What Did Coach DeBoer Really Mean by “Better”? Rethinking Roster Building
What Did “Better” Really Mean? Rethinking Roster Building in Today’s Game
When Kalen DeBoer made the statement, “A lot of the guys we added are better than what we had, and we got them for a lot less money,” in a conversation with Chris Low, it immediately sparked conversation.
But the real question isn’t what was said—it’s what was meant.
Because if you take that quote at face value, you might assume it was strictly about talent. But that would be missing the bigger picture.
The First Clarification: What This Was—and Was Not
This wasn’t about players lost to graduation or the NFL.
Those losses are the toughest to absorb—because they represent:
Proven production
Leadership
Experience
Culture
That’s why high school recruiting and development still matter. You don’t replace that overnight—you build it.
The Real Conversation: Portal In vs. Portal Out
This conversation centers on transfer portal movement—who came in, who went out, and what that actually means for the team.
So now the real question becomes: What Does “Better” Actually Mean?
1. What if “Better” Means Fit Over Flash?
What if better isn’t about the highest-rated player…
But the right player?
Players who fit the system
Players who embrace coaching
Players who maximize their role
Because talent without alignment creates friction.
And alignment? That creates execution.
2. What if “Better” Means Character + Competitive Edge?
What if better is about who shows up every day?
Not just talented—but driven
Not just capable—but consistent
Not just present—but competitive
The kind of players who bring energy that spreads through the locker room.
Because championships aren’t built on talent alone…
They’re built on mentality.
3. What if “Better” Means Chemistry and Brotherhood?
What if better is about how well the team plays together?
Trust in the locker room
Players having each other’s back
Real camaraderie—not surface-level
Because when adversity hits—and it will—
chemistry shows up before talent does.
4. What if “Better” Means Emerging Leadership?
What if better isn’t about who’s already proven…
But who’s stepping up?
Leadership developing in real time
Voices being earned through work
Influence growing through consistency
Not always loud. Not always visible.
But real.
5. What if “Better” Means Energy and Coachability?
What if better is seen in how players respond?
Energy that’s real—not manufactured
Competition across every position
Players asking to be coached
That last one matters.
Because coachable teams:
Improve faster
Execute better
Win more consistently
So What If This Is What “Better” Looks Like?
What if this is what this year’s team is bringing to the fight?
What if this is what the coaches are seeing every day in practice?
A team that’s more aligned
More selfless
More competitive
More connected
Could this team be:
Better than expected?
Better than last year?
The best team Kalen DeBoer and his staff have fielded?
Maybe.
Maybe not.
Then Again… What Does “Better” Mean?
Because at the end of the day…
“Better” isn’t just about:
Rankings
Hype
Or preseason projections
“Better” is about:
Execution
Consistency
Leadership
And results when it matters most
Ultimately, it’s not just about the wins and losses, but about how you do it and why you do it—and I think Kalen DeBoer and this staff are up for the challenge.
Final Thought
Either way…
9 practices in—and counting.
I’m along for the ride.
And I’m excitedly counting down to kickoff of Alabama vs East Carolina
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