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Bryan Harsin
This is an iHeart podcast.
Ryan Seacrest
Guaranteed Human.
Coca Cola Announcer
What a matchup we got, y'.
Bryan Harsin
All.
Coca Cola Announcer
This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rockin' and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beatin. Everybody showing that school pride. Game like this. Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, Crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there.
Bryan Harsin
Mmm.
Coca Cola Announcer
Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere. And in ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo. No matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.
Doug
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Bryan Harsin
IBM.
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Bryan Harsin
Boom.
Coca Cola Announcer
42. You're going down, Doug.
Bryan Harsin
Oh, yeah.
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Will
And we got this. Also sit with Coach DeBoer, who came from Washington, and we talked with him about succeeding, obviously, arguably the greatest college football coach of all time. And Nick Saban. We talk a lot about his transition from Washington, going from that. Going from that national title loss to getting the job with Alabama. Some of the culture wrinkles he's bringing in Alabama. I can already foresee a headline coming out about, you know, hey, they're playing music now. They seem a little bit more loose at Alabama as the culture. You can see some stuff already being created out of that. But he talks about some of the new things that he's bringing in Alabama, what got him the job succeeding Nick Saban and how, you know, in those interviews with the players, we asked them about how it's been in spring ball with Coach DeBoer, so check those out. You guys are going to love this conversation with Coach DeBoer. He was all time with the boys. But yeah, man, and shout out to the University of Alabama for letting us in. I know that we've tried for a couple times and usually it's a very It's a tough place to get in. So we thank you guys for allowing us to see your facilities a. All around. Like, you guys crushed it. You guys. Tyler Booker gave us a tour. It was incredible. Again, you guys are going to enjoy this interview. Yeah. So without further ado, big hugs, tiny kisses, make sure, Alabama fans, if you were new here, make sure you're subscribed to the Boys. Leave comments throughout the episode. But, yeah, Coach Deborah.
Bryan Harsin
Yeah, I can't help but ask. I mean, the dad hat, is there something to that?
Will
Yeah, man. You need some dad gear.
Doug
You want some dad gear?
Will
It's just like our. It's just like, I. I'm new.
Bryan Harsin
I'm still.
Doug
So when Will and I.
Bryan Harsin
So I'm sure it was something with the.
Doug
When Will and I met, there's been a couple like that. When I saw the. Oh, I guess we're starting. Yeah, you can get some good content. Look at. Look at Delaney directed over here. Let's go, Delaney. So the dad hat, there's been, like, a couple. Like the. When I signed a contract with the Titans, I, like, wore this Boss Hog outfit, all white. And I said, daddy's here. And so, like, a couple people in Nashville were calling me dad for a little bit. And then when Will and I met, that's how.
Will
That's the origin story of the dad merch.
Doug
That's how it started. That's how I'm telling the story. How it started.
Will
Yeah.
Doug
And then when this story.
Will
Origin stories, my first time hearing it.
Doug
The. The dad. Yo. You remember that, right, Delaney? That's right. Me. I love how.
Will
I know that that is. I know. I know that. That is a moment in time.
Doug
There's a moment in time that I think of myself when I look at the dad hats. I think, wow, I really did that.
Will
Yeah. Yeah.
Doug
And so when Will and I first met, I had a very young daughter. And then the bean. The bean. And then now I have two kids. Will's. Will's got a daughter. So we came out dad hats, man. Because it's. It's a. It's a culture. People don't know. There's all these dumb jokes about. Well, people know because they have dogs. You don't understand what it's like to have a kid till you actually have a kid. So it's like a nice little group.
Will
It is the best, man.
Doug
You're more than willing to be in the group if you want. We'll send you a couple hats.
Bryan Harsin
I'm all in.
Doug
I'm all in.
Bryan Harsin
I got two Girls, girl, dad.
Will
Perfect. We have girl dad, merch girl. So we'll get you hooked up when you were.
Doug
Let's. Actually, by the way, Derek's calling me back right now. Yeah, I wanted to make sure because.
Will
Jackson video that Taylor had a tough loss. Derek was texting, and Taylor tried FaceTime and he didn't answer Taylor's phone call, but he's responding and texting back and forth the whole time while Taylor.
Doug
It's a tough look. Seven years teammates. Seven years. Yeah, I tried to pot it off. Always at OTAs, trying to get his Raven friends.
Bryan Harsin
Yeah.
Doug
And stuff like that. Where do you want to start? Oh, I want to start with your two daughters. When you had two girls, did you think, maybe one more. I'll go for a boy.
Bryan Harsin
No. Honestly, no. I think once we got the younger one, I think we were all good. Certainly would have been fine with boys. And looking back on it, though, and now being a football coach, I think it's actually a blessing, you know, having no pressure on any boy and having to play football and just enjoying who they are. And, you know, man, they. They love the game and they love being around the team and all that kind of stuff. And they both have totally different personalities and totally different likes, interests. But it's awesome being a girl.
Will
Dad, were you like myself? I was let down when I saw the pink come from the cake that we were having a girl.
Doug
Hey. Not only it's true. No. He came. His wife came in with a cake at the bus, and when he saw that color, it was. There was no hiding it. It was true disappointment.
Will
There was no doubt what I was gonna get.
Bryan Harsin
There's gonna get.
Will
There's no doubt that I was gonna get.
Bryan Harsin
You're gonna love it.
Will
But as an athlete, which I can't wait to ask you about, because you were a stud at Sioux Falls, were you hopeful for your. For the first kid? Were you hopeful that it was a boy?
Bryan Harsin
I honestly didn't have feelings one way or another. I really didn't.
Will
Better man than me.
Bryan Harsin
Yeah.
Doug
Very politically correct answer. Strong, well thought out answer.
Will
Yeah.
Doug
He's not gonna make anybody mad with.
Bryan Harsin
That was meant to be. That's the way I look at it.
Will
So you have a few records coming up as a wide receiver, do you keep a highlight tape close by just to let the boys know that you can dabble, that you can dabble with the best of them?
Bryan Harsin
No, I don't. It's nothing like what these guys are here at this level. They would turn that on and have a Few laughs. So I'm proud of what we did, but as a team. But that level was a little different.
Will
Than record in yards, receptions, touchdowns. Played some semi pro ball as well.
Bryan Harsin
Yeah.
Will
What as you were going through, as you were as an athlete going the semi pro ball route, in that moment in time, are you sitting there, you trying to gather tape to try to get to the next level or after you had a couple of years, you're like, okay, I just, I need to, I need to start making a pivot and going into the next thing?
Bryan Harsin
Yeah. Are you talking the football?
Will
Yeah, football piece.
Bryan Harsin
Yeah. From, from, with the football. It was just, you know, indoor football there in Sioux Falls. Enjoyed a couple of years kind of right there at home and I was already on into coaching high school ball and, and kind of onto things while I was playing. So, you know, that was, that was just a kind of a side hobby, to be honest with you, during those two years and got into the college coaching there at University of Sioux Falls and then kind of had to put everything else on, on the back burner and move on with the career.
Doug
Obviously, like coaching, you've done an amazing job. You're at one of the most prestigious universities of all time. But playing and realizing that, okay, this is, the road's coming to an end of my playing career. Like, how was that transition for you? I know you were coaching already, but was there ever that point where you're like identity crisis or anything like that?
Bryan Harsin
No, I don't think it was at that level. I enjoyed the relationships, I enjoyed the friends. I knew that there was definitely a ceiling and I had probably maxed out that ceiling as a football player myself. And so, you know, great times, but it was time to move on.
Doug
Yeah. Proud though.
Will
You've been wildly successful as a head coach in the NAIA, ranks three national titles. I think you were 65 and three as a head coach with Washington. I mean a two time coach of the year. I think you 25 and three with Washington. What do you feel like you've cultivated, whether it's values, philosophies over the years to have that much, to have this much success?
Bryan Harsin
I always go back to when I was a player at Sioux falls. We were 2 and 8 my freshman year and we were 14 and 0 and national champs my senior year. And I knew what the culture looked like, what it felt like as a player the first year, and also what it took to get there over those four years. And I always just remember that. And it was the relationships, it was the, you know, just The. The consist we got from the people that were in the building or on the team and just the work that it put in. And so it made. It was fun, which allowed, you know, and I enjoyed the. The process, which, you know, I think our entire team did. And so I try to make that what we have here, you know, and wherever I've been, try to make it an environment or facilitate a, you know, an atmosphere that's full of energy, you know, that, you know, you can find the driven people, let them go do their thing, whether it's coaches or players, and they enjoy each and every mom, they enjoy each, you know, everyone that's a part of it, and just, let's go have some fun. Let's cut it loose. Let's make the most of every opportunity we get.
Doug
Turning back to your success at Washington, you were the only coach to go 11 or more wins in consecutive years, and then you get the call from the Crimson Tide. You just competed for a national championship. What was your thought process when that phone call did come?
Bryan Harsin
Yeah, that was the timing of everything, I think is what really makes it extra, extra hard through all of this, because my time at Washington is going to be, for me and my family, probably the best time of our life. You know, those two years there and the way we were embraced from a community aspect to the team to just how much fun it was working with our staff, it was a special time that I know we all are going to cherish forever as a family and individually as well. But, you know, just the opportunity to come here to Alabama, knowing this program and what the history was all about, and getting a chance to meet Greg Byrne and just really hearing the vision, understanding the interest and how excited he'd be to have, you know, me leading the football program. That meant a lot and, you know, did it got a chance maybe over 24 hours to do a little bit of just kind of investigating and kind of really thinking it through and talking to a couple people that I'm close with. But it just be. It just felt like, you know, this is something that was too good of an opportunity, and it's just been an awesome experience here these first three to four months.
Doug
Is that how quickly you had to make that decision was 24 hours?
Bryan Harsin
Oh, yeah. I mean, I pretty much had to make the decision if I was offered the job. You know, that's really how it really comes down to, you know, and, you know, and I understand why, you know, in the. Just the environment we're in, college football, the timing of it, you know, we're talking the middle of January, retaining a roster. I, I just the urgency that it needed to be to keep the program moving forward. I completely understood why, you know, Greg Byrne told the team what a matchup we got, y'.
Doug
All.
Coca Cola Announcer
This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat, everybody showing that school pride. Game like this, yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere. And in ice cold Coca Cola, that's a winning combo no matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual, even if it means playing in a football game.
Coca Cola Announcer
Boom. 42. You're going down, Doug.
Bryan Harsin
Oh, yeah.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
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Coca Cola Announcer
Hey.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
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Doug
Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.
Ryan Seacrest
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Bryan Harsin
Give me 72 hours. You know, and you know, that was, that was that urgency. If I was going to be the football coach, I knew getting down here and being around these guys and just being non stop and trying to build these relationships and keep things together. The first two weeks while I was here, while I'm building the staff was going to be critical for our immediate and long term future.
Will
Were there nerves involved in the interview process? Like you're going, you know, you have your success at Washington, you're going after this Alabama job. There's always that kid in us. It's like you go to the next stage, you go to the next thing. Were there any nerves involved in going after this job?
Bryan Harsin
No, not at all because I had a great place where I was at, you know, really it was more about making sure that this was going to be a good fit, that this is going to be a place I could see, you know, myself, you know, being successful and you know, people that I was going to be enjoying the, the journey with, you know, from Greg Byrne to, to others here in the athletic department at the university. So in all honesty, no, because I was at a great place. And so, you know, it was just a matter of really thinking it through. And you know, I think the piece that I truly tried to make sure of is I wasn't getting caught up in the emotions of the ups and downs of what we had just been through with the season, to really take a step back in a short amount of time and have some perspective on everything because, you know, we had had such an amazing year and you know, on a Monday night in a national championship, you know, you, you're, you're. The wind's taken out of your sails and you know, you're trying to support your team and your, your, your staff. But you know, I just wanted to make sure I didn't caught up in that and you know, taking a step back as much as I could and in the moment was important.
Will
You've obviously had a lot of experience being a, being an athlete yourself. You know, you set records, you go to the NAIA, you win national titles there, you uptick into Division 1 college football realm. You win a Pac 12 title, you take a team to a national championship. In sports like as athletes, coaches, everybody in the performance world, you're always, you know, you're moving, you're moving up the ladder, you're coming in to succeed somebody like arguably the greatest coach of all time. And Nick Saban, how has your experience moving up, you know, in your journey helped you kind of not see these expectations? You come into a seat like Alabama and succeeding Nick Saban, is there anything with that that you think about?
Bryan Harsin
Well, I think my journey in general is just something I'm super proud of because I've always focused on just where I'm at. And really it's never been about getting to an Alabama or it was never even about getting even to a Washington or Fresno State. I mean, go on and on. It was about just coaching ball, loving the moment we're in, you know, raising a family and doing it with other people that had the same like minded interests as I had in all those areas, both football and family. And so, you know, just enjoying that journey, enjoying that ride. But I think, you know, coming here, I just can't say enough about, again, being embraced by the community. You know, Coach Saban, he's so respectful and how he's trying to handle. And he wants to see the program. You can just tell he wants it to be great. And he. He want it to continue to go this direction and us continue to build on all the things he's put in place. And so he's almost been over the top, respectable, respectful, trying to keep that distance. And, you know, I want him, you know, to always know that, hey, this is. This is our program. Because everyone who ever set foot in these buildings, and that's alumni, that's former staff members, everyone who made this place great, are always going to feel, I want them to be a part of it.
Doug
When you, like, when you play with other Alabama players, it's like they've taken a drug or something like that. They're so obsessed with Alabama, truly. Like, I. There's literally times I walk into the cafeteria and Rashawn Evans and Derrick Henry are just pointing people, you lost to Alabama. You lost Alabama.
Will
A lot of pride.
Doug
They truly have, like, of any other team. The most school pride I've ever seen anybody else. And so now, like Will just said, you're taking over for a guy that is arguably probably the greatest college football coach of all time. You're walking into a room where guys, when they commit to this school, they're expecting to win national championships, where they don't argue about how many games they win, they argue about how many national championships they won. Oh, you only got two.
Will
I got three classes better. Yeah.
Doug
Yeah. Which class was better? Was there any point for you where you sit down, you sit in the nice chair that Nick Saban once sat in, and you go, oh, fuck. Like, this is.
Bryan Harsin
This is.
Doug
I mean, it is. There's got. There's got to be a level of, like, this is a lot of responsibility. And you're walking into a room of these guys signed up to be coached by Nick Saban, and now you have come in, you're like, we're going to run this. This is going to be our offense. And keeping these kids around, especially with nil, there's got to be a lot of tremendous, you know, pressure on that.
Bryan Harsin
Yeah, I mean, you know, you know what you signed up for. And I guess it just always goes back to everyone's human. And I think that being around these guys, you understand the reasons why they came here into this program. And it's Alabama football. It has a lot to do with coach Saban, you know, the guys and their commitments to being, but they are just so proud of this program and they, they want to be the ones that carry on the legacy of this place. It's been fun being around the alumni that, that do have that pride. I, I feel that and it's, you know, it's not an ego thing, it's pride, you know, and these guys that are in this program that chose to stay here over the last couple months, they believe in this place and they know what we can accomplish. I have an appreciation that they understand that it's really about them and them sticking together and the ones that stayed, man, they are, they are resilient, they're hard headed in some ways because they, they, man, look, we got to win a championship. We got a chip on our shoulder and you know, people think we're going to fall off because of the transition and all that. So it's been fun locking arms with them and you know, helping them realize their goals and the reasons that they came here and help it help us through and make this progress.
Doug
Jalen Milroe was quoted by saying, you prove that you are the right man for the job every single day during spring ball. What has your relationship been like with him?
Bryan Harsin
He's been, he's special. He just has a heart of gold. He wants it so bad, both personally and also for this program. He's, you know, takes on the responsibilities of being the quarterback at Alabama with such grace. He's there for others. He's willing to give as much as he can. Sometimes I'm, you know, just always checking in with him to make sure he's good because he gets pulled in a lot of different directions. But in the end, he loves getting out there. He loves the game of football. I mean, we've talked about that a number of times. He just loves everything that surrounds it from the teamwork and the leadership that is asked of him to, you know, just working on the daily skills. He loves the film. He just loves so much about the game itself and you know, it's fun being around guys that are willing to put in all the things and make the sacrifices needed to go be great.
Will
When you walk into the team meeting room for the first time, what was your message to the team when you first took the job?
Doug
That's a great question, Will.
Bryan Harsin
Yeah, that was a, that was Friday night and I knew that this was a group that had been through a lot just in the past couple days. You know, I don't remember exactly what that message Was, it was a whirlwind for me and my family as well. Just a few hours earlier, you know, it kind of had pretty much been off for the job, you know, been through my emotions with, in regard to, you know, everything at Washington. So certainly I didn't even come close to getting through that, but knew that the team just needed to hear that I was excited about, you know, joining them, meeting them, meeting them where they're at and getting to know them, and appreciated their patience because with all the noise that was around the program and all the noise that they were probably hearing individually and, you know, being pulled in different places and going different, different directions, they just, you know, their belief in Alabama was something you could and feel right away. And there's, there's a connection with a few of the guys. And I think those guys quickly just, you know, held the team in place. There were some staff members here that did a great job, but, you know, that was, that was a meeting, I think, just to, to get in there and tell them, you know, how excited I was to be a part of this special place.
Will
I have another one.
Doug
The.
Will
I was just, I wanted to ask him about his very first phone call when he heard that he got the job.
Bryan Harsin
Yeah, I mean, I, I, I felt like it was kind of going in that direction. So it wasn't necessarily a surprise.
Coca Cola Announcer
What a matchup we got, y'.
Doug
All.
Coca Cola Announcer
This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit chance echo drum beat everybody showing that school pride. Game like this, yeah, it come calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere and an ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo no matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.
Bryan Harsin
And Doug, what a horrible call. Hey, ref. Open your eyes, ref. You're really not gonna call that.
Will
Come on.
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Will
I don't think you get what we're doing.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Sure I do. We're all just giving him advice. You guys on sports, me on saving money.
Coca Cola Announcer
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Bryan Harsin
But it was, you know, I think it was just more about being honored to, to, you know, to have that responsibility to be the head coach here. It's just something again I won't take lightly. And you know, had thought through, you know, the night before, just if this opportunity came up, working just talking through with my family, you know, you know what that would all mean and you know, the moving and the life changes and stuff that we'd be going through. So. But from a program standpoint, it's just such an honor and a privilege.
Doug
I want to talk about the big dogs for a second. The Hogs. How has it been for them transitioning in this offense? Because they were. They obviously ran a lot of zone reed with Jalen in the backfield last year. But it seems like you guys, from what I was told in the smallest snippet is you guys going more zone, outside zone type stuff. How have they been picking that up? Because for me, transitioning from like a duo gap scheme type offense into like the zone was like at one point I wanted to quit. I was like this is horrendous. And then, and then quickly I was like, this might be the best offense you can possibly be in.
Bryan Harsin
Yeah.
Doug
How have they handled that transition?
Bryan Harsin
I think that, I think it's been great. I think that really it's not that far off from what we, what they would did before. It's just a matter of where your tendencies, where your priorities, you know, how many reps you're practicing, a certain concept versus another based on compared to how they did it before. We certainly got to use Jalen's skill set and you know, have him be a threat with the ball as much as possible. And so, you know, I don't feel like there's as many changes as maybe, you know, some of the guys. I think, you know, it's been seamless. Coach Cap has done a great job. He's well versed in all the schemes that we've done before as well as being able to help the Guys translate things, you know, that they had done technically of, you know, language wise in our offense. Just that translation. He's, he's super, super sharp. And you know, his relationship with these guys, you can see it coming out as the spring's gone on and just how much better they got from practice one to practice 15. I think it's probably the position group that if I had to pick one or two, they would certainly be in that mix as far as the improvements that they've shown here in the spring.
Will
When you're looking at, when you're recruiting guys, like everybody's got all the tangible things, the surface level things. What are some intangibles or some values or character things that you look for, like when you're recruiting guys to a place like Alabama.
Bryan Harsin
Yeah, I think there's, you know, you know, toughness is always going to be something that I think is just critical. What doesn't matter where you're at. I think the game was meant to be played that way. The championship teams have that mental toughness, that physical toughness that you have to have. But I think there's also the discipline, accountability, along with just, you know, a personality that kind of like wide eyed, just excited to learn, excited to grow. Just feel like they haven't arrived and that there's, there's a, there's, there's not a ceiling that they're, they're looking at and they're far from it if they, if they think there is. And so it's just a matter of, you know, growth, mindset and you know, guys who want to come in here and be a part of something, not just, you know, it's all about me. And you know, so we always talk about in terms of our non negotiables, being family, accountable and toughness. And so, you know, I think I hit on all three of those and just doing it the right way, doing with class, integrity and also, you know, while you're here, making sure we get that degree as well.
Doug
A couple fun questions.
Will
You got a couple.
Doug
I got a couple fun ones.
Will
Okay, give them a couple. Oh, hang on, let me go one, Let me go one more. Serious.
Doug
Boy, I might pick up one more.
Will
Okay. What traditions of Alabama do you, that you've learned about that you're keeping and keeping part of the program and what are some things, culture wise, tradition wise? Do you feel like you're bringing to Alabama?
Bryan Harsin
That's a really good question. And I think that everything, I don't want to say every day I learned something, but I Think, you know, there's been many times you're like, okay, I think I got this under. I think I understand this. I understand that, you know, what's important, what's been done for decades, what's been done just maybe over the last year, you know, and, and understanding this was this sounds like something they really like, but is it really a tradition? You know, and so, you know, just, I think guys, just the pride they have in some of the simple things, you know, how they look and you know, how we practice and you know, tucking shirts in and for workouts and practice, I mean those are just things that, just the pride of the place that come out. Obviously there's the walk, you know, that we had and that's special. And you know, seeing those guys do that 8A was, was really cool. But you know, the fourth quarter program is something these guys just really believe in. And so a lot of these traditions are things that just are, are they're so accustomed to and I could go on and on, but you know, keeping some of those things and, and still bringing in the things that I think have been. Been good, if it adds, it adds to our culture and it's something that, you know, the guys might enjoy. You know, we're going to balance that between, you know, hey, these are really important aspects of Alabama football and these are some of the things that have worked for me. And you know, I'm not married to a lot of things, but I think it's more about the feel and the energy and what can, what can we bring to add to what's already here?
Will
Did I read. Did I read something about thunderstruck?
Bryan Harsin
Yeah, that's with the, with the out out in our. On game day, you know, the walk.
Will
So that's. Is that you or is that of it? Was that a Bama thing? That's Bama. That's Bama. I mean that goes. That goes hard.
Bryan Harsin
Yeah.
Will
Thunderstruck goes hard.
Doug
It is a good song. Yeah, it's a classic football song.
Will
Yeah.
Doug
What's a core value? Not a core value, but what is like a non negotiable thing that you've brought with you to Alabama as far as like a culture deal. This is how we're going to go about business.
Bryan Harsin
Honestly, there's. I mean there's probably the guys would probably. The probably guys would probably say there's a lot of things, you know, what.
Will
Would the players say? Something that's something. A wrinkle that's been thrown in, you know.
Bryan Harsin
Well, I actually, I can't Think of something. The one that made some waves early in the spring was, you know, we play music in practice, you know, so that was something that had been done before. So not that I feel like you have to, but I think there's a lot of benefits that can come from it, you know, trying to, you know. Well, first of all, the, the juice and energy, the vibe that can. It can create, but also I think there's ways you can utilize it for even, you know, distractions.
Will
Right.
Bryan Harsin
You know, and so, you know, there's a lot of distractions on game day, right? A hundred thousand people, there's music playing in the stadium. And so I think there's a lot of things we actually. And I tell these guys, I'm intentional on telling them the things that maybe I'm trying to do someday when I feel like they're even super locked in and, you know, just cranking it up a little bit louder to see if. See if they can work through that and, you know, listen a little harder, you know, communicate a little better, you know, hand signals and stuff. You know, you always practice noise stuff, you know, throughout the week, especially, you know, home and away, depending if you're offense and defense. But, you know, those are just some of the things that I think are. Are benefits of that. That was something that hit the. I know the waves a little bit. Yeah, our guys, our guys enjoyed it. It, you know, enjoyed it. And again, it's been a positive, dude.
Will
As, as players, I think we can all agree we love the music is the booth. The music is the music is.
Doug
Are you taking requests or is this a set playlist? We're not messing with.
Bryan Harsin
There's. We have specific people and it's been, it's been transferred on Robbie, my guy from Washington, he started it and I'm like, you know, we got to have the clean versions. We got to have the, you know, people. We got media, we got around, around practice. But, you know, you know, that, that. And I think he's kind of pushed it on. So they'll certainly take requests, you know, and at some point I'm sure they'll get to themes of the day or themes of the week and. And so forth.
Will
So you had mentioned something about tucked in shirts and. And basically details of how you operate around the facility, on the practice field and everything else. Do you feel like you got those. You feel like you had some of those ideas when you talk all the way back to. I was on a 2 and 8 team, losing team, and then I was part of a national Championship team when you played, like how those locker rooms look differently and what it takes to win. And even if they, Hey, I might sound ridiculous saying you have to have your tucked in shirt, but there's a way, I promise you, if you just trust me. These are the things that it takes over and over consistently to get to the top.
Doug
You got to think Saban's a tucked in shirt guy.
Bryan Harsin
Got to, yeah, it's great.
Will
But being a part, I mean, we've all been a part of bad locker rooms. We've been a part of good locker rooms and what good culture looks like and bad culture looks like.
Doug
We weren't allowed to have earrings.
Will
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Bryan Harsin
Well, I think, I think, I think is what all these things, whenever you're talking about, you know, those type of. You call it non negotiables or whatever they are, I think it always, it always goes back to pride in who we are and that you're willing to be a part of a team and, and it's not a sacrifice, but man, looking good for us is important. And this is one of the things that we think is about looking good and looking unified and, and, and looking the way you're supposed to when, when you're representing Alabama, you know, whether it's in the weight room, whether it's on the practice field or on game day, you know, and so you know, what, what your facility looks like and are you picking up after yourself. Those are just like, those are classy things you should do as just a human being, right. And it shows that, you know, the simple things, we're not going to overlook those and just be out there and focus just on the football part. And, you know, I know many programs and many people have said the same thing, and I truly believe it. How you do anything is how you do everything. And those things right there and how you treat people, we're on the road, you know, I have no doubt that these guys are gonna, you know, travel well, you know, represent themselves in our program in a first class way.
Coca Cola Announcer
What a matchup we got, y'.
Doug
All.
Coca Cola Announcer
This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance, echo, jumpy. Everybody showing that school pride. A game like this, yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola.
Bryan Harsin
Ah.
Coca Cola Announcer
Crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere and in ice cold Coca Cola. That's a Winning combo. No matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.
Bryan Harsin
And Doug, what a horrible call. Hey, ref. Open your eyes, ref. You're really not gonna call that?
Will
Come on.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Hey, ref, why didn't you customize your car insurance with Liberty Mutual and save money?
Will
I don't think you get what we're doing.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Sure I do. We're all just giving him advice. You guys on sports, me on saving money.
Coca Cola Announcer
Nope, that's not it.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty.
Doug
Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.
Ryan Seacrest
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Bryan Harsin
Home way wherever they're at on their own. Doesn't have. Doesn't have to just be when we're together as a team. But those values come out in those type of actions and those type of things that you feel are important to your program.
Will
How you do anything is how you do everything.
Doug
It's a phenomenal. Phenomenal. Unless you want some good. I'm nervous about my fun questions. Yeah, well, I just don't want to.
Will
I mean, I'm nervous, too. When you say you're nervous about.
Bryan Harsin
That makes three of us right now.
Will
Yeah.
Bryan Harsin
Pass down the line. Now that the awkward silence is really important.
Will
There's just playing everything out. Play.
Doug
Yeah. Because I got. Got to. Because I don't want to be that. I'm not going to be nasty, but I want to. I want to talk about. I do want to talk about Michigan a little bit, if that's okay. And. But you've said there's. There's pain there, and I don't want to go in a direction that this has been a fun interview, it's been a good time, and I just don't want to ruin the interview. So I'll ruin this. I'll pivot and we'll just talk about the SEC for a second.
Will
All right.
Doug
A lot of bad dogs out here. A lot of strong dogs out here, A lot of strong head coaches. If it really came down to it and you had to fight these head coaches, do you think you're losing to any of the head coaches?
Bryan Harsin
Man, I'm not even going there. We won't do any of it smart enough. I mean, they can go a different direction.
Will
I was thinking, who's a head, who's a head coach? And this, you know, out of respect for the head coach. Like, who's a head coach, you would love to obviously win the game, but you're, you're, you've obviously competed in your own journey to get to, you know, Washington. Maybe it happened in Washington, maybe it hasn't happened yet, but that you would, you know, love to be across the sideline on. And you kind of pinch yourself like, yo, I'm coaching against so and so.
Bryan Harsin
And I mean, I think a lot of those coaches are, are here. And I guess I even just going back, you know, the last two years, I have so much respect for, you know, these coaches that have been doing it for many years, the coordinators working their way up, just very similar to the journey I've been on. And so I've, I've stolen a lot of stuff, just like every coach does from, from everyone. We've watched the film, we've watched the, you know, cut ups in the off season. And so, you know, you know, you learn how, you learn what to do, you know, maybe not what, what not to do sometimes, you know, as far as like handling your team, you know, publicly, socially and all that. So there's a lot of these, just pretty much the coaches in this conference that have nothing but respect for. And you know, I know that every Saturday, you know, you got to be at your best. And that's how it is, I think, at Alabama anyway. Everyone's going to bring their A game. You know, we've had conversations about rivalries and we've had a lot of teams and people that I know and they felt like Alabama was their rival, you know, just because, you know, it was such a big game each and every time that game was played. So I'm excited about, you know, lining up and, you know, being challenged to be my best each and every week against all these coaches.
Will
Is there a coach that, as you're progressing through your learning curve as a, an offensive coordinator, a head coach, whether it's a mentor or a coach out there that kind of jumped out at you when you're learning about situational ball and how to, you know, if you saw Somebody else doing it one way. You kind of dove into their tape all season long. That kind of helped you along the way.
Bryan Harsin
I think, you know, there's been coaches, especially when I was a coordinator and after I'd been a head coach for five years at small college. And, you know, I think about the. The leadership aspect and how, you know, Chris Creighton at Eastern Michigan was just, you know, I just learned so much on how bringing a team together happened there. I think about Jeff Tedford and how, you know, we're. They were 1 in 11 before we got there. And it was, you know, we're not gonna. We're gonna take our guys and we're gonna maximize what they can be. And the next year, you know, you're 10 and 4 and then 12 and 2 and really had nothing to do with bringing a bunch of portal guys in. It was taking who you had right there, believing in them, putting some structure and organization together, some, you know, offensively. I learned a lot, you know, during those two years there. And then, you know, Indiana, you know, being thrown in the mix there with, you know, just being part of the Big Ten and being challenged to be your best at the power five level. And so, you know, Tom Allen, you know, so, you know, he just. The passion he brought out stuck with me, you know, and how he dove into the relationships with the guys. And so there is something at every place along the way. I think it's a lot of times the people you work with, with each and every day, the position coaches that I continue to learn from. I'm learning from something from our coaches right now. You know, hired amazing staff, and to me, that's the key is never stop learning, never stop growing.
Doug
How about your staff? Nick Sheridan? He and I played together in college. What have you seen from him?
Bryan Harsin
From who?
Doug
Sheridan.
Bryan Harsin
Oh, Nick.
Doug
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. What have you seen from him? College. Yeah.
Will
Oh, nice.
Doug
I was. I was a young boy. He was like a senior.
Will
Yeah.
Doug
What have you, like, seen from him to make him the man for the job to be the oc?
Bryan Harsin
Yeah. Well, first of all, working backwards, he's done an amazing job this spring just pulling everything together. He's. He's more than ready for this opportunity. You know, the cool thing about him is that he. He was patient. You know, there's opportunities he certainly could have had over the last couple years, you know, because he is someone who is known as a very bright mind, understands the game on another level. But we had a chance to work together in 20 at Indiana, and he, you know, from a, from an ego standpoint or just an unselfish standpoint, moved from quarterbacks to tight ends and, you know, for me to come in and coach quarterbacks, which I feel is a big piece of being an offensive coordinator, is being in that room every day, you know, but learning and working with him, I remember just thinking how bright he was for considering, you know, his age and how many years he had actually been at high level of football already at that time. Then two more years at Washington, you know, where again, he's just right there, you know, brings a lot of ideas, brings a lot of just game planning thoughts, helping you pull everything together. It's details, but it's also big picture all mixed in one. And then he's just such.
Coca Cola Announcer
What a matchup we got, y'.
Doug
All.
Coca Cola Announcer
This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat everybody showing that school pride. Game like this. Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime and. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere and an ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo no matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.
Bryan Harsin
And Doug. Oh, what a horrible call. Hey, ref. Open your eyes, ref. You're really not gonna call that.
Will
Come on.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Hey, ref, why don't you customize your car insurance with Liberty Mutual and save money?
Will
I don't think you get what we're doing.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Sure I do. We're all just giving him advice. You guys on sports, me on saving money.
Coca Cola Announcer
Nope, that's not it.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty.
Doug
Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.
Ryan Seacrest
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. The holiday season can be exhausting with all the parties and the end of year celebrations. But don't forget to take care of yourself by stocking up on your favorite nutrition nutritional products now through December 30th. Shop in store and online and save on items like Cliff Snack Bars, Luna Bars, Boost nutritional energy Drinks, Premier Protein Shakes, Z Bar Variety Packs, Open Nature Powder and Body Fortress Protein powder offers end December 30th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.
Bryan Harsin
Great relationship builder. He's got great personality. Guys, I think enjoy being around him. He leads in A way where he's firm, you know, he's got his things that he feels strong about, but he also, you know, enjoys, enjoys, you know, just the camaraderie and enjoys working together with the staff. And he's done an awesome job having the entire staff all feel a part of it, you know, and that's, I think, been a big part of my success over the years is having, you know, the strengths of everyone and tapping into their strengths, you know, be why we were successful. Whether it's offensively or as a full.
Doug
Team with guys that are working under you and you become such a cohesive group, especially with all the success that you've had, guys are eventually going to leave, they're going to go to, you know, find they're going to elevate themselves and try to become head coaches just like you. When you see yourself having the success you did at Washington and inevitably will have here, do you keep something in the back of your head, be like, all right, if this guy goes and I have these two guys in my head. Is there always a constant game plan of a depth chart of who you would want to fill those spots?
Bryan Harsin
Well, I mean, in a way it kind of happened here, right? You know, Ryan Grubb was, was the offensive coordinator, you know, at Washington with us and, and coming here and then got the opportunity to be with the Seattle Seahawks. And, you know, there are guys that I would love, you know, I'm strong on trying to keep the continuity of your system. Of course the people is where it all starts, but the continuity of the system and, and I know offensively that continuity of our system will always exist because it's the system that, that, you know, we've built over, over many years now. But both sides of the ball, there certainly is a method and I've done this at Fresno, did this at Fresno State, did this at Washington where there's, there's some depth to our staff guys, many guys who have called games as coordinators at the Power 5 level on both sides of the ball, guys who, you know, are just low ego, willing to come in, be part of it right now and, you know, again, hope, I hope we are so successful to where those opportunities come up for our staff. You know, that's how I got to the place where I'm at and, you know, I'd be pretty hypocritical if I didn't say that, if I didn't want to root for these guys to get their opportunity someday as well.
Will
Do you have a favorite post game ritual after A win, whether it's a post game. Like, I always love the post game. Cigar, post game beer, post game milkshake, post game burger. Something with the family.
Doug
Yeah.
Will
Maybe indulge on a meal.
Bryan Harsin
Yeah, it's always with the family. It's always. And, you know, you play day games, you play night games, so it's never. It's never the same. But, you know, it's always with the family, you know, and if. If it's a day game, you'd love to have the staff over. And I think that's one thing I'm excited about here, is just proximity and where we're all going to be living. You know, when you have that time, just continue to grow our group together. I'm really excited about that. But, you know, I think you just get. You're so exhausted, usually from a game and the things that go into it. Winning a football game at the college level is hard. I don't care where you're at. It takes everything and, you know, enjoying it for that little moment before you flip the Sunday morning and start it all over again, I think that's a big part of the process. So trying to take a deep breath and just enjoying what happened that day after a win is a big part of, I think, the process. Us.
Will
Think that we feel good, man.
Doug
That was awesome.
Will
That was awesome.
Bryan Harsin
Thank you very much.
Will
Yeah, man.
Bryan Harsin
All over the country and really appreciate you guys coming to see us.
Will
Yeah. I mean, I was nervous about being here.
Doug
Yeah. I mean, you walk in the door and you look at a bunch of rings and watches immediately from just one ad, and you're like, oh, my God, we're in the presence of greatness.
Will
Yeah, you're. You're in the Mecca. But, yeah. Thank you very much. Everybody's been awesome to us and thank you for this interview. It's been incredible.
Doug
We really do appreciate it.
Bryan Harsin
I mean, I appreciate that respect, because I know where you guys played, too, too, you know, and, you know, that's. That says a lot about you guys. So thanks for. Thanks for coming and coming to join us.
Will
Yes, sir. Absolutely, coach. Thank you, man. And we'll hook you up with dad merch. We'll hook you up with some.
Bryan Harsin
Dad, I need it. I'll take it. Okay. Only 10 more presents to wrap.
Ryan Seacrest
You're almost at the finish line, but first.
Bryan Harsin
There, the last one. Enjoy a Coca Cola for a pause that refreshes. And Doug, what a horrible call. Hey, ref, open your eyes, ref. You're really not gonna call that.
Will
Come on.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Hey, ref, why don't you customize your car insurance with Liberty Mutual and save money?
Will
I don't think you get what we're doing.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Sure I do. We're all just giving him advice. You guys on sports, me on saving money.
Coca Cola Announcer
Nope, that's not it.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty Liberty.
Doug
Liberty, Liberty.
Ryan Seacrest
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. The holiday season can be exhausting with all the parties and the end of year celebrations. But don't forget to take care of yourself by stocking up on your favorite nutritional products. Now through December 30, shop in store and online and save on items like Cliff Snack Bars, Luna Bars, Boost Nutritional Energy Drinks, Premier Protein Shakes, Z Bar Variety Packs, Open Nature Powder and Body Fortress Protein powder. Offers end December 30th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details. This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
Date: December 13, 2025
Hosts: Will Compton & Taylor Lewan
Guest: Kalen DeBoer (Head Football Coach, Alabama)
This episode centers on an engaging, wide-ranging conversation with Kalen DeBoer, the head coach who succeeded Nick Saban at Alabama. Will and Taylor dig into DeBoer’s road from Washington to taking over college football’s most storied program, how he’s handling the immense expectations, the culture changes he’s making, and how he’s integrating his football philosophy with the legacy Saban left behind.
Life After the Championship Loss
The Alabama Offer
Decision Factors
Inheriting a Dynasty
Respecting the Past, Building the Future
Weight of Taking Over
Player Development & Culture
Environmental “Wrinkles”
Traditions & Details
“How You Do Anything is How You Do Everything”
Quarterback Relationship
Hiring & Staff Development
“Dad Hat” Origin & The ‘Dad Club’
Post-Game Rituals
On the Alabama Culture:
“You walk in the door and you look at a bunch of rings and watches immediately...you’re like, oh my God, we're in the presence of greatness.” – Will (47:24)
Player Mindset:
“These guys...they believe in this place and they know what we can accomplish. I have an appreciation that they understand that it’s really about them and them sticking together.” – DeBoer (18:19)
On Succeeding Saban:
“Was there any point for you where you sit down...and you go, oh, fuck. Like, this is...I mean, there's got to be a level of, like, this is a lot of responsibility.” – Doug (17:50)
On Learning as a Head Coach:
“Never stop learning, never stop growing.” – Kalen DeBoer (40:28)
Team Standards:
“Looking good for us is important. And this is one of the things that we think is about looking good and looking unified...it shows that...the simple things, we’re not going to overlook those...” – DeBoer (32:37)
The conversation is energetic, candid, often funny (“Dad merch” and “fighting SEC head coaches”) yet sincere. DeBoer is steady, thoughtful, and humble, while Will and Taylor keep things loose, relatable, and respectful—always digging for culture insight with a player’s and coach’s eye.
For new fans and long-time Bama faithful, this episode is a must-listen for understanding not just who DeBoer is as a coach, but as a leader, as the era-after-Saban officially begins on the Capstone.