Wonderful article! Way to capture DeBoer and the spirit and energy inside the Husky Football Program right now. Articles like this are why I subscribe!
DeBoer’s life as a HC sounds exhausting. You have to be a very driven person to be on a coaching staff, and I can’t express how happy I am they are also very special people too.
Great piece, even though I feel exhausted just thinking about DeBoer's many duties. He's running a public relations operation, a philosophy department, and a logistical nightmare. All before he blows his whistle at practice.
Christian, I’m curious, did the number of support staffers surprise you or did just one or two assistants, like Courtney Morgan, keep DeBoer moving from one spot to another?
Another reason why the P12 media deal is so vital since the football operation seems to require countless support staffers.
DeBoer, and any P5 HC, is truly a CEO. Dude has his hands in everything, but can’t devote enough attention to any one thing. Makes sense why he doesn’t call plays and how HCs that do, like Sark or Jimbo, seem to struggle. Just way too much to juggle.
This is good intel for fans, even those of us who support other Pac12 programs. I really love the quotes from Coach DB, and am quite impressed with the behaviour (never mind his stellar play) of Michael Pennix Jr.
One observation I will make - and this is not meant as a criticism: Coaches working 18 hour days was, I thought, a thing of the past. Work hard, yes; long days, yes, some longer than others, sure. But if these men have families, that kind of work schedule cannot be good for them. And let's be honest: If you can't get the work you think needs doing in, say, a 12 hour day (still considered too long for most of us), what difference is that final six hours going to make?
They do not go that hard all year. From the start of Fall Camp to the end of the season they absolutely do work that hard. That is the hardest stretch. Building a program up requires extra time for certain, on multiple fronts. The number of "support staff" for UW football has increased very considerably since DeBoer became the coach, and that helps keep the work loads for the coaches from being utterly insane. DeBoer is very good at "delegating" tasks to others based upon what I have heard and read, but his responsibilities are still enormous. There is just no way around that for a top level head coach.
This is absolutely fantastic, Christian. Great read.
Wow! This article by itself worth every penny of On Montlake subscription. Great work Christian. I love it!!!
Brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for giving us a behind the scenes look.
Wonderful article! Way to capture DeBoer and the spirit and energy inside the Husky Football Program right now. Articles like this are why I subscribe!
This is one of the better stories I’ve read in a while. Well done.
Nice reporting. DeBoer interview was first class. I’ve never had this kind of behind scenes read. Love it! Keep up the good work.
What an outstanding article! Thanks so much for sharing!
DeBoer’s life as a HC sounds exhausting. You have to be a very driven person to be on a coaching staff, and I can’t express how happy I am they are also very special people too.
I guess there's a reason the job pays $300,000+ a month: it is demanding and never-ending...
With their long hours and stress it's surprising more don't get sick or have heart attacks
Great piece, even though I feel exhausted just thinking about DeBoer's many duties. He's running a public relations operation, a philosophy department, and a logistical nightmare. All before he blows his whistle at practice.
This is great. Thank you Christian!
“I get to” read this.
Christian, I’m curious, did the number of support staffers surprise you or did just one or two assistants, like Courtney Morgan, keep DeBoer moving from one spot to another?
Another reason why the P12 media deal is so vital since the football operation seems to require countless support staffers.
DeBoer, and any P5 HC, is truly a CEO. Dude has his hands in everything, but can’t devote enough attention to any one thing. Makes sense why he doesn’t call plays and how HCs that do, like Sark or Jimbo, seem to struggle. Just way too much to juggle.
Terrific article Christian! This behind the scenes is great stuff
This was phenomenal, Christian. As was the latest Say Who, Say Pod episode. Go Dawgs!
This is good intel for fans, even those of us who support other Pac12 programs. I really love the quotes from Coach DB, and am quite impressed with the behaviour (never mind his stellar play) of Michael Pennix Jr.
One observation I will make - and this is not meant as a criticism: Coaches working 18 hour days was, I thought, a thing of the past. Work hard, yes; long days, yes, some longer than others, sure. But if these men have families, that kind of work schedule cannot be good for them. And let's be honest: If you can't get the work you think needs doing in, say, a 12 hour day (still considered too long for most of us), what difference is that final six hours going to make?
Most college coaches work 24/7/365 with recruiting and all. Little easier on pro coaches.
I think a big part of the extra effort is building a program back up. I would hope his hours can reduce over the next few years.
They do not go that hard all year. From the start of Fall Camp to the end of the season they absolutely do work that hard. That is the hardest stretch. Building a program up requires extra time for certain, on multiple fronts. The number of "support staff" for UW football has increased very considerably since DeBoer became the coach, and that helps keep the work loads for the coaches from being utterly insane. DeBoer is very good at "delegating" tasks to others based upon what I have heard and read, but his responsibilities are still enormous. There is just no way around that for a top level head coach.
Great story. The next one is #4. #UW1984NC