Head Football Coach: Reality Check

McDonald's in Maysville

Very much a bittersweet time. Jonathan Thomas has been family for 25 years. He has just resigned as the HFC at Mason County HS  to take over head of transportation. Congratulations to Jonathan! He was a freshman my first season at Mason County in 1996. We then coached together. We have been through much together over the past quarter century.  And, he did a super job as their head football coach. I am very appreciative of all that he has poured into that program for so many years. I am also incredibly proud of him.

His resignation reminded me of a story:

About a day after I resigned at Mason County, I was standing in line at McDonalds. 

Keep in mind, this has been 19 years of pouring your soul and guts into a program, community and kids. It is where you have raised your family. I was excited to go to Mercer County, but leaving such a wonderful place that I loved dearly, with great people, I was really struggling with all of the emotions.

So, in McDonalds, someone recognizes me, turns around, and says, "How will the football team look this season?"  My response, " I think they'll be pretty good, but I am going to Mercer County."  Their reply, "Who do you think the next coach will be?"

Wow! Not, "sorry to see you leave", "thanks for working like a dog for 19 years", "good luck at Mercer", etc. Who's the next guy?..... Are you kidding me!!

It hurt. In less than 24 hours, at least to some folks, I really didn't matter anymore. 

Don't feel sorry for me. That is absolutely not the point. God has blessed me and I have had an incredible life and journey. My reaction was wrong. I was being sensitive and weak. 

My point... all you head coaches.... you better take care of your family and closest friends. When it is all said and done, they will be the ones that are there for you.  Your value does not come from what you do. Your value does not come from the public's evaluation of you as a head football coach.  It comes from who created you. Don't forget, you have an audience of ONE, Jesus Christ.

Jonathan is going to do great as head of transportation. This is a wonderful opportunity for him and his family. But, over the next few weeks, some people are going to say some dumb things!   That's ok. This is just a heads up to other head football coaches.... don't get wrapped up in the wrong things & start thinking your value comes from a scoreboard or the opinion of others. It does not. 

Make sure you are investing in your wife and children. Invest in those that will be with you, no matter what you do or how much success you enjoy. 

And, on a positive note, all those people that hate your guts and think you stink as a coach.... when you are done coaching, they won't be around either.   :)