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Kalen DeBoer details relationship with Kirby Moore, evolution as coach

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh10/23/24griffin_mcveigh
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer (Courtesy of UA Athletics)

Despite being the first matchup between Alabama and Missouri in the Kalen DeBoer era, there is some familiarity between the two sides. DeBoer has a history of working with Mizzou offensive coordinator Kirby Moore. The two were together at Fresno State for a total of four years, holding a few different positions.

DeBoer reflected on the time they spent together, speaking highly of what they accomplished. The first of his stints at Fresno State was as the OC before coming back in 2020 to be the head coach. Moore was the wide receivers coach and then was DeBoer’s offensive coordinator for two seasons.

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“Kirby is a guy I’ve been through battles with,” DeBoer said Wednesday at the SEC Coaches Teleconference. “Those years, whether it was with the rest of the staff under Jeff Tedford or when were were doing it in 2021, a lot of things that we really did that I think were solid as far as how we put a team together. Solid in terms of execution of schemes, both sides of the ball. A lot of challenging and pushing of people and the ability to be great. Great times there.

Even when DeBoer left for Washington, Moore stayed on the Fresno State coaching staff for a year. But then Eli Drinkwitz and Missouri came calling, giving him an opportunity in the SEC. It’s his second season in Columbia and has thrived with Brady Cook at quarterback.

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DeBoer has seen Moore evolve as a coach since last working together. Yes, some similar traits are there when watching film but DeBoer can notice what has changed since being hired by Missouri.

“Done a great job leading the offense there,” DeBoer said. “Continued the evolve there. There’s certainly a lot of familiar things that I see on the film but there’s some other things that he or Coach Drinkwitz or the staff have come together to evolve, probably based on their personnel and who they have there. He’s doing a great job at Missouri for sure.”

The two offensive minds will clash against one another on Saturday, being a massive showdown in the SEC. Fresno State will have its hands all over the outcome of this game, no matter the result.