Deboer Black Hoodie E1760030756446 — Kalen DeBoer’s black hoodie has become a good luck charm for the Tide. (University of Alabama Athletics)

“The black hoodie of death.”

That’s what Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz called Kalen DeBoer’s gameday attire ahead of the two teams matchup in Columbia this weekend.

Drinkwitz called into the weekly SEC Coaches teleconference and directly asked DeBoer if he would be wearing the hoodie on the sideline even with an early kickoff, plenty of sunshine expected + the Tigers set to wear black uniforms at home.

“I got to fit in somehow. More than likely. We’ll see what the forecast is. I kind of know, but I’m expecting that. It’s kind of got a life of its own right now. We’re rolling with it.”
Kalen DeBoer

So what’s the story behind the black hoodie + how long will DeBoer stick with the look? Keep reading to learn more.

‘Black hoodie of death’

Deboer 2025 — The Tide is 12-2 when DeBoer wears the hoodie. (University of Alabama Athletics)

The lore behind the black hoodie was first brought to DeBoer’s attention last season but more and more fans are catching on this year — and many of them want to make sure the coach doesn’t change things up for now.

Over his first 18 games as head coach, Alabama is 12-2 when DeBoer wears the black hoodie including wins over Georgia and Vanderbilt this season. When he doesn’t wear it, the Tide is just 1-3 which includes the season opening loss to Florida State.

“It’s funny that it’s taken a little bit of a life there and keep the guys in my family, my daughters, they see it all. They’re even kind of putting the pressure on me. ‘Coach you can’t let us down.’ I didn’t mean for it to be that way. It was just kind of what I was comfortable with over the years and it’s kind of taken a life of its own crazy enough.”
Kalen DeBoer on the “Bussin with the Boys” podcast

The black hoodie is what DeBoer wore during his debut on the Tide sideline in a 70-0 win over Western Kentucky. Back then, some fans thought the look may have been too casual.

That tone has changed quite a bit in recent weeks, especially with the Tide’s success under that same hoodie.

So whether you believe in the superstition or not, it seems like the black hoodie is here to stay… as long as Alabama keeps winning games.

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