Show notes
Hello from Tuscaloosa!Well, not today - but that’s where I recently sat down with Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer inside the Crimson Tide football facility.I’ve known Coach DeBoer since his days at Fresno State. I first met him in the Fall of 2021, when his Bulldogs visited the Rose Bowl to take on UCLA. That night, I was in the booth alongside Ted Robinson, calling what many would later dub the Game of the Year - a thrilling win led by Jake Haener and an unforgettable moment for Fresno State football. Even then, it was clear that DeBoer had a rare combination of confidence and humility, the kind of coach players rally behind.From there, he headed north to Washington, where he restored the Huskies to national prominence, culminating in a 2023 National Championship appearance. I remember interviewing him postgame after their loss to Michigan—their only defeat of the season. As expected, he was heartbroken.Leaving the stadium in Houston that night, I couldn’t help but wonder what 2024 had in store for his Huskies. As fate would have it, Nick Saban retired just 2 days later, setting off a domino effect across college football. When the dust settled, Coach DeBoer found himself getting off a plane in front of 3,000 Alabama fans, officially becoming the next leader of the Crimson Tide.Over the past year, we spoke a few times, but it wasn’t until last week that we saw each other in person again. I had the opportunity to visit his program and speak with his team - a privilege I don’t take lightly. Walking into Alabama’s team room was a surreal moment. I’ve always respected the gravity of a team meeting space, but Alabama’s was on another level.For the next hour, we dove into media training, storytelling, and brand building. The players were engaged, thoughtful, and hungry to learn, and I walked away incredibly impressed with the culture Coach DeBoer has cultivated. Flying home, I couldn’t help but smile - his team reflects his values, and that says everything you need to know about Kalen DeBoer as a leader.With spring ball just a week away, we covered a range of topics, including being reunited with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Year Two of the DeBoer Era will be fascinating, and I expect Alabama to continue evolving under his leadership.Bottom Line:My time in Alabama was a blast. The people were welcoming, the food was Southern to its core, and the players and staff were first-class.In today’s episode, Jim Thornby and I break down my experience in Tuscaloosa, including one major change inside the facility (fast-forward to the end of our conversation if you’re curious).Spring Games: Do They Matter?We also dive into an ongoing debate—Spring Games. Who should have them? Do they matter? Do they really matter? Curious where you stand—let us know!Bernard Muir Steps Down at StanfordIn other news, Stanford AD Bernard Muir announced he will step down at the end of this academic year after 13 years on The Farm. I’ve known Bernard for his entire Stanford tenure, and while the football program has struggled in recent years, his accomplishments should not go unnoticed.He led Stanford football to unprecedented success, navigated COVID-19’s impact on college sports, and played a key role in the ever-shifting world of conference realignment - not an easy task.On a personal note, I can recall a night in New York City after Bryce Love’s Heisman appearance as a finalist. Bernard invited me and our entire TV crew to dinner with the Stanford staff and Bryce’s family. In a profession that is becoming more professional by the day, Bernard Muir always saw the humanity within it and that invitation was just one example of it. He is a friend and one of the most respected people in sports. His integrity is second to none, and while I hope he and his wife take some well-earned time off, I have no doubt that whatever he does next will be met with success.As for Stanford football? A quick walk around that campus is enough to remind you how special the program can be. A quick watch of David Shaw’s TedX Talk will paint the picture of what Stanford was. But the new administration must invest in it if they want to return to prominence.I hope they do. And as always, I’ll be rooting for Nerd Nation.YogiThis episode was executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor RenThis podcast is a Best Coast Media productionY-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe