Obviously, there is something about any sport that makes it a solid part of one’s life. – If you do not find this to be true as a coach, you’re in the wrong business –. Hopefully, it is something that is always there for us to hang onto. Whether as a participant, coach, or spectator, it should keep its purity and strength for us. I can say unequivocally, playing and coaching football has done that for me. No matter how much turmoil other parts of my life may be in, I find football to be a shelter in the storm. For me, there is a sustaining quality about it. Other than my spiritual life and my family life, it gives me renewed hope more than anything else. Where else can you find people from all walks of life, with different beliefs, and desires, come together under duress,  and work for the common good? Nothing, short of war, does it like football.

Even though football can become an integral part of one’s life, it has to be kept in perspective and not allowed to become an obsession. Like most coaches I know, I have tried to keep things in my life prioritized. Unfortunately, many young coaches oftentimes “burn out” at an early age because they don’t have their priorities straight. It seems they’re so blinded by their ambition, they lose sight of the really important things in life. –They are the types that can’t even take their wives to dinner without drawing plays on the dinner napkins –.

Not surprisingly, over the years, I’ve had coaches tell me they can’t remember when their kids were young. It seems they were so busy with what they were doing, time came and went and they didn’t even know it. That issue alone, can create life changing events. To be honest, it has never made any sense to me for a young coach to get married and raise a family, if he was never going to be home! I don’t know what the divorce rate is in the coaching profession, but I’m sure it is quite high. – I’m fairly confident the divorce rate goes up as the level one coach’s goes up. – Therefore, if I presumed to give advice, it would be this: coach, get your priorities straight.

Another trap coaches fall into, is taking themselves way too seriously. They wouldn’t be in this business if they weren’t competitive, and that’s okay. However, there is a big difference between being competitively driven and ego driven. Coaches who are competitively driven, can leave it at the office. Coaches who are ego driven, walk around with it 24/7, and take everything personally. Unfortunately, many of these guys are headed for either an emotional meltdown or an early grave.

Thusly, ya gots ta keep your sense of humor. – Be able to laugh at yourself. Because over the years, you’re going to do some really funny stuff –. I know I’ve done enough goofy stuff to fill several hours of “football follies” tape. Fortunately, I’ve been on staffs that have been comfortable with one another. Enough so, that they have been able to laugh, not only at their own mistakes, but with other’s as well. – It does, however, take some time to build that kind of trust between staff members –.

Unfortunately, too many coaches don’t set a good example because they don’t take the time to stay in good physical condition. This is a big mistake. If you’re going to last in this business, it becomes a must. Good regular workouts not only take care of your cardiovascular system, but it also reduces your stress level as well. Generally speaking, during the season, I would recommend working out aerobically a minimum of 3-4 days a week for 45 minutes to an hour. In the off-season, maybe increase it to a daily routine.

Like everyone else, if you don't smoke or drink, if you eat right and exercise, you have good chance of having a long enjoyable and productive career.