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Introduction

In the world of college football, coaching is one of the most scrutinized aspects of a team’s performance. With billions of dollars on the line, coaches are often measured not only by wins and losses but by their ability to develop players, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain a winning culture. Kalen DeBoer, the head coach of the Washington Huskies, is no exception. After taking over the program in 2022, DeBoer has seen considerable success, but as with any program, there are growing pains. In 2024, the Huskies had an up-and-down year that led to a “B-” grade from a former Alabama star, offering a unique perspective on the coach’s performance. This piece will break down the elements of DeBoer’s coaching and the factors that shaped his grade for the season.

Kalen DeBoer’s Coaching Journey

Before becoming the head coach of Washington, Kalen DeBoer built a reputation for success at various programs. After starting his coaching career as a high school coach in South Dakota, DeBoer moved to the college ranks, where his offensive genius became clear. His early work at Eastern Michigan and Fresno State demonstrated an ability to turn struggling programs around with high-scoring, up-tempo offenses. By the time he accepted the Washington job, DeBoer had become known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, fine-tune offensive schemes, and lead teams to overachieve.

Arriving in Seattle, DeBoer inherited a team with potential but also several significant holes. His first year was marked by flashes of brilliance as he instilled his offensive philosophy into the Huskies’ system. By 2024, DeBoer’s Washington team had grown more formidable, but expectations for the program had also increased.

Washington Huskies’ 2024 Season Overview

The 2024 season was a pivotal year for the Washington Huskies, as they aimed to establish themselves as a true contender in the Pac-12 and beyond. The team showed its mettle by securing some significant wins, with standout performances from their offense led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Rome Odunze. The Huskies also had key victories against rivals and solid performances in non-conference games, proving they could compete at a high level.

However, the season was also marred by frustrating losses, especially against teams in the top tier of college football. Their defense, a known area of concern since DeBoer’s arrival, continued to be inconsistent, often struggling to contain powerful offenses. Though the Huskies could score in bunches, their defense’s inability to step up in critical moments led to missed opportunities for a stronger season.

The Offense: Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Under DeBoer, Washington’s offense was undeniably potent, with Penix Jr. playing at an All-American level and Odunze proving himself one of the best wide receivers in the nation. The offense’s aerial attack, designed to spread the field and create mismatches, often resulted in high-scoring games, which kept the Huskies in contention.

However, the system was not without flaws. One area of critique was the offensive line’s consistency. While the line showed flashes of dominance, particularly in pass protection, it was often overpowered in key situations, particularly when facing elite defensive fronts. Additionally, while the offensive playcalling was aggressive and imaginative, there were times when DeBoer’s scheme became predictable, especially in crucial moments.

The Defense: Challenges and Growth

DeBoer’s tenure has been marked by a defense that struggles to match the team’s offensive firepower. Washington’s defensive line, while talented, was often overrun by more physical teams. The secondary also had its share of breakdowns, allowing big plays at inopportune times. Though DeBoer and his staff made efforts to address these issues, including through recruiting and player development, the defense’s inconsistency remained a sore spot.

Particularly in the high-scoring environment of the Pac-12, where teams like USC and Oregon posed significant challenges, Washington’s defense was often unable to match the high-paced tempo set by their own offense. This lack of balance between offense and defense limited their ability to truly compete for the top spot in the conference.

Player Development and Recruiting

One of DeBoer’s trademarks is his ability to develop players. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs have all flourished under his tutelage. His system emphasizes individual player growth, pushing athletes to reach their potential. That said, recruiting, especially on the defensive side of the ball, has been an area of concern. While DeBoer has attracted talented players to Washington, the team’s defensive recruiting has lagged behind other top programs, such as Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia. This gap in talent has become evident in key games where Washington’s defense struggled to keep up with elite offenses.

Kalen DeBoer’s Leadership and Coaching Style

DeBoer’s leadership style is often described as calm, methodical, and collaborative. He has built a coaching staff that emphasizes discipline and accountability, but also one that is flexible enough to adapt to the evolving nature of college football. His offensive coaching background allows him to be innovative in his playcalling, though at times, he has been criticized for sticking to certain concepts that opponents have figured out.

When comparing him to coaches like Nick Saban, who instills a culture of dominance and meticulous attention to detail, DeBoer is more laid-back, relying on his assistants to carry out his vision. While this approach has worked well on offense, it has yet to result in the same level of success on defense.

The “B-” Grade: Analysis from a Former Alabama Star

The “B-” grade from a former Alabama star likely reflects a mixture of optimism tempered by frustrations. The grade signifies that DeBoer’s work at Washington has been solid, but not without its shortcomings. The Huskies’ offense has been dynamic, but the defense’s inability to consistently perform at a high level has kept the team from reaching its full potential.

From the perspective of an Alabama star, who is accustomed to a relentless standard of excellence on both sides of the ball, the “B-” grade suggests that DeBoer has yet to fully transform Washington into a national championship contender. The former Alabama player likely sees a program with promise, but one that needs significant growth, especially in recruiting and defensive development, to truly compete with the nation’s elite.