Kalen DeBoer shares initial impressions of Texas

In his first season at Washington, head coach Kalen DeBoer led Washington to the Alamo Bowl. This came one season after going 4-8. There, the Huskies will meet the Texas Longhorns in one of the more interesting matchups of this bowl season.

Kalen DeBoer was asked about his initial impressions of this Texas team, depending on how much of them he’s been able to see so far.

“I know the staff has started to pore into the film, on the road recruiting a lot. Glanced a little bit,” Kalen DeBoer said.

“I think the biggest thing is a balanced team, offensively, defensively, finding ways to win. Looking at just the teams they’ve played, the wins, even a couple close losses, you know that strength of the team, it’s in there.”

Kalen DeBoer praised Texas, knowing this won’t be an easy game. He also wanted everyone to know that Washington is going to bring everything it has to beat Texas.

“We know we’re going to have to bring our best to find a way to meet the challenge that’s presented by UT here in the Alamo Bowl,” Kalen DeBoer concluded.

Steve Sarkisian on his time with Washington

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is incredibly familiar with Washington. It was there that he got his first opportunity as a head coach in 2009, staying there through 2013 when he moved on to USC. Ahead of the Alamo Bow, he reflected on his time there.

“My time at Washington is one that I’ll never forget. Special times, special place. That place was incredible. The fan base was incredible. I don’t take it lightly,” Sarkisian said.

“You evolve as a coach obviously as you go through all of it. In the end, man, you hope you leave a place better than what you found it. I think that we did that.”

Kalen DeBoer on Michael Penix returning in 2023

Michael Penix wasn’t a sure thing to return in 2023, with the chance he would move on to the NFL Draft. He decided to return, however, and both he and head coach Kalen DeBoer are thrilled about it.

“We’re pretty fired up about that,” Kalen DeBoer said.

“He threw us for a little surprise on Sunday after our team banquet. (He) had a video prepared, made the announcement to our team and many parents that were there as well…We’re excited about the future.”