By James Thrash
Manager of Player Engagement
Coaches are one of most influential people in an athlete’s life. The impact that a coach has on a player will last long past their playing days. This years’ NFL-NCAA Coaches Academy brought 60 of these influential men from across the country to Dallas, Texas. The academy provided the participants with tools and networking opportunities for careers as football coaches.
The academy started out with participants going over their personal and professional assessments. Individuals were able to examine their personal strengths and weaknesses as they relate to their behavior styles, values, and competencies. This will prove as a valuable resource for coaches as they try to get the best out of their athletes.
After going over their assessments, the group had the privilege of listening to multiple speakers. Clint Bruce, former Navy Seal, led a session on leadership as it relates to moving through the ranks of coaching as well as business. Felicia Hall-Allen educated the group on the importance of their personal and professional conduct. She discussed communication styles, decision-making, networking, and the use of social media. She clearly made a lasting impression with the group and was rewarded with a standing ovation. Art Briles, Head Football Coach of Baylor University, ended the first day by sharing with the group his career path to becoming a successful Head Coach.
Day two started off with a presentation by Dr. John Lombardo and Latrice Sales on the major health and safety issues facing both college and professional football players. They shared how a coach can minimize the risk of injury to their athletes. Jon Oliver, Executive Associate Athletic Director at the University of Virginia, followed with a session on how an athletic department runs. The session was informative, as it covered how to manage a football budget and how to best engage campus personnel.
During the Academy, there were several panels presenting on topics such as the transition from a position coach to offensive/defensive coordinator and from an offensive/defensive coordinator to a head coach. One panel that proved to be extremely useful was the panel on the coaching search process. The participants were educated about the considerations that an institution takes when beginning the search for a head coach.
In the evening of day two, the group was divided into an offensive group and a defensive group. The two groups engaged in discussions on offensive and defensive strategies and situational game planning. The offensive group was led by Garrick McGee, Head Football Coach, University of Alabama at Birmingham. The defensive group was led by Manny Diaz, Defensive Coordinator/Linebacker Coach at the University of Texas.
On the final day of the Academy, the participants began with media training. They had the opportunity to be involved in a mock press conference and interview. The individuals were video taped and later critiqued on their answers, body language, and mannerisms. The academy ended with keynote speaker, Tyrone Willingham, stressing the importance of having a good work ethic. He emphasized that there is no substitute for good old-fashioned hard work. He encouraged the group to not only strive to be better coaches, but better men.