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I held a Spaces event on X a few nights ago. Had to do a second take because I had some technical difficulties. Recording can be found here. But, the talk was about small college coaching searches. Coaching for 12 years at the NCAA Division III level, there were things I saw along with many lessons that I’ve learned from other coaches.
I spoke about how searches should be handled from an institution standpoint along with giving candidates ideas on how to better prepare and position themselves for jobs. For those that might not be aware, it is extremely difficult to land college coaching jobs at any level.
In my talk I stressed the important of consistency. Being consistent when opening jobs and having the same format. Being consistent when meeting people and following up with them.
I’ve shared a bit about my struggles being consistent with this newsletter. Being consistent with the podcast. Being consistent with life.
If you can be consistent in your daily actions, work and present time with family you’ll truly separate yourself as an individual.
Where are you inconsistent in life?
Episode #66 - Tony Franklin
Coach Tony Franklin shared his inspiring journey through football, from small-town Kentucky roots to college coaching and building the Tony Franklin System. We talked about his book release after being at Kentucky that blacklisted him from coaching for a bit, getting fired at Auburn, leading successful offenses at multiple Division I stops, coaching Jared Goff, writing, family, resilience, and the importance of doing good for others.
Book Review
I shared this book in a tweet last week. One of my favorite books. My favorite line from the book:
"I did have a player who made the sign of the cross before every free throw, I told him to quit it - not because the act offended me; he was a lousy shooter and I told him he was giving the church a bad name."
My takeaways:
What vulnerabilities do we have and what can we do to minimize them, get around them, to survive and give ourselves a better chance to win?
Victory favors the team making the fewest mistakes.
Losers world - “woulda-coulda-shoulda”
“Having the will to win is not enough. Everyone has that. What matters is having the will to prepare to win.” Elimination of mistakes is more important than the will to win.
The greatest victory is eliminated by lack of follow-up.
“The first job that we have today is putting yesterday aside to be remembered later.” - Tony LaRussa
“Early failure is usually better than early success, because the lesson in humility lasts a long time and makes you more effective over the long term.”
Everything will work out for the best…..why do people think like that?
Negative thinker always knows there is a chance they can get beat.
Must be able to be successful in Plan B and Plan C.
Leadership is getting people out of their comfort zones.
A leader does not have all the answers and can’t be afraid to share that.
“The mental is to the physical as four is to one.”
Understand your players limitations.
Don’t accept the status quo. Always question. Always worry. Be skeptical.
“We have met the enemy and he is us.” - Pogo
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” - George Santayana
Never let the status of the team we’re playing affect the way we play. Never show another team your weak.
“Don’t keep an argument going that you’ve already won or lost.”
Restaurant with ample parking and no cars - Usually means bad food or service
Grateful Heart
Saw this article in the Ryan Hawk Learning Leader newsletter a little over a month ago. I think we all could use ways of being more grateful. Talk about being consistent. 365 days a year? Wow!
A couple months back, I heard a coworker share advice about being grateful at a stop light. When we’re driving and halted by a red light, don’t get pissed off. In that moment, take a breath and think of something you’re grateful for.
Worth Your Time
I’ve always been a Buzz Williams fan (if you read the article above you know this ties in really well) from him being different than many coaches. Or at least sharing thoughts different than the standard coach speak. As a young coach in 2009-10 I had the opportunity to work Marquette Basketball Camp, see an individual practice and attend a coaching clinic. I saw a coach who had a unique background, never forgot where he came from or the people he’s been around.
#TBT
My favorite weekend of the year. Some people feel the same way. Others don’t understand how someone can get so excited watching a bunch of names roll across the screen.
I get it. But, for those who enjoy it this to me truly marks the beginning of the next NFL season. The only league where I feel every organization has a legit chance at competing for the playoffs.
Last year at this time I was in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I attended my first NFL Draft. From the Stephen Wilson Jr. National Anthem, to Clay Matthews kicking off the NFL Draft and the Matthew Golden pick there was a lot to remember from that opening night.
Fired Coaches Podcast started in May 2020. The podcast interviews coaches, scouts, media and others connected to the sports world that fell from the mountaintop. They were either fired, resigned or told that their contract would not be renewed. Level does not matter. The story does.