"Leaders listen." These two simple words from Miami (Florida) head football coach Manny Diaz resonated with the nearly 50 attendees at the NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy, who listened to and engaged with football coaching leaders throughout two days of virtual programming in June.
"It was a phenomenal experience," said Dennis Lee, defensive line coach at Carleton. "The opportunity to hear from our guest speakers along with academy participants was invaluable. What I value about the experience was the platform given to all of us to share our own perspective on the many issues that are happening in our profession today and ways to navigate these challenges."
The NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy provides full-time college football coaches at NCAA member schools an educational opportunity to build connections and develop leadership acumen to pursue their aspirations as head coaches. The academy curriculum featured sessions surrounding the realities of managing a football program, navigating today's pressing issues as a leader of young men, the importance of networking and preparing to nail a job interview, and honing the X's and O's on the field.
The attendees were joined by a wide variety of speakers who shared their decades of football and coaching wisdom. Session leaders included Nevada head coach Jay Norvell, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward, Northwestern athletics director Derrick Gragg and Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson, plus other directors of athletics, head football coaches, search firm executives and subject matter experts.
"My experience at this year's 2021 NCAA/NFL Football Coaches Academy was very informative," said Robert Eggerling, defensive coordinator at Southern Connecticut State. "Communication and trust are a couple of big takeaways that I will be implementing to my student-athletes immediately. These are some solid tools that help navigate a team of student-athletes during times of uncertainty."
"The most important takeaway from my attendance is, when learning to become a better leader, one must look internally and focus on my own shortcomings in order to be a better servant leader to others," said Kevin Claxton, who previously held coaching positions at Kansas and Wisconsin. "I also think being able to coach the 'entire person' and not just the football player will allow me to impact athletes on and off the field of play and will help create impactful positive people in society."
Members of NCAA leadership development and NFL player engagement collaborate annually to design the program's curriculum, manage guest speakers and identify and select participants showcasing strong potential for coaching success. The 2021 academy was the eighth iteration of the program, which brings together former NFL players seeking futures in the coaching space and assistant coaches from all three divisions at the collegiate level.
"We are appreciative of our partnership with the NFL on the academy, allowing us to expand our impact and provide the best possible developmental experience for the 50-plus participants," said Patrick Malin, assistant director of leadership development. "Together we are thrilled to facilitate the journeys of our academy alumni and are excited to follow along as these capable coaches continue to transform the lives of their players."
The two-day academy stressed the importance of peer connection, intentionally sorting participants into small group discussions facilitated by NFL and NCAA staff members who promoted open and honest conversations. In addition to open-ended questions, breakout groups included scenarios and mock interview prompts to further the academy's practical application.
"It is extremelyimportant to continue fostering relationships with peers because you can learn so much from each other as well," Lee said.
Coaches dedicate themselves to reaching out to others each day to develop their athletes as competitors and people. The academy allows coaches to focus internally to maximize their abilities to best serve those they coach, mentor and lead.
"I learned so much about myself during this experience while gaining insightful knowledge on bettering myself as a coach and person," Lee said. "My student-athletes will get the best version of me as I help them navigate through the trials and tribulations they will encounter during their athletic and academic career. The better coach and person I am, the better I will be for my players, as well."