I am a fundamentalist
Fundamentals should be worked on every day
never to be overlooked
Coaching
Philosophy
In addition to the fundamental techniques of each position, I believe the game of football holds fundamental truths. It is a physical and violent game. Generallly, the more physical team wins. So I believe in running the ball and stopping the run, having a balanced passing attack, and throwing the ball without becoming a finesse football team. At the core of these beliefs is this: It does not take one ounce of God-given ability to give one hundred percent effort. I take advantage of matchups and put our men in the best position to win games. Keep reading to learn more about my coaching philosophy.
head coach
For a head coach to do things properly, he must have complete control of all team decisions (unless delegated to another). He should have the final say on all decisions that affect the team, players, and coaching staff. At the same time, a head coach should trust the opinions of his assistant coaches. This is made easier when the head coach has input on the hiring decisions of the coaching staff. The head coach’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to: academics, team policies/expectations, practice and meeting schedules, decisions on schemes, player personnel management, media relations, parent relations, player safety and training, practice accountability, player conduct, and communication with college coaches.
Assistant coaches
Assistant coaches are the cornerstones of a successful program. Their main focus is the game of football itself. They are not regularly responsible for media relations, administrative details, or parent concerns. Instead, they are responsible for instructing player fundamentals, skill development, and implementation of schemes and game plans. They are expected to uphold, promote, and integrate the philosophy of the head coach. Assistant coaches are permitted to discuss philosophical or game plan disagreements with the head coach in the appropriate setting, away from parents and players.
players
Players are responsible for conducting themselves with loyalty, honor, respect, commitment, and work ethic. If a player cannot adhere to the team rules, make the commitment that is expected of him, or conduct himself properly, he will be held accountable for his actions. A football player is not a football player for 3.5 months a year, but for 12 months of the year. Players will also be held accountable for their actions throughout the year. As such, they will be required to keep up with their strength/conditioning programs and fulfill their team commitments throughout the entire year. A team is built through a series of daily individual decisions by its members, decisions to do the right thing, the right way.
parents
Parents are, without question, a coach’s greatest asset. Open and honest communication is key. There should be a parent’s meeting before every season and in the Spring to establish this communication, create fellowship, and set expectations. Providing this information early allows families to plan their lives while allowing their children to fulfill their commitment to the team. Parental engagement is critical to the success of a football program. Parents are welcome to watch practices, but should never interfere or interject their opinions. Any parental concerns will be addressed by the head coach, with the support of the athletic director and school administration.
conduct
Appropriate conduct will be demanded of every player throughout the entire year. Rules and expectations will be clearly communicated to the players. It will be explained that they serve a purpose. They are not there to please the public or to serve as eye candy for parents, teachers, or administrators. They are there to keep players safe and maintain the program's integrity and success. Some offenses will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the head coach. While others (i.e., drugs, alcohol, tobacco, arrest, etc.) will be handled as clearly defined in the player conduct manual. Any player that cannot follow the team rules or meet team expectations is subject to dismissal from the team.