Yeah,
I appreciate you, guys, thankyou. Thanks Kleen Klin de bor
with us. We'll come back withsome reaction next on ninety three to three
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kJ r FM from the R andR Foundation Specialist broadcast studio. Now back
to Saftie and Dick gone your homefor the Huskies and the Creek in Sports
Radio ninety three point three jr F. There is no distraction. There was
never any indication we were one DCfocused on our team, and there was
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never an indication that any opportunities suchas Alabama would even pop up. That
was a hard night, not justfor bands and players, but coaches as
well. Well. That's the voiceof Candin de boor Hugh who was just
on with us last segment you askedhim about the notion that some people had
that he was distracted by the pendingAlabama offer or job during that Monday night
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against the Michigan Wolverines, and hesays there was zero percent of that going
on during that game. Do youbelieve him when he says that. I
think it's plausible. You know,the fact that Jimmy Sexton is Nick Saban's
agent, you know, makes memy eyebrow raised. But but look,
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I think he sounded like convicted man. I think he's he's a good man,
and and you know, I'm gonnaI just choose to take him,
uh for his word. I Ithought I thought it was interesting. He
didn't really answer the follow up,but the uh uh the question or or
his response about the offer right afterthe Oregon game. Who Gains? It
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was my words? Maybe maybe uhmaybe Jackson get the exact answer. But
he said that there was something lackingor or something there. You know,
he clearly under impressed, unimpressed withthat contract offer all you know that was
offered after the first Oregon game.Yeah, that's that's what he said,
that it was lacking. I II I believe that's the exact word.
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That he used and it wasn't upto what they thought it was going to
be. I mean, when you'vegot Jimmy Sexton, who was the Scott
Boris of college football, he's notlooking for an offer that's competitive. He's
looking to make his client the highestpaid coach in college football. I mean,
look at what Look at what JimmySexton did with the Kalin de Boris
situation and how he turned that intoa raise for guys like Mike Norvell,
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guys like Dan Lanning, guys likeSteve Starkesian and doubled more than doubled Kaaln
de Boor's salary at Alabama. Thereports over ten million dollars a year in
tuscaloosas So, when I will justtell you this, and I've said this
on the year, I said itto Dick during the season, when the
word came out that Kailin de Boorhired Jimmy Sexton as his agent, I
got really really concerned, really concernedthat this guy is playing a game that
(26:23):
Washington simply put cannot play. AndI do think things would have been potentially
different if Jen Cone was the ad. But I also think the allure of
Alabama Hugh in the end would havewon out and he would have left.
Yeah. I think that's true.And I think you know, on the
on our list here, you know, on each one, I say,
hey, is he likely to answerthat question? I mean, we'd want
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to know the answer. And I'lljust say this, and I have no
hesitation. I don't want to getinto why I'm gonna say this, but
the difference between Troy Dannon and JenCohen, right, I'm not saying it's
a deal breaker, but it's alot more attractive for a coach to be
there with Jen. No question withTroy Dane ques And you know if somebody,
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if somebody's kind of like on theblade of a knife, like hey,
you know all the other components thatcould absolutely tip somebody over in favor
of Look, I don't want todeal with this guy. Yeah, you
know. Yeah, jih Way askedhuiye Troy dan The quote was it wasn't
where it needed to be. Okay, so underwhelming offer correct And you know
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that that that's something that you know, Washington has some culpability that well,
you got to understand the market absolutely. And now we turn the page to
Jetfish and you know, history getsto you know, write kaelin to boor
in the in the record books,and I'm curious how Husky fans in five,
ten, fifteen, if he everdoes come back and you know,
plays a role. I mean,you know, Rick Neuheisel hasn't really been
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that involved at Washington since he waslet go in two thousand and three or
whatever year it was. And obviouslyTyrone Willingham will never be in the I
don't think I can see him beinghonored much at Washington. But Kalyn de
Board gave us some of the greatestmoments of our lives as Husky fans.
I've got pictures all over my mancave from the twenty twenty three season.
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Kim Grennel's just sent me a copyof Dylan Johnson's game winning run, you
know, against the Oregon Ducks,which is one of the great wins I've
ever been a part of in Washingtonhistory, and he was responsible for that.
Am I bummed out beyond belief thathe left. Absolutely, do I
like the way he left? No, I don't you know. We've addressed
that off the air and on theair and talked about it right there.
(28:33):
With the lack of a goodbye letter, you know, to Husky, you
know, football fans. But ifyou're telling me that we can go back
and not hire Klein and hire somebodyelse and not have those potential moments that
he gave us, I would sayno, no. I would say no.
I would say I would not changea thing. If you're telling me,
I can have this guy who's gonnago twenty five and three, beat
Oregon three times, including the twobiggest wins ever in that rivalry's history,
(28:59):
second and the Heisman for the highestfinisher ever, win a New Year Six
game for the first time since twowee and the Rose Bowl, and then
play for a national championship. Butmy, my, my, my pasta
is the guy takes off for Alabamaafter two years. I'd say, where
do I sign? And I woulddo it all over again. Hugh everything
over Will said. I agree withall of that, and I just you
(29:21):
know, it's it's hard for me. I, you know, trying to
be objective about Washington's standing. Youknow, I look and I say,
I could be very easily convinced thatWashington is a top fifteen program. And
then you say, okay, wellover what duration, Well that's that's kind
of a nebulous you know, floatinggoal post? Right? Is it over
the last few years? Is itover the last generation? Is over?
(29:44):
Two generations? It over a century? You know, we know that the
sexy names, right, there's ahalf a dozen that you know, Washington
is just not at at that level. It's at a really really high level.
But it's not at Michigan, OhioState, Notre Dame, Oklahoma,
Alabama. All right, you seewe're gonna brand. Yeah, no,
go ahead, finish up. No, No, I'm just and saying so
(30:06):
if a guy has an opportunity,I love it. If he stays like
Don James, and then that's whyyou get statues. If he doesn't,
I don't hold it against him.Well, let's get a break. We're
gonna switch gears. Brian Schmetzer hasgot his weekly visit. We'll chat with
him next on ninety three three kJR f M
Live from the R and R FoundationSpecialist Broadcast studio. Now back to Softie
and Dick, your home for theHuskies and the Kraken Sports Radio ninety three
point three KJR FM. You know, he If you would have told us
ten months ago that July twenty third, twenty twenty four, you and Safie
(00:21):
we'll be talking to Kailn de Boor, you would have thought, Okay,
we're talking about year three Husky Campstarting soon, all that stuff, and
here we are and it's none ofthat stuff. It's a completely different conversation.
The last time we had this guyon the air with us was the
morning after the National Championship game.We were in Houston doing the morning show,
exhausted from a long night, andKlen jumped on with us after the
(00:42):
lost to Michigan and Mio. My, what a lot has happened since then.
The head coach of the Alabama CrimsonTide and the former head coach of
the Washington Huskies, Kaitlin de Boor, is back with us on the radio
program six months later. Klen,how are you? I'm good. It's
good to hear familiar voice, Softie, and hope you're doing well. Thanks
(01:03):
for having me on. We justappreciated what you what you did for me,
So it's great to be on withyou. Well, Hugh milling is
here as well. We appreciate youdoing this. It's been a long time
and not the circumstances any of uswould have liked to be talking with.
All of us would have loved foryou to have stayed at Washington for a
long long time, but that didnot happen. So I why don't be
just first of all, before weget into some details, give us just
(01:23):
kind of some thoughts on how thingshave gone for you for the last six
months, the move to Alabama,the move to Tuscaloosa, everything that transpired
after the Michigan game. What's what'syour life been like for the last six
months? Kalen, Yeah, Imean anytime there's a move, I don't
care what it is, what aprofession you're in. You know, you're
you're picking up your family, andyou know you're selling house and finding a
(01:47):
place to live, and so there'sa lot to that. And of course
when you're coaching a football team,you know there's a lot to that as
well, especially in today's you know, time of college football. But it's
been and extremely welcoming for me andmy family there at Tuscaloosa. It's gone
well. I think our staff isdoing a great job in all facets,
(02:08):
whether it's with our team, whetherit's with the recruiting, you know,
just building it. And it's hardto believe that a week from now,
all of us are going to beon the football field, whether it's at
Alabama or across the country. Football'shere. Yeah, well, let's let's
let's talk about kind of what youleft behind here. And let's first of
all talk about the fans, becauseI'll be honest with you that when we
(02:29):
talked about doing this, we knewthere was going to be some hard feelings
from from some portions of the Huskyfan base. And I know that you
get that the passion runs deep inSeattle. But for the fans that are
angry, for the fans that arehurt by you taking off some fans or
even asking today, why not aletter on social media? Why no formal
goodbye? Talk to those people outthere that still harbor those feelings of frustration
(02:52):
and disappointment. Yeah sure, yeah, I mean I think, you know,
first of all, my family andI and I mean staff, I
think would be included all our players. I mean, just the time for
me and my family. You know, those two years are something that gonna
be some of the most special inour life. Just the experiences of the
relationships, the memories that we have, you know, just will never be
(03:15):
forgotten. And I think, youknow, you're talking about a letter or
something like that, you know,and I think you just go back to
that weekend and you know, itwas a Friday, you know, you
accept a job, and I thinkthat the whole, you know, the
whole focus had to be on thepeople there. I referred to the landscape
of college football and the portal andit being a contact period and a team
(03:38):
that just lost the legendary coach andcoach Saban. You know, a lot,
a lot of things are happening fast, and I think that you know,
pouring every minute and every second Ihad into the players, I think
it paid off. I think ithelped in us retaining some guys on the
team. I think it helped inus, you know, efficiently highing a
(04:00):
great coaching staff. And you know, I think there's a window that you
kind of can hit on to dosomething like that. And I guess I
had never done it in the past, you know, at any other places,
and I love every other place I'vebeen to as part of my journey,
and I know it was a specialyear that you dubbed, so just
you know, nothing intentional that way. I I've tried to use and been
(04:23):
fortunate enough to have pretty much theinterview on to have an interview, whether
it's local or national, and evenin the press conference to trying to continue
to express my appreciation for you duband you know, everyone that you know
makes that program go. And Iguess I would also just say that it's
been I'm pretty grateful for the Alabamafan base and even our players just understanding
(04:46):
that this is a part of myjourney. And when I do answer these
questions, uh, you know publiclythat you know, they've allowed me to
speak freely, and you know,and at the same time, while we're
building our team here at Alabama,well, it's great that you're coming on
to answer these questions so that Huskyfans can get some closure and wish you
well at Bama. Now you mentionedFriday, that was that was January twelfth.
(05:09):
Of course we played Michigan on Mondaythe eighth. A lot of fans
are wondering about the timeline, likewhen did you first have contact I'm not
gonna say with Alabama representatives, butany agent, conduit, proxy, anybody
representing Alabama's interest that timeline. Youtake the job on Friday, When did
(05:30):
you first have any contacts through intermediariesabout the Alabama job? Sure, yeah,
I'm not. I don't feel likeI'm I'm sharing anything that's not out
there publicly. I think, whetherit be Greg Burn or myself, different
interviews that have been kind of documentedthat timeline, you know, late would
be Wednesday, Wednesday night late,you know, tennish eleven o'clock that night,
(05:54):
really not talking to anyone, justkind of an understanding that they would
like to interview me. And youknow Thursday that interview happening. No no
real job offer or anything like that. Really, that all happened on Friday,
And so just being really transparent again, I think most of it's kind
of pretty much out there for everyoneto have seen already before now. But
(06:17):
you know, that's really the timeline. It's as simple as that. H
I found out just like every otherperson across the country and was kind of
blown away when coach Saban announced hisretirement and it became public so on that
Monday the eighth, for those Huskyfans that in the aftermath of that painful
loss to Michigan, if there's anythought that that Klein de Boord, the
(06:40):
head coach, had any distractions becauseof prior communication about the Alabama job.
You're saying that you had no ideaand there was nothing there, and and
that that there was no even apotential for there to have been a distraction
on that Monday night. Yeah.Zero, I mean zero percent chance.
(07:00):
There was no distractions that always,I guess, you know, really zero.
And I've always prided myself and havingone hundred percent focus, and that's
exactly what myself and our whole staffhad, whether it be that game any
other games. I know I've beenasked this question a few times, so
I know it's out there. Butthere was never any indication we were one
(07:25):
hundred percent focused on on our team, and there was never an indication that
any opportunities such as Alabama would evenpop up. And so you know,
I take pride. I know Igave it everything I had. That was
a heart heartbreaker, just because Ithink we had high expectations and went in
there feeling we could win that thing. And so you know, that's that
(07:47):
was a hard night, not justfor fans and players, but coaches as
well. Yeah. Well, CalenDebora is with us on the radio show,
and you know there's been reports andyou can confirm it that there was
a contract offer that was made byTroy Danon sometime after the first Oregon win
at Husky Stadium. And I guess, for lack of a better question,
(08:09):
when that first initial contract offer camein, uh, why didn't you take
it? Uh? Yeah, Imean I think that that timing, I
mean where we were at with theconversations at that time, I mean just
at the regular season and just knowingthat it wasn't kind of where it needed
to be at that at that point, and then it kind of led into
(08:31):
the latter part of the season ofNovember, you know, just again it
got to the point where conference championshipscoming up, and I really felt in
my heart that we would get toa point at the end of the season
where we could, you know,get this all resolved and be in a
great spot. And so I just, again, like I said earlier,
wanted to put one hundred percent intojust being locked in with the team,
(08:54):
having full confidence and still building thatrelationship at the time with Troy Dana,
you know. And I can't expressenough appreciation for all the leadership that you
dub whether it be Jen Cohen whohired me, or President Halsey, you
know, the board there. Youknow, I just I, you know,
I want that to be kind ofthe way I feel. But I
(09:16):
understand that you're asking questions about thetimeline and I can't remember even specific dates
or or it's more just generally speaking, but you know, it just felt
like it got to the point whereI didn't want those distractions for myself or
the team. Kaylen to boord withus and and Caylen, I'm gonna pick
up on a couple of points there. First of all, I'm gonna just
kind of speak, uh uh fromwhat I learned about Troy Dan, and
(09:41):
if I was a coach, Iwould rather be uh I have Jen Cohen
as my d than Troy Dan.And and so I'm I'm curious just the
nature described to us the differences betweenDan and Cohen. And then and then
you you also said that there wasan underwhelming offer after the Oregon game.
(10:03):
Uh, that's that's my words,But that's my interpretation of what you said.
What about that idea of Dan andversus Cohen and their differences and that
offer, maybe speaking in greater detailabout what you thought about that offer after
the Organ first Organ game. Yeah, yeah, shoot, I'm I'm not
really going to get into comparing,you know, but I do know that
(10:24):
I mean Jen you know, uh, I mean she was all in and
just going through the process of evenmyself being hired there, just such a
strong leader and uh, you know, I appreciate the way she took a
chance on me at the time.You know, there's a lot of questions
on whether I could do the jobthere, coming from a group of five
(10:46):
school and she took that chance.And you know, I hope everyone appreciates
the time she put in there aswell. But uh, you know,
we're still family, friends and allof that, and you know, I
don't want to get in just sucha brief amount of time there with Troy,
you know, trying to get toknow he was busy trying to get
his move and all that kind ofstuff too, So it was just you
(11:09):
know, very few face to facekind of interactions just because of how busy
he was, and you know,we're in the middle of the football season,
so you know, that relationship probablynot really coming even close to where
it was with Jen, but that'sunderstandably so just based on the amount of
time we were together. Well,Kaylen, Debora's with us and Klen.
One of the things that we hearda lot from from Husky fans after you
(11:31):
left is look at what the rosterlooks like now, and Jetfish I think
has done a really good job rebuildingit considering the circumstances. But Washington does
not have one offensive lineman back fromlast year that started against Michigan. They've
got two starters back overall, andthat's Elijah Jackson and Carson brun Or.
So for for somebody that would sayhe really left us in a lurch roster
(11:54):
wise, what do you say tofans that have that take. Yeah,
you know, unfortunately, just againwith the landscape of college football, and
you know, I don't think it'sright that exactly how the rules are with
I mean, I went through itmyself. You know that, you know,
you're really up against it, especiallyin January when every other program has
(12:18):
their coaches in place, they've gonethrough the Bowl season. You know,
it's a contact period. You know, they're really focused on just those teams
that have the situations that happened likewe'd had at Alabama, at Washington,
at Arizona, and so you know, they're just feasting on the guys.
And I mean, you know,a lot of noise, especially when you're
(12:41):
talking about teams that had successful seasons, and that means that there's a lot
of talent. So you know,I guess I would just want to say
that, you know, when youput a lot of time into a program,
whether you'ren assistant or a head coach. But I think especially when you're
a head coach, I know I'veI want his programs to be successful after
(13:01):
I left. I think your goalis always come in and make it better
than it was when you got there. And I think, you know,
a guy like coach Saban, that'sexactly how he wants it. He wants
it to continue on and be better. Chris Peterson, you know, wants
it to continue to improve and andbuild on the foundation that's in place.
Jed Ted, Jeff Hedford, PatHills come to mind. You know at
(13:24):
Fresno State, and so you knowthat's the case for me, and then
unfortunately, I mean that's not whatyou want. You know, I want
the place to continue to grow.And I think you know, I mean,
I can tell you this, I'llbe I'll be rooting for for that,
for Washington and those programs that Imentioned, the places I've been forever.
Obviously, if we're playing each other, I got, you know,
(13:48):
uh, specific interests involved for myselfand my team at Alabama. But you
know, I just that's that's theway I would answer, just kind of
you know, wish it, wishit, wish them well, and you
know, hope that you know,you can build it back quickly. Kaylen
to board with us and and Caitlyn, you appear to have violated one of
the ten commandments of coaching and andand they always say, don't follow a
(14:09):
legend, right you've heard and andso yet you're you're throwing yourself into the
fire in that regard. And that'scompounded by I think a lot of people
would say even a younger Nick Sabanif he was trying to coach now,
let's say a fifty year old Sabanwith the nil and the portal and all
the differences that it would be hardeven for a saban Uh to be successful
(14:31):
anywhere, including Alabama. What aboutthat idea that you have tackled the ultimate
challenge and the ultimate you know,violation of the rule don't follow the legend.
What's your what's your response to them? Right? Uh? Yeah,
I totally get it. Been toldthat many times, heard it many times,
and you know, I think whenit comes to Alabama, you know,
(14:52):
you certainly get what Coach Saban needsthe program and and what he's done
and and you know, he's builtthe infrastructure and you know, by winning
more resources have been put in placeover the years, and so you know,
I have nothing but gratitude and CoachSaban's been awesome for you know,
the first six months here and howhe's you know, when I needed to
(15:15):
been there to help and answer aquestion here or there, whatever it might
be. But you know, Ithink there's just such an alignment that happens
that exists at Alabama from doctor Bellour president to Greg Burn, our ad
and I just felt the strong,the strong foundation that's in place and that
alignment and Greg Burn really coming tome and having me be a part of
(15:37):
his vision. I just feel likewe can continue to build on the areas,
and you know, today's day andage of college football, it's hard
to sustain it over a long periodof time. But I feel if there's
any place they can do it,we can do it at Alabama. Well,
Calen de Bora is with us,and I do want to relive some
of last year because it was aspecial season obviously, But you know,
(16:00):
we talked about some of the concernsand questions that fans that had, you
know, had and Hugh mentioned,you know, the Michigan game, was
there a distraction? You addressed that, you know, knowing about Saban's retirement,
you addressed that. One of thequestions I get a lot from people
is the Tiber Rogers situation. Calen, he sits out the Oregon game in
the Pac twelve Championship and then playsagainst Texas and plays against Michigan seemingly with
(16:22):
some pretty nasty accusations hanging over hishead. How would you address folks that
are wondering why Tiber Rogers was playingin those games? Yeah, I mean,
Sotia, I totally appreciate the question. Understand, you know, especially
people that aren't close to the situation, Questions that I have. I just
you know, I put out statementthis spring too, just in regards to
(16:44):
this. But you know, Ijust say that it's important me if all
the policies, procedures, It's alwaysbeen important and always will be, you
know, and those that were inplace. I'm one hundred percent convinced that
incompetent that we did that, whetherit was me or the rest of the
administration there at the university. Andso you know, you know, that's
really all I can say in regardsthat situation is that, you know,
(17:06):
I feel confident that we followed thepolicies procedures that are in place. Got
it? And again, Kitlein deBora's with us, and I think I
speak for Hugh when I say bothof us are extremely grateful for the time
you spend on mot Lake. Imean both of us are bummed out beyond
belief that you took off hoping thatJeed Fish can continue the magic. But
when a guy goes twenty five andthree and beats Oregon three times, has
(17:30):
a guy that finished his second theHeisman Trophy, first New Year six Bowl
wins since the Rose Bull in twothousand and plays for a national championship,
I would call that a massive success. And I appreciate the time you spend
here because I know you as aman, I know you as a coach,
and I'll never trade anything from thelast two years for anything. But
(17:51):
for the fans out there that feeldifferently, how do you want to be
remembered? How does Caitlin de Borwant his time in Seattle to be thought
of? And five, ten,fifteen, twenty years down the road.
Yeah, I mean, I'm notin this profession to have statues or anything
like that. I think those areall a result of success, and I
(18:11):
get it. But man, whatI what I hope it's just always about
wherever I've been and Washington be inthe same case, is that they trust
and believe they gave you gave themeverything to had, and that was with
our players, that was in thecommunity, and that you know, you
know, just can be you know, build a continue to have those relationships,
(18:32):
and you know, I'm certainly goingto be coming back to campus.
You know, I got a daughterthat's on the softball team there and she's
so fired up. She's got tospend a month there with the bridge program
Leap in the summer and just loveseverything about you know, what's happening there.
And I you know, we allknow what Heather tar is as far
as a softball coach, She's asgood as it gets. And so,
(18:56):
you know, the relationships, thememories, all of that at you know,
just that we can continue, youknow, someday look back on it
and celebrate it. There's a lotof great players that poured so much into
it, and I, you know, I expressed my appreciation and great grateful
to have those guys, you know, and thankful for them as well.
So a lot of these guys youcan't even you know, really reach out
(19:19):
to yet because they're on other rosters, you know, and looking forward that
time when they move on to thenext level and I can, uh,
you know, I have to contactwith them, but you know, just
two great years, like you said, and I hope we can all look
at some points appreciation for what itwas and see that it was a stepping
stone for even a greater time thanin Husky football. And you know,
(19:42):
Kaylen, picking up on what Davesaid, uh, you know, I'm
gonna echo similar statement what I've said, and I'm gonna say to you,
I'm a big fan of Kaitlin deBoor for two reasons number with respects to
this question. First of all,it's Bama's Bama. I'm never gonna fall
to a Husky coach who's earned theopportunity to coach there. If that's what
(20:03):
he wants to do, that's hisvalues. And then secondly, there's people
that I know that were back whenI was playing in the mid eighties and
everybody said, you know before youleft there, like, hey, this
guy is is nothing but class andsupportive and kind and considered to every single
person in the building. That goesa long way with me. So I'm
a KDB fan forever. But youmentioned statue, and Don James has a
(20:30):
statue, and you know what Isaid is, hey, look, Don
James was pursued by Ohio State andhe said, I've got everything that I
want at Washington. That's what CarolJames told me that a few months ago,
and that's a story that's been repeatedin Husky circles. So I say,
I support Kaitlyn de Boor's values forthose who wish that you had those
values to say, hey, Washington'sgot everything I want. I want to
(20:53):
be a legend there. You chosesomething else, What in your mind did
Alabama provide that was just such anallure? And and and then now that
you've been there, is there somethingthat that you didn't know that draws even
more so? What what have youlearned about Alabama and now that you've taken
the job? Sure? Yeah,no, I appreciate that question. You
(21:15):
have grateful for your uh, youknow, your perspective and even understanding kind
of even in in how you youpreface the question you asked there, And
I know, I think I kindof answered it earlier, maybe just a
little bit, you know, withthe infrastructure of the depth, I mean,
I think that of the program andthis has got such a consistent,
(21:36):
consistent tradition, you know, prestigethat you know, when you're from Afar
you kind of have just noticed overmany years, you know, and Coach
Haven's obviously been a part of that, and I've observed that. But you
know, going back to that alignmentand just uh, you know, the
magnitude of what the program is,the passion that the the region of the
(21:56):
country, the the the city atTuscaloosa and all its fan base. It's
different, you know, just geographically, you know where we're at. I
mean, the passion, it's ait's a different not ye, but it's
a different, different look just becauseI mean there's no professional teams of any
(22:17):
you know, sport they're in Alabama. I mean, you know, we're
really the show and you know yousee that. And that's not just been
for a couple of years, that'sbeen over decades, and so you know,
there's there's just a lot of thingsthat make it really special. And
I hate saying it that way becauseit takes it. It makes me feel
like Washington's not This is the onlyplace that I would have left Washington for
(22:41):
I'll just put it that way.And it's just the timing of it.
It is what it is. Andyeah, I feel like I'm at a
great place and all the things thatI hoped would be at Alabama and come
to fruition. You know, it'sonly six months in, but they're happening.
And so I'm excited about the futurethere, but grateful for everything that
(23:02):
Washington has and we'll continue to havemy time there as well. Well.
There's only one way to settle this, in my opinion, home and home
with a Crimson tide. You comehere, we go there, Let's find
a way to settle this on thefield. Are you in okay? Sounds
good, Saftie. I feel yeah, we're good. We're good. Hat's
on the phone right now. Ishould have known that would come from the
(23:26):
safe. Get it done, man, make it happen, all right,
listen, thanks for doing this,Thanks for everything you did for Washington.
Time for everyone to turn a pagethough and move on, so us to
luck down the road and we'll talksoon. Man. Thank you. Yeah,
I appreciate you, guys, thankyou. Thanks Kleen Klin de bor
with us. We'll come back withsome reaction next on ninety three to three
(23:47):
kJ r FM from the R andR Foundation Specialist broadcast studio. Now back
to Saftie and Dick gone your homefor the Huskies and the Creek in Sports
Radio ninety three point three jr F. There is no distraction. There was
never any indication we were one DCfocused on our team, and there was
(24:07):
never an indication that any opportunities suchas Alabama would even pop up. That
was a hard night, not justfor bands and players, but coaches as
well. Well. That's the voiceof Candin de boor Hugh who was just
on with us last segment you askedhim about the notion that some people had
that he was distracted by the pendingAlabama offer or job during that Monday night
(24:30):
against the Michigan Wolverines, and hesays there was zero percent of that going
on during that game. Do youbelieve him when he says that. I
think it's plausible. You know,the fact that Jimmy Sexton is Nick Saban's
agent, you know, makes memy eyebrow raised. But but look,
(24:51):
I think he sounded like convicted man. I think he's he's a good man,
and and you know, I'm gonnaI just choose to take him,
uh for his word. I Ithought I thought it was interesting. He
didn't really answer the follow up,but the uh uh the question or or
his response about the offer right afterthe Oregon game. Who Gains? It
(25:17):
was my words? Maybe maybe uhmaybe Jackson get the exact answer. But
he said that there was something lackingor or something there. You know,
he clearly under impressed, unimpressed withthat contract offer all you know that was
offered after the first Oregon game.Yeah, that's that's what he said,
that it was lacking. I II I believe that's the exact word.
(25:38):
That he used and it wasn't upto what they thought it was going to
be. I mean, when you'vegot Jimmy Sexton, who was the Scott
Boris of college football, he's notlooking for an offer that's competitive. He's
looking to make his client the highestpaid coach in college football. I mean,
look at what Look at what JimmySexton did with the Kalin de Boris
situation and how he turned that intoa raise for guys like Mike Norvell,
(25:59):
guys like Dan Lanning, guys likeSteve Starkesian and doubled more than doubled Kaaln
de Boor's salary at Alabama. Thereports over ten million dollars a year in
tuscaloosas So, when I will justtell you this, and I've said this
on the year, I said itto Dick during the season, when the
word came out that Kailin de Boorhired Jimmy Sexton as his agent, I
got really really concerned, really concernedthat this guy is playing a game that
(26:23):
Washington simply put cannot play. AndI do think things would have been potentially
different if Jen Cone was the ad. But I also think the allure of
Alabama Hugh in the end would havewon out and he would have left.
Yeah. I think that's true.And I think you know, on the
on our list here, you know, on each one, I say,
hey, is he likely to answerthat question? I mean, we'd want
(26:44):
to know the answer. And I'lljust say this, and I have no
hesitation. I don't want to getinto why I'm gonna say this, but
the difference between Troy Dannon and JenCohen, right, I'm not saying it's
a deal breaker, but it's alot more attractive for a coach to be
there with Jen. No question withTroy Dane ques And you know if somebody,
(27:07):
if somebody's kind of like on theblade of a knife, like hey,
you know all the other components thatcould absolutely tip somebody over in favor
of Look, I don't want todeal with this guy. Yeah, you
know. Yeah, jih Way askedhuiye Troy dan The quote was it wasn't
where it needed to be. Okay, so underwhelming offer correct And you know
(27:30):
that that that's something that you know, Washington has some culpability that well,
you got to understand the market absolutely. And now we turn the page to
Jetfish and you know, history getsto you know, write kaelin to boor
in the in the record books,and I'm curious how Husky fans in five,
ten, fifteen, if he everdoes come back and you know,
plays a role. I mean,you know, Rick Neuheisel hasn't really been
(27:52):
that involved at Washington since he waslet go in two thousand and three or
whatever year it was. And obviouslyTyrone Willingham will never be in the I
don't think I can see him beinghonored much at Washington. But Kalyn de
Board gave us some of the greatestmoments of our lives as Husky fans.
I've got pictures all over my mancave from the twenty twenty three season.
(28:12):
Kim Grennel's just sent me a copyof Dylan Johnson's game winning run, you
know, against the Oregon Ducks,which is one of the great wins I've
ever been a part of in Washingtonhistory, and he was responsible for that.
Am I bummed out beyond belief thathe left. Absolutely, do I
like the way he left? No, I don't you know. We've addressed
that off the air and on theair and talked about it right there.
(28:33):
With the lack of a goodbye letter, you know, to Husky, you
know, football fans. But ifyou're telling me that we can go back
and not hire Klein and hire somebodyelse and not have those potential moments that
he gave us, I would sayno, no. I would say no.
I would say I would not changea thing. If you're telling me,
I can have this guy who's gonnago twenty five and three, beat
Oregon three times, including the twobiggest wins ever in that rivalry's history,
(28:59):
second and the Heisman for the highestfinisher ever, win a New Year Six
game for the first time since twowee and the Rose Bowl, and then
play for a national championship. Butmy, my, my, my pasta
is the guy takes off for Alabamaafter two years. I'd say, where
do I sign? And I woulddo it all over again. Hugh everything
over Will said. I agree withall of that, and I just you
(29:21):
know, it's it's hard for me. I, you know, trying to
be objective about Washington's standing. Youknow, I look and I say,
I could be very easily convinced thatWashington is a top fifteen program. And
then you say, okay, wellover what duration, Well that's that's kind
of a nebulous you know, floatinggoal post? Right? Is it over
the last few years? Is itover the last generation? Is over?
(29:44):
Two generations? It over a century? You know, we know that the
sexy names, right, there's ahalf a dozen that you know, Washington
is just not at at that level. It's at a really really high level.
But it's not at Michigan, OhioState, Notre Dame, Oklahoma,
Alabama. All right, you seewe're gonna brand. Yeah, no,
go ahead, finish up. No, No, I'm just and saying so
(30:06):
if a guy has an opportunity,I love it. If he stays like
Don James, and then that's whyyou get statues. If he doesn't,
I don't hold it against him.Well, let's get a break. We're
gonna switch gears. Brian Schmetzer hasgot his weekly visit. We'll chat with
him next on ninety three three kJR f M
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