In the competitive world of college football, there is constant pressure to meet the high expectations of fans, analysts, and university stakeholders. Coaches are scrutinized for every play call, every substitution, and every decision they make. But for Washington Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer, focusing on external opinions is not the key to success. Recently, DeBoer delivered a powerful message to his team and the broader college football world: “We can’t worry about what other people think.” This philosophy not only defines his approach to coaching but also serves as a guiding principle for the Huskies as they navigate a challenging season.
Kalen DeBoer’s words reflect a mindset that many successful coaches adopt—one that emphasizes internal focus over external criticism. In a sport where every loss is dissected and every win is scrutinized, it is easy for teams to get caught up in the noise of public opinion. However, DeBoer believes that the best path forward is to concentrate on the team’s goals and values, rather than letting outside voices dictate their approach.
“We can’t worry about what other people think,” DeBoer said, addressing the Huskies’ approach to their season. “We just need to focus on our game, our preparation, and what we know we are capable of. If we keep our focus on those things, the results will take care of themselves.”
For DeBoer, maintaining this focus means keeping his players grounded and reminding them that the most important opinions are those of the people within their own locker room. By prioritizing their own standards and expectations, the Huskies aim to build a culture of accountability and resilience that can withstand the highs and lows of a college football season.
DeBoer’s message is particularly relevant for his Washington Huskies team, which has faced the pressure of competing in a highly competitive Pac-12 conference. With a schedule that includes matchups against some of the top programs in the country, the Huskies are frequently in the spotlight, with every game dissected by the media and fans. In such an environment, it can be easy for players to feel the weight of expectations and let criticism affect their confidence.
By encouraging his team to focus inwardly, DeBoer is teaching his players the importance of controlling what they can control—how they prepare, how they execute, and how they respond to adversity. He emphasizes that while it’s natural to hear what is being said outside the program, true success comes from staying true to the team’s identity and their process.
“Our identity is built on hard work, discipline, and playing for each other,” DeBoer explained. “If we stick to that, it doesn’t matter what people say. We’ll be proud of how we play and what we accomplish.
DeBoer’s approach has been particularly valuable in helping the Huskies manage the ups and downs of a long season. Like any college football team, Washington has faced moments of adversity—whether it’s a tough loss, an injury to a key player, or the pressure of a must-win game. DeBoer’s emphasis on focusing internally has helped the team maintain its composure during difficult times.
For example, after a close loss earlier in the season, there was no shortage of criticism from fans and media questioning play-calling decisions or the performance of certain players. However, DeBoer made it clear to his team that they couldn’t afford to dwell on the negative commentary. Instead, he encouraged them to analyze their mistakes, learn from them, and move forward with renewed focus.
“We know the kind of team we are, and we know what we’re capable of,” DeBoer said after that game. “The only thing that matters is how we respond and how we grow from this. Everything else is just noise.”
This mentality has helped Washington maintain a sense of unity and purpose, even when faced with challenges. It has allowed the players to block out distractions and concentrate on what happens between the lines on game day, rather than getting caught up in debates about rankings or criticism from outside voices.
Kalen DeBoer’s philosophy of tuning out external opinions is not just about managing individual games—it’s part of his broader vision for building a sustainable and successful football program at Washington. By instilling this mindset in his players, DeBoer aims to create a culture that is resilient and self-sufficient, where the team’s confidence comes from within rather than from validation by others.
This approach is particularly important in a program like Washington, which has a storied history but also faces the challenge of competing with some of the biggest names in college football. DeBoer understands that to elevate the Huskies to a national contender status, the team must believe in their own potential and stay focused on their own development, rather than being swayed by comparisons to other programs.
In the highly competitive Pac-12, where the margin between victory and defeat is often razor-thin, maintaining a consistent focus on the team’s internal goals is crucial. DeBoer’s message serves as a reminder that success is built through a daily commitment to improvement and an unwavering belief in the process, rather than being influenced by the changing tides of public opinion.
DeBoer’s emphasis on not worrying about outside opinions has resonated strongly with his players. Many of them have spoken about the positive influence that this mindset has had on their confidence and performance. By focusing on their own progress and the standards set by their coaching staff, the players have developed a stronger sense of accountability and ownership of their roles.
For the Huskies, this approach has translated into a team that plays with confidence and composure, even in high-pressure situations. The players know that their coach trusts them to focus on their game, and that trust has empowered them to take risks and make plays without fear of making mistakes.
Kalen DeBoer’s declaration that “we can’t worry about what other people think” is more than just a motivational statement—it’s a core part of his coaching philosophy and the culture he is building at Washington. It’s a reminder that success in college football requires more than just physical talent; it requires mental toughness and a clear focus on what truly matters.
As the Huskies continue their season, DeBoer’s message will remain a guiding light for the team, helping them to stay on course and pursue their goals without being distracted by the noise around them. In a sport where the pressure to meet external expectations is ever-present, Kalen DeBoer’s emphasis on internal focus is a refreshing approach that could be the key to the Huskies’ continued success.