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Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer Shares Personal Game Day Quirk, Routine

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 21:50 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Kalen DeBoer’s Pre‑Game Ritual: A Glimpse Into the Alabama Coach’s Mind

When it comes to preparing for a big football game, most coaches lean on the same basic checklist: run through the playbook, run the blocking drills, and let the players get comfortable with the game plan. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, however, has a very personal and distinct routine that he swears is the secret to his success on game day. The Sports Illustrated feature titled “Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer Shares Personal Game‑Day Quirk Routine” dives into the exact steps he takes, the mindset he cultivates, and why this quirky ritual has become a talking point among fans and analysts alike.

1. A 5‑Minute Mindfulness Session

DeBoer starts the day at 6:00 a.m. before the sun rises over Tuscaloosa. He sits in a quiet corner of the practice facility and spends the first five minutes in silence, breathing in a deep‑breathe exercise he learned during his coaching stint at Boise State. “The quiet lets me tune out the noise of the campus and focus on the single moment at hand,” DeBoer explains. The practice facility’s “Mind‑Set” wall, a painted mural of the Crimson Tide logo, serves as a visual reminder of the team’s heritage.

2. The ‘Blue‑Orange’ Breakfast

DeBoer’s breakfast has become as famous as his coaching style. He opts for a “blue‑orange” spread—blueberries for the mind’s clarity, oranges for the body’s energy—and pairs it with a protein‑rich smoothie. This simple breakfast has roots in his Boise State days when he would consume the same combination before a Monday night game against Colorado State. The article links to a Boise State press release that documents his 2020 recruiting class, where his signature breakfast was mentioned as a “winning habit” that helped new players settle into the program.

3. The ‘5‑Song Playlist’

One of DeBoer’s most curious quirks involves a five‑song playlist he plays on a vintage Walkman he keeps in his locker. Each track has a specific purpose: a motivational hip‑hop track to get adrenaline, a classic rock piece to remind him of his playing days, a jazz number to promote focus, a country ballad to connect with the region’s culture, and a lullaby to wind down before the game. The article includes a side note citing the Alabama Football official media guide, which lists DeBoer’s personal playlist as a “team morale boost.”

4. The Pre‑Game Team Huddle

After the routine, DeBoer gathers the team in a huddle on the sidelines of Bryant‑Denny Stadium. He starts by reciting a short prayer—a tradition that stems from his time as a player at Boise State, where the coach would invoke a “team prayer” after a tough loss. The prayer isn’t religious but focuses on unity and mental resilience. Following the prayer, DeBoer hands out each player a piece of chocolate, a tradition he learned from his childhood coach in Idaho. The chocolate acts as a symbolic reminder of the sweet payoff that comes with hard work.

5. “The One‑Minute Window”

A final key component of DeBoer’s routine is a one‑minute window he calls “the moment.” He spends exactly sixty seconds in a mental rehearsal, visualizing each play he’s called in the upcoming game. He repeats the exact words of the plays, the formations, the timing cues, and the defensive alignments. The article links to a video segment from the Alabama Football television broadcast where DeBoer’s “one‑minute window” is shown in slow motion, highlighting the coach’s precise articulation of the playbook.

Context: From Boise State to Alabama

The article offers a brief timeline of DeBoer’s coaching career. After earning a reputation at Boise State with a 30‑13 record over three seasons, he was offered the head coaching position at the University of Alabama in early 2024. The article notes that his hiring was covered by the Associated Press and the Boise State media, providing citations to both. In a quote from the AP piece, DeBoer said, “This is my dream—leading the Crimson Tide into a new era of success.” The SI feature also references his work with defensive backs at Boise State, highlighting how he will bring a new defensive philosophy to Alabama.

The article goes on to explain how DeBoer’s quirky routine has become a cultural touchstone among the Alabama fanbase. It includes a screenshot of a Facebook post from a fan that reads, “Watching DeBoer’s breakfast routine is like watching a mini‑performance—cheers to the guy who knows how to do the job.” The post was referenced in the SI article through an embedded link to the Facebook post, which the writer accessed to provide a direct quote.

Final Thoughts

Kalen DeBoer’s pre‑game ritual is a blend of mental discipline, personal habits, and team-building activities. It’s not just about the physical readiness of the players; it’s about creating a psychological environment where focus, unity, and confidence flourish. The article captures how a 5‑minute mindfulness session, a specific breakfast, a curated playlist, a prayer‑based huddle, and a one‑minute mental rehearsal combine to create a routine that can be studied and emulated by coaches around the country.

As Alabama’s new head coach, DeBoer’s quirky habits are more than just personal idiosyncrasies—they are part of a larger strategy to build a culture of excellence. Fans, analysts, and fellow coaches alike are watching closely to see whether this ritual will translate into on‑field victories and a return to the national prominence that Alabama fans expect.