By Vanessa Siverls | NFL Football Development
"Football is Life or Death...and that's how I coach it"
These were the opening words spoken by Legendary Hall of Famer and former Coach Mike Singletary as he kicked off the 4th Annual NFL - NCAA 2015 Coaches Academy to 58 coaches and current/former NFL players. This three day event focused on developing the future coaches of the game during a time when all eyes are on the Scouting Combine and future players of the game.
“Coaching is either in you or its not, it’s either for you or its not. It’s not something you want to do…it’s a calling.” Coach honed in on the importance of Faith, Family and Football; in that order. “If Mama (wife) does not support you then you will not be successful in your coaching career. And if you do not support your wife or significant other you will have problems in your family…I came home one day and said to my wife we have to make a marriage mission statement”.
Coach led the charge on stressing the importance of work life balance by giving examples of how new coaches can introduce the coaching lifestyle, culture and code of conduct to wives, partners and significant others. Work life balance became one of the common themes of the weekend, echoed by many panelist and guest speakers, along with themes of student athlete development, building relationships, and honing in on your coaching philosophy.
“I had teachers who believed in me academically and directed my path in life…they empowered me with the ability to make my own choices & educated decisions in my life”. Vice President of Player Engagement, Charles Way took lead on the wholistic approach of student athlete development from the Prep to the Professional levels and beyond. “We work in a service industry; Whether you are a Coach, an AD, or a DPE if you are not willing to serve without anything in return…then this is not the job for you !”
Participants got a strong dose of the ABCs of coaching prior to delving into the X’s and O’s.
“You will have to spend time outside the X’s and O’s” says former General Manager and Sports Analyst Charlie Casserly. “No matter what level you are at, player engagement needs to be a part of your philosophy…Your ability to improve a player off the field will improve and make a better player on the field!”. Casserly was joined by AAD of Texas Tech, Felicia Martin who spoke of “The total student athlete experience”. As well as AD at Austin College, David Norman when discussing the expectations of a football program at all levels. “Be an ambassador not only for your program, but for every program in your department on a national level, community level and across your campus” says Norman.
“Learn to drink their Scotch!” Another hot topic during the Coaches Academy was relationships and the proper way to build them coming in to the coaching game. “Find out who can fire you and start there to build that relationship” said Casselry.
As participants acquired tools to relationship building the tone abruptly turned to other important aspects of relationship building. “What is the definition of sexual consent?” asked Lisa Friel of T & M Protection Resources and consultant to the NFL. Understanding your Environment took a heavy turn towards the reality of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence in our society. It was important the participants received the same education as the NFL and the league as a whole on these issues. SA specialist Lisa Friel was brought in by the NFL to discuss best practices as it relates to conduct in the workplace and what to consider or avoid when managing various relationships. President and CEO of Felicia Hall Allen & Associates and motivational speaker, Felicia Hall-Allen, captivated participants with lighter vibrant drills in Personal and Professional Conduct Training: “Lead yourself; Lead others; Lead with others” says Felicia. “Regularly monitor your inner compass; Be realistic about your capabilities; Never stop learning!” Colts return specialist, Josh Cribbs, was especially delighted to hear Hall-Allen’s presentation. “This presentation really resonated with me” says Cribbs, “her presentation style is teaching me how to present myself wherever I am and to have my opening line ready for anyone I introduce myself to…”
Character, Integrity, Accountability, Honesty, Trustworthiness, and of course Hard work were among many values described in what it takes to build a successful program as a coach. Industry expert Chris Cook, Director of Communications and Marketing, Texas Tech, gave valuable presentations on building systematic approaches to social media, the press and how to capitalize on both mediums to get the program message across to important stakeholders such as alumni, student body and recruits.
From family man, to business man, to supporter, to ambassador, to negotiator, to developer of people, to auditor, to reporter, to recruiter, to evaluator, to communicator, to finally drawer of the Xs and Os…The role of a coach involves wearing many hats. Nevertheess the NFL and the NCAA were successful in selecting a handful of men who were committed to rising to the occasion.
Finding and developing the best players requires the league to maintain a rich talent pipeline to produce its next generation of stars. But the NFL knows that developing talent is about more than creating great football players — it’s about creating great people. That’s why the league supports programs that provide young men and women with the resources and skills to help them achieve success in life, no matter where their path may lead.
“The game of football has great value” said legendary Vikings coach Dennis Green as he wrapped the weekend’s event, “Matt Birk, James Thrash and Troy Vincent played the game and understood the value of the game”.
“Don’t forget about your experience as players, it counts!...there was a time when it didn’t…Count all your years of football!” says Green.
Former players working at the NFL League Office include: Matt Birk (Director of NFL Football Development), James Thrash (Director of NFL Player Engagement),Patrick Kerney (Vice President of Player Benefits & NFL Legends Operations), Dwight Hollier (Director of Transition & Clinical Services, Keith Elias (Player Support & Outreach), Roman Oben (Director of Youth Football), and Troy Vincent Sr.(EVP of NFL Football Operations).
The Coaches Academy is under NFL’s Player Engagement Next Platform. NFL Next challenges former NFL players to think about the “next step” in their lives and provides services and resources that foster a successful transition to life after their NFL playing experience. For more information on this program or other pipeline programs please visit nflplayerengagement.com