This is my first blog post in a long time. I've been so consumed with doing on a daily basis what needs to be done, I have not felt much like writing and have not had much to say that was different.
But, I am pleased to report that after beginning July 10, I like where our team and program are right now. We still have much to do, but I like the direction of our team and I do think our investment in building and improving our culture is paying off. The best way to describe it, it seems like the players and coaches say more of the same things and the right things, more often.
Hindsight is 20/20, but I definitely underestimated the difference in being in the same program for 19 years versus starting all over. We are in year four at Mercer, and the best way I can describe it is that each day seems more "normal". Or, we have more normal days each year, if that makes any sense.
On some very practical notes, our guys are definitely more comfortable running our stuff. We have been timing inside and outside drill and almost never use the same formation twice. We have very few plays, but have the capability to use hundreds of formations. We continue to become more efficient in practice and running our offense.
Another difference is that my level of patience with our team has decreased. When I got the job at Mercer, our 2015 team was the most beat-down bunch of kids I had ever coached. I felt bad for them. We pushed them but I also knew I had to be smart in how I handled them. I knew getting use to me and how we practiced, our offense, etc. was a big adjustment for all of our kids and coaches. I am so proud of the 2015 team. Those guys had very little confidence and we started 0-5, but they finished with six straight wins and a district title.
Now, we are in year 4. There are no excuses. Everyone knows what is expected and I have communicated this to our kids. I still try not to be too over the top, but I don't have to bite my lip as much now. And, I am definitely more comfortable coaching them. One huge positive is that our seniors are the first Titans in school history to have the same head coach for four years.
Another tough thing for me, especially returning to my hometown, I am learning that I can say the right things and that is still important. But what makes the biggest difference is showing up everyday, DOING what is right, and doing the best I can. Ultimately, trust must be earned, and it is a one day at a time process. I am not a patient person, so that part has been tough for me. But, there is no substitute for doing what is right and doing your best on a daily basis.... starting with caring about your players and coaches and what is best for them.
Champions win championships. If we can work and practice like champions, the success that we want will follow.
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