(Dedicated to Clemson Head Football Coach Dabo Swinney – 2014 Grant Teaff Coach of the Year and Coach Art Baker – 2014 Grant Teaff Lifetime Achievement Award) “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” – 2 Timothy 2:2 Who can’t remember those childhood days when the neighborhood kids got together for a backyard game of football. We divided into teams, decided who would play what position and the…

“Woe to you experts in the law! You have taken away the key to knowledge! You didn’t go in yourselves, and you hindered those who were going in.” – Luke 11:52 We all know about the “team meeting”.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1 Let’s face it, being a coach on any level is hard on the family life. As coaches, we’re pulled away from our homes and families a great deal. The profession requires us to study film, prepare practice schedules, speak to outside groups in addition to just trying to put a quality product on the field or court.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 As we begin another new year, I find myself thinking of the many opportunities we as coaches have to start fresh. Each season brings new players, new chemistry, new goals, and new experiences. No matter how long we have been coaching, there is something that stirs in us as new seasons approach.

“Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4     John Wooden is one of the greatest coaches of all time and my personal favorite. Even though Coach Wooden is no longer with us, his values and character live on in the lives of those he influenced. That’s what is called leaving a legacy.

“You become imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:6   Over the past week I have been reminded while Christmas is a time of great happiness and anticipation, it can also be a time of sadness and dread. Everywhere around us are the sights and sounds of Christmas. Homes are decorated inside and out and songs of the season serenade us in the stores and in our cars.

“I delight in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.” – Isaiah 61:10a I have experienced many joys during my years of coaching. Being part of a state championship football team, winning region titles and celebrating victories over major rivals are but a few of my joyful memories. Seeing great effort and hard work bear fruit has been a joy.

“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice , holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is good, pleasing, and the perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:1-2   One of the joys of coaching is watching young players grow and mature.  A skinny and awkward 15-year old can come back from a summer vacation loo…

“Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Acknowledge that the Lord is God.

“When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words.” – Matthew 6:7 As a junior varsity football coach, I quickly learned the importance of keeping things simple. One of my goals each season was to get the offense to execute five running plays and three passing plays with confidence and precision. However, the temptation to expand the play book was always in the back of my mind.

(Dedicated to the men and women who grind every day to keep this great nation free – Thank a Veteran) “Therefore, my brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. “ – 1 Corinthians 15:58 Coaches love “grinders”!  A grinder is an athlete who succeeds through hard work and determination rather than exceptional talent or skill. Grinders show up every day, they are eager to work and they place team before self.

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your way My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9 Sometimes we’re too close to a situation to see what’s really going on. Most coaches like being on the sidelines.