Being Demanding Without Being Demeaning | Scott Goolsby

Scott: 0:00

And you're not gonna be, berated and "I. Just think if you operate like that with them. And be demanding, but not demeaning to those kids that lets them know that you love them.

Luke: 0:21

​Pumped to introduced today's guest, Scott Goolsby, defensive coordinator at Auburn High School in Alabama, who, in addition to being named top assistant coach in the state of Alabama multiple times, has now turned himself into somewhat of a Twitter sensation. With these phenomenal video parodies of football coaches, which connected me to Coach Goolsby as well. So Coach, thanks for hopping on The "I" in Win today. It's, it's late in the day, so we're probably gonna lose our train of thought here and there because it has been such a long day. But we have to start with the videos. So take me back to the impetus behind the videos and how it started rolling.

Scott: 1:00

Okay, well it was about this time last year. Clinic season. and uh, "I was just in my truck, before school one morning. And, uh, I was Snapchatting with another coach. And, and "I don't get on. "I have Snapchat, but I'm not one of these like, "I never do it. and "I don't know why "I was doing it today. Um, "I, think "I had just guided on this particular day anyway, "I was going back and forth with this guy that "I used to work with. And "I was just playing with the filters. And "I just ended up on this one chubby face. And "I was like, and "I started talking like an Oline coach and sent it to him. And he sent me back. He's like, man, that's great. Like, and then we started kind of going back and forth. He said, you gotta post that on Twitter. And so "I did, and it just blew up. And then it just kinda led to another one, and another one and another one. And now here we are a year later and, and I'm still doing 'em. And it's the dumbest thing. Like, it, it blows my mind. Every time "I go somewhere, people talk about the videos and I'm like, "I mean, it just, it just blows my mind.

Luke: 1:53

Yeah, "I. You know, it's, it's really funny, uh, for me in particular because my offensive line coach, he's not with my staff anymore, but my offensive line coach. would put on these clinic presentations for us and they would do it in the coach's office. And it's basically like what you were doing, except he was doing it in person and it was, we would be rolling on the ground. It was hilarious. So when "I saw your video, it took me back to about 10 years ago when he was on my staff and how much fun we have and also just. How connected we all are in the football community. We all have these little sayings and talks and and "I think That's why your videos really resonate with all of us, cuz here "I am up in Illinois and. That's exactly how we do talk at seven on sevens. That's exactly how we do prepare for the G Glacier clinic season as you just put that one out. So, keep doing 'em. "I told you when we talked on the phone, it helps our staff. You know, there's times when you're feeling down, you, your best player's injured, you're in a losing streak, whatever it may be. Kids are getting in trouble in class like, "I would send your videos to my staff and to pick their spirits up. So "I, appreciate you doing them. Uh, "I have to imagine, has this connected you to coaches from kind of all over the country now,

Scott: 3:01

all over the place. Really All over the country, guys. We, we had our, our, our state's coaching convention this past weekend, and of course most of the guys are from Alabama, but so many people. Told me stories like you just said, where man, you know, like we were in a losing streak and we just watched those videos and it made us laugh. Or, you know, one guy was telling me about his dad, as, you know, an older guy and retired from coaching. He just kind of misses it and he loves watching those videos. And, you know, that's just, that's cool. And, and it's my sense of humor, you know, "I love stereotypes and, and laughing at people and, and laughing at myself and not, not in a bad way. We've gotten so soft in the world, we can't even do that anymore. You, you can't even poke fun and just have a good time with people anymore. And luckily you can still do that in the coaching world. And so, it is fun for that reason.

Luke: 3:50

Yeah. And it has to be very gratifying too that, you know, unintended consequence of actually brightening people's day. But I'm sure it feels good "I mean. That's why those of us who enter teaching and coaching, we want to serve people. And here's an unintended consequence of you are serving people, right? And it's connecting you with all these different people and. An opportunity for people to laugh in a time when, like you said, man, we really could use it cuz things are getting a little, little bit uptight. But let's go more into you as as a person now. Cause the video is what started the connection between us. What led you to becoming a high school teacher and a coach?

Scott: 4:26

Yeah, "I. Mean "I. Think it was my high school coach, Hugh Fountain. He's a guy that, uh, he's still coaching today. He's still at, well, "I say he's, he's, he is back at the high school that he coached to me at. He's, he's bounced around, but he is back there and, uh, he's just a guy that, you know. "I knew he loved me when we played, and, uh, he pushed me hard and, you know, got on me and, and held me to a standard and held me accountable. But he was a great guy. Um, he, he loved the kids that played for him, and he still does. And he's got a relationship with the, so many of the people that he played with and "I could pick up the phone and, and call him right now and talk about. Whatever we needed to talk about. But, he was just a great Christian example in my life for me. And, uh, "I just never felt like "I, felt like "I was more than a football player, to him. "I never thought "I was just some guy that was out there helping him win a game. And, um, "I think that was part of it. And then of course, uh, I've always loved the game like most of us have that are, that are coaches. And "I sometimes wonder where that came from because, my dad didn't play sports growing up. My, my grandfather owned a construction business and my dad worked. but he did allow me, he told me my whole life, as long as your grades are where they need to be, I'll let you play whatever sport you wanna play. And that just gave me the freedom to go explore. And, uh, he did not let me play football until "I was a seventh grader. Um, "I guess for, you know, safety reasons. And, and, and he did tell me he was afraid. "I would get burned out at a young age and not wanna play it when "I got older, which just, you know, happens. And, uh, "I, "I just remember just wanting to play so bad as a kid and being jealous of my friends in elementary school, you know, and they came with their jerseys and all that. And, and "I don't know if that just made me hungrier for it when "I got into school. playing for Coach Fountain and then, um, "I just didn't want to get away from the game and "I thought about so many other different career paths, but "I just didn't want to get away from the game. And, uh, "I think that led me to it. And then as "I got into it, it becomes more about football. Once you get into it. You "I think football was the first thing that just drew me to being a coach. Uh, you know, and then the success you think that comes with it, but then you get around the kids and it becomes more about them, over time.

Luke: 6:41

Yeah, so, so many coaches that I've talked to, it's been a very similar path and it's that the influence of their high school. Sometimes they're college coach, but it seems like really the high school coach has such an impact on people that we decide that we want to follow in that same path. And that's what, that's what happened to me as well. And it's my sincere hope that I'm having even just the slightest impact on people like my coaches had on me. another thing we share in common is a fact we're about the same age and have about the same longevity in the career. Right. 23 years experience for you, how have you evolved as a coach? Cause I'm sure you're not the same person now that you were when you started.

Scott: 7:20

You know, "I mean not at all. And "I, this is a crazy example, but "I, think about this all the time. "I think I've got a. better relationship with my players now than "I did when "I first started. You know, when you first get into the game, you wanna be that authoritative figure that don't ever question me, don't ever, do this and do that. And, and "I remember, you know, my players call me g. Coach G, or sometimes they'll go, Hey, G and, and "I. Think about that often. If a kid had to called me G in 2002, like my second year of coaching, they would've been up downing or or doing extra running. You know, "I. Remember that just being a big thing, being a young guy, right outta college that "I wanted to be called by. Coach Goby, uh, "I thought that, was a, a respect thing. But, I, I've, I've just changed in that way, that "I like having that kinda, um, obviously there's, there's a line between player and coach, but "I like them feeling comfortable around me. And, um, the first few years, um, as a young coach, "I, "I. "I. probably was a little selfish and more worried about me and my success. And don't get me wrong, "I wanna win more now than "I ever have in my life. "I mean "I. "I, 23 years in, you know, "I, "I. Don't wanna "I, don't want to take a job. That's that. I'm gonna like, "I wanna win, but "I value. Kids that playing for me, knowing that "I love them and that "I think they're more than a football player, and "I value the, just the interaction we can have between each other on the field, being positive and, those guys having a, a positive experience playing for me, "I value that more now than than "I ever have.

Luke: 8:55

and why do you think it years of experience before we recognized this as a coach, cuz, because again, "I was on the same trajectory. "I mean it was come in as a young coach and show everybody how authoritative and you know, quite frankly, what a hard ass "I could be. And now "I am less of that person, have a way better relationship. And "I would argue my teams are probably more disciplined now. When, then before, when "I was Mr. Tough guy. So what do you think it is that helps us to kinda see the way more clearly?

Scott: 9:28

"I "I. Don't know. "I think it just maturity comes with, as you realize that, you don't gain respect by brow beating somebody "I think, you know, and when you're, "I was first started coaching, "I was young, "I was not married, "I didn't have kids. It was all about me and, and my life. And "I think when you, when you get married and you start having your own children and things like that, you start looking at the players that you coach a little bit different. And um, When "I first started coaching, "I was what, 23 years old. "I was not much older than those guys. And our interests were kind of, you know, the same. And now my mentality is, is way different than than them. And "I, "I think about, their future and "I. Think about, you know, something that "I might say to them and how that's gonna affect them down the road. And, and "I, think "I just have a better grasp on how, The way that "I talk to them and the way that "I treat them and the way that "I coach them will affect them down the road. Uh, a way better grasp on that than "I did when "I was 24 years old. You know, and I'm like you now. I'm still view myself as a very disciplined coach, and "I and "I demand respect. And "I and "I "I demand certain things out of the guys, but. "I, "I. "I. Don't think "I have to go out there and browbeat them. "I think that was just a common thing coaches used to feel like they had to do back in day was just browbeat people to show that they were tough and. You don't have to do that. Kids don't respond to that too. "I think we've learned that, uh, over the years that, that kids don't respond to that. You know what "I mean? We may, we may have. In the past growing up it was a different era, you know, if a coach got onto us, we didn't wanna, we didn't want to disappoint 'em. And "I don't know that that's truly the case with these kids nowadays. "I, "I think they, there is still some of that, but, I don't know if any of that makes any sense.

Luke: 11:07

Yeah, "I. Think the kids in today's world, this is gonna come off poorly, but they could take it or leave it. And what "I mean by that is there's a lot more to do. after school, then to go to football practice. "I mean that that's the reality. And you know, you talk about declining numbers in football, really there's declining numbers everywhere because there's a lot of good reason and a lot of entertaining reasons to not leave your house as a teenager anymore, right? So that's something that we do have to be cognizant because you know what? "I have come to evolve myself as is practice should be the best part of their. That doesn't mean that we're gonna play duck, duck, goose and just screw around There's work to be done, but it should be the best part of their day. And the one thing "I always remind my coaches of on a daily basis. They don't want to make the mistake, guys. Do you think they came out here and wanted to step the wrong way or make the wrong read or run the wrong route for whatever reason? Maybe it was our ability or lack of ability to teach it or maybe. They just were confused in the moment or they saw something different. And I've just learned to ask, tell me what you saw, and man, what a difference the response of, of my response to the mistake and their response of me coaching the mistake as opposed to that's it. Everybody start up down and which is what "I used to do, which when he set up Downs, "I was like, yes, cause that's my go-to as well. But yeah, just, just that conversation piece, right? It goes such a far away with these.

Scott: 12:33

yeah. And "I "I. Think "I. That's one big thing that I've learned to do is control myself on the field. Cause I'm a very aggressive coach. And that's one thing "I love about. Football and football practices, you don't have to go out, you can run around and, and have a good time and you know, we're in the classroom all day, you know, in an air conditioner and khaki pants and a bell. And then you get to go out to football practice and put on shorts and tennis shoes and kind of be, kind of be young again and be a kid and run around and have a good time. And, and "I tell those guys, if I'm going to yell at you, I'm gonna yell at you like that's part of the game. but, but I've learned to control myself out there, like you said. And figure out what is the root of the problem here? Why is this kid not maybe hustling like we want him to, or, or you know, whatever the issue is, I've learned to control myself out. It's made a huge difference.

Luke: 13:19

That's a great way to put it because discipline and self-control. All of us as football coaches preach it, and then you look at someone on the sideline just losing their head, and it's the complete opposite of the lessons you're trying to teach the kids. So we can't talk about self-control and discipline if we're not. Executing that at all times at a high level as well, even in the most tense situations, like when you're, when the kid makes the same mistake three times in a row of practice. It's really frustrating.

Scott: 13:46

"I, "I, "I don't mean to interrupt you, but another part of that, cuz "I will go off on the field and "I will have a tantrum and, and, but, but it's on. things that they know. Like we have, we have non-negotiables on defense that we operate under. And if a kid kinda violates or goes against one of those non-negotiables, I'm probably not gonna handle it well, and they know that. But also "I think that's where having a relationship with them comes in. If they know that "I love them, they don't take that, yelling that they're getting. They hear the message. And "I do that with my own children. My own kids know that "I love them. "I tell them every single day, "I love 'em more than anything in the world, but I'm gonna get on their tail too. you know, some kids take it if you're yelling at them, he, he hates me. He hates me. That's all they hear. Well, if you've got a relationship with them before and you've told them you love them and you hug their neck and you praise 'em when they're doing good and tell 'em when they're doing good, they'll be able to take the time that you do go. on.

Luke: 14:41

Yeah, and we're gonna come back to that love piece because "I think it's very important for a coach of any sport. But before we dive into that, talk about life as a defensive coordinator, which is what you've been experiencing in the past three years, and. With this business, as people elevate and gain more responsibility, sometimes it's better than they thought, but there's usually things that they maybe didn't anticipate. So, tell me, is being a defensive coordinator, what you thought it was gonna be gaining that responsibility?

Scott: 15:09

Yeah, "I. Think so. "I mean, I've been to DC here for three years, but "I was a DC at another school in South Alabama for. five years "I guess. Uh, yeah. And there's probably been more to the job than "I, you know, maybe expected, but there's nothing that "I just went wow, like "I did not know this was "I mean. I've always felt like as a coach, I've worked just as hard as anybody and put in, you know, the same amount of hours as anybody, and I've always worked. as if "I was the defensive coordinator. You know, "I just wasn't the guy out there making the calls. "I wanted to know everything. And so "I don't think I've had to like work any harder. if anything, it's, helped me see just a broader picture, obviously, but "I love it. "I mean "I love being able to I, love making the calls, and just the challenge that comes with, you know, trying to keep somebody from scoring and it's. It's so hard nowadays. Offenses can do so many things to attack you, and it feels like the game is bent in their direction. In, in every way. Every rule is bent to an offensive rule, which is fine, you know, and "I kind of like that a little bit too. "I, kind of like that little underdog kind of mentality where it's me against the world kind of deal. "I kind of like that. We play that up with our, with our defensive team a lot. So "I, enjoy that part of it. And "I enjoy the, you know, the defenses. "I feel like more aggressive, than offense. and "I just enjoy that part of it. And "I also just enjoy the, the numbers part, you know, breaking down the opponent and what are they really, you know, they do all these things and these emotions and these shifts, a lot of this. But it's fun to just sit there and look at somebody and go, all right, what do they really want to do? Now they're doing all this other. but what is it they really want to do? And when you figure that out and being able to come up with a creative plan and all these different ways to attack it, it's just "I. Don't know. It's fun.

Luke: 17:00

You beat me to the punch on. The game being maybe tilted a little bit to the advantage of the offense. I coach offense have most of my career Full transparency. So the question "I was thinking in my head before "I even went there was tell me just outta curiosity as a defensive coordinator, what is it that we are allowed to do offensively that just ticks you off as the defensive coordinator because there definitely are some rules and advantage of the offensive.

Scott: 17:27

The biggest thing "I think is the PI. Nowadays, "I tell people all the time, if "I was an OC "I, think "I would throw a deep ball one at least once every four place. "I would just drop back and chunk it cuz it "I. It's just so hard you the play in the, uh, "I. Guess it was the AFC championship game, uh, near the end. "I mean? Was it a pi "I? Maybe. But it's just so hard. "I "I feel like the officials forget sometimes that when the ball leaves the quarterback's hands and it's in the air, it is anybody's ball.

Luke: 17:53

right? Yeah. "I agree.

Scott: 17:55

it's not, they don't, they "I don't think officials think of it that way. They think of it like it's the offensive player's ball and the defensive player just has to kind of like try to get it without touching the offensive player. "I. Don't know. It's I, don't know why it's become like that. But that's probably the big thing that frustrates me more than anything. Or, or the PIs and then the lineman, downfield kind of deal. "I feel like they let that go a little bit, but you know. But then just the offense coordinators have. So creative with motions and shifts and numbers and, they've gotten really good at figuring out what defenses want to do and using that against us. it's a challenge for sure.

Luke: 18:32

Yeah, the PI thing for sure. It's not even fair. "I mean you can't even cover a receiver anymore. And "I, "I agree with you. We're seeing in our league, in the Chicago Catholic League, uh, which is a lot of, great football I mean man guys are just for verse and chucking it up and taking their chances. And it's frustrating when it's going against you and the kids are doing everything they can and they make a good play. But if there's even the slightest bit of contact. Forget it. And what's frustrating for me as a head coach, we're getting PIs called on us when the receiver's running into our defensive back and we're still getting a PI call. "I was like, what is he supposed to do? He ran into us, you know? But, so that is, the frustration for "I Field, the lineman down field on the RPO stuff. Is definitely to the offensive advantage as well. So just wanna have a little fun there. Let's get back to what we really wanna talk about and, and the kids. And, loving the kids and loving 'em before you coach in them is "I is something that you have said to me, which I really like, so why is that so important to

Scott: 19:32

"I mean, it goes back to that quote that you mentioned earlier and that you've heard me say before that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. And, I just think, you know, like "I said, in today's world, "I. The meaning of the word love has just changed so much and strayed from what it it really means "I think, and "I think the kids that "I coach and and my own children understand that, if you love somebody, you're gonna, you're gonna hold 'em accountable. Um, I've got my own kids and we've got our set of rules and, when they, go against those rules and there's, there's punishment, and. I think that makes them know that "I love them more. You know, my eight-year-old will tell me, and I've told 'em, baby "I, do you want me to stop encouraging you and getting you to go in the right direction and disciplining you and all those things? She said, no, daddy, that means you love me. And, uh, "I think people have just forgotten that today, that they don't realize that, discipline equals love. And, uh, "I think our players get. um, our coaching staff is on board with that and we hold 'em accountable. "I think one thing that we do a good job of is, you know, just for example, if a kid comes in late in the mornings, We'll put 'em on the boards. We call 'em. We have a two by four that's covered in carpet and we'll make 'em push that board down the hall and back and we don't get in there and berate 'em and yell at 'em and tell 'em how dumb they are. And why can't you get here on time? It's that if you're late, here's the punishment that you're going to do. And you're gonna do it, and then we're gonna go on about our business. Or you know what guys? If y'all didn't, play with unbelievable effort at practice today, here's the, here's the punishment and you're gonna do that. And then we're gonna get up and we're gonna go about our business and go back to practice. And you're not gonna be, berated and "I. Just think if you operate like that with them. And be demanding, but not demeaning to those kids that lets them know that you love them. And "I. And sometimes coaches have a hard time with that. Sometimes "I, do you know "I? Try not to be like that. But for example, Monday "I went into work and for some reason, "I don't know. "I was not in a great mood. First day this semester. I've not been in a great mood and "I probably did not. There was a couple situations that came up. "I probably didn't handle it like "I know to handle it. You know, we all have bad days, but again, if you're looking at the big picture and how you treat kids "I think they probably understand that.

Luke: 21:45

Yeah. And sometimes you come in the next day and say, Hey, man, "I was having a bad day. And "I like, yeah, we figured you did You know, the, the, the kids appreciate that.

Scott: 21:52

can't be too big to do that. And, and if "I slip up, "I, try not to cuss at practice at all. But goodness, man, sometimes it's hard as a football coach, and if "I do, I'll tell those kids, Hey man, look, I'm sorry "I shouldn't have talked to you like that. And they're like, coach, it's what do you, we ain't even hear you. Like, we don't even know what you're talking about. So "I think they respect that, too.

Luke: 22:11

Such a good point too about what love gets interpreted as in today's world, it is so much about like you said, I'm gonna let you do whatever you're gonna do, or I'm gonna shower you with gifts, or I'm gonna spoil you when. You're right. Love is, I'm gonna hold you accountable. Uh, love is, I'm gonna tell you the truth. And that's something that "I think we need to instill in our kids today because they are confused as to what love is. They're confused to what being a man is to, to some extent as well. Right? And these are, things that. I feel like we're being asked to do like maybe not intentional "I mean our superintendent's not gonna call out to say, you need to teach these kids what being a man is. But "I see it, "I see it more and more and it's, it's an important thing to help them understand what love is, more importantly, what love looks like. Which is to the point you're saying the discipline

Scott: 23:00

Yeah. And "I "I think it's important for them to see us, you know, love our own families. And luckily I've worked for Goodhead coaches, "I got a good one. Now they let our families come around and, you know, we have a, a team suppers on Tuesday night where the booster club cooks for us and our kids are all there and running around. And "I think that's important for our players to see that, um, because they're gonna grow up and be husbands and fathers one day. for them to see their football coach who they probably look at, you know, a lot of them we're the only father figure they have in their life, and so they probably look at us as kind of a role model deal for them to see us with a healthy relationship with our wife and our kids "I think is important as well. And we got a bunch of good guys on our coaching staff that are, they're good people before they're good football coaches, and so I'm thankful for.

Luke: 23:45

I'm glad you said that. That's such an important thing that "I talk to prospective coaches about, because some people come in and interview with me and they're so concerned about, show me what they have in their notebook. And I'm like, I'm not worried about the Xs and Os "I. Just wanna know that you're going to be a good person to put in front of our team, because that's really what's most important. And that's really, at the end of the day, what our parents want to. Yeah, they wanna win and they're gonna say what they say in the stands, but at the end of the day, they want. Influential, impactful people and, you know, role models for their kids. So I'm glad you, you went in that direction. So, someone listening who maybe is struggling with how they could show and execute love on their team. Can you share with our listeners, like, what's one thing that any coach can do in any program regardless of sport, to make sure that, uh, you know, their players understand that they are loved by their coaches.

Scott: 24:39

"I mean "I. Think you tell 'em like "I Think that's one thing you do is you could just tell 'em "I "I. "I had a kid today at school that "I haven't coasted. Um, it's 2020 was his senior year. We went to the state championship game and got beat. Great kid. just doesn't have a lot in life. Really, really tough upbringing. Um, who's really good football player for us. He's in the army now. He's stationed in Germany. He was back outta school. And I walked up to him. First thing we did was you gave each other a huge hug just in the middle of the school. Just two guys, you know, just hooked each other's neck, held on each other for a minute. We talked for a little bit until "I had to leave and, and "I said, "I love you man. He said, "I, love you too, coach. And we went on. And so "I think just telling them that you love them. Goes a long way. A lot of guys do not hear that. they don't hear, they don't have anybody at home that tells 'em that. And, uh, you can tell it when you, when you say that to them. They don't know how to respond a lot of times. so "I think that's one thing you can do is, is just tell 'em that you love them,

Luke: 25:33

And what's the one mistake you've seen coaches make that pollutes their relationship with their players?

Scott: 25:40

I think trying to be something other than what you are. Like trying to be a big old, like tough guy. Uh, or be somebody else that you saw out there on Twitter world or something like that. "I. Think you gotta know who you are. You know what "I mean? Like, like "I was saying a while ago, we've got a set of non-negotiables on defense and that's really what. What matters at the end of the day as far as how we practice or how we play, are those non-negotiables, "I? Think you gotta have some non-negotiables for yourself too. because if you don't "I "I know me. if "I don't have some kind of non-negotiables that "I try to operate with each day, I can lose it. "I can be a loose cannon. I'm extremely impatient. I'm a little bit. short tempered. And so, you know, that can equate to a guy that loses his mind out there on the practice field a whole lot. so "I "I don't wanna do that. And so every day when "I go out to practice, "I wanna be. "I wanna know like, here's what I'm looking for today on the practice field. Here's how I'm planning on handling that. If something goes bad today on the practice field, here's how I'm gonna handle it and here's what I'm not gonna do. And you just have some non-negotiables. You have a certain way that you're gonna talk to kids or a certain thing that you're not gonna talk to kids about. I've heard coaches talk to kids about things that I'm like, holy cow, "I would. Approach that subject with a, with a child and "I Think just knowing who you are as a person and, and having some non-negotiables, will help with that.

Luke: 27:05

Let's talk about the defensive non-negotiables. Can you gimme an example of one and how you maintain the standard? You know, how you hold kids to. those non-negotiables because "I think our profession is filled with lots of great theories and lots of great philosophy, not always the best execution, or maybe the execution starts great at the beginning of the year and it tapers off throughout because it gets to be exhausting to continually hold the kids to the non-negotiable.

Scott: 27:38

right. Our first non-negotiable is that we're gonna play with an unbelievable effort regardless of the situation. Doesn't matter what the situation is, because you know, in football and especially on defense, "I think you're gonna have. Just crazy situations that you're gonna be involved in. First of all, down here we practice an unbelievable heat and humidity. It is miserable in August. Trying to practice football with a full set of pads on. It is, it is crazy hot Friday night, same thing. Crazy hot, but you're gonna get the ball and you know, some. You may turn the ball over and you gotta, they're on the five yard line going into score. You know, or you, you may be, it may be week, eight, and your shoulder hurts or whatever, but it's not injured. It just hurts a little bit. You don't feel good. So whatever the situation is, our first non-negotiables we're gonna play with unbelievable effort does not matter. Alright? and that's on, it's on paper PowerPoints and, and we remind them of that. "I usually try to remind 'em of that. We have the kids come in on Sundays during the season and, uh, "I try to remind them of that every Sunday. and then when we review game film or practice film, That's one of the first things we point out is if, if someone is not giving us that effort, we point it out in front of the whole team. "I want everybody to know it. And, um, one thing we did cool and "I got this from somebody else, and "I don't even remember who. But in the spring we had an effort chart and we had every kid's name on it, and we had three colors, like yellow, green, and black. And each color represented great effort, mid effort, or you just quit. And we would post it every day with the color by that kid's name so that the kids could come in and see. You know, who did what that day. but "I also like to reward unbelievable effort. And, and "I made a highlight for him, for the kids every Sunday. from the game, you know, easily done on huddle. Probably took me about 20 minutes, put a little music to it it was effort place, you know, effort least to a lot of big plays in the game. And "I would pull up, put all that on there, and "I would. We just praised them for it, when they did it. And then when they didn't do it, we got on 'em pretty hard. And if it was really, really bad, and you're gonna have a couple really, really bad days throughout the season. "I remember two throughout the season and it was, we made it a really big deal and we punished them and we had defensive meetings and the coaches got on our kids. And, but "I don't know. "I don't think we were demeaning "I. Think we were just very demanding about. but that's the first one. And in Alabama, we've got two hours a week in the off season that we can go do football. And so when the weather permits, we'll go out on Wednesdays and do 7 0 7. And I'm telling 'em right now. The only thing that "I really worried about right now, "I mean obviously communication and finding out who can play for us, whatever's going on out there. "I just wanna see effort. "I just wanna see effort and that, because that affects a lot of mistakes on.

Luke: 30:25

Success as a program. It's, something that we all want to achieve and be able to maintain and it, it's difficult to get there and it's probably even more difficult to maintain it once you're there. You guys have been to the state championship game, uh, multiple times. What would you say is the recipe to your success at Auburn?

Scott: 30:44

"I mean we've had good players over the years. I think that's probably number one. We're never gonna be the most talented team to steps on the field. Like we're not full of, we don't have a roster full of power Five guys. We've had, uh, we had one kid sign in the early signing period this year, and then tomorrow we will have. Four or five kids sign and then we'll probably have four or five kids sign later and they're all gonna be small schools. but we, we've had a, we have a bunch of good high school football players. If you know what "I mean, we may not be filled with power Five guys like a lot of our opponents are, especially when you get in the playoffs. We're gonna have a lot of good high school football players. "I think it probably starts with them. Um, I've been lucky to coach some kids that had just been been good high school football. "I think that's probably number one. number two is we have, we have good coaches. we have coaches that buy into the standard, Our big thing defensively has been underdog mentality. And "I show 'em all these underdogs and "I pour that into their head all the time because most of the time when we go into a big game against, you know, in a state championship game, we're, we're probably going to always be the underdog semifinal game. Probably always gonna be the underdog. Um, maybe even against, you know, some, a couple of our arch rivals we're probably gonna be the underdog, at least to a lot of people. So "I want that to be their mentality and, um, yeah, we've been in. You know, two outta the last three state championship games and been in the semi-finals four or five years in a row. But "I don't want them to ever get, comfortable and get satisfied. And "I think they've bought into that. they've bought into how, here's how we're gonna do something. We're going to work hard regardless of whatever's going on. You're gonna work hard. "I think they've bought into that and, and, uh, that, that gives us a chance against people that may be. Ultimately more talented than us. So "I think those are the two biggest things. The players. We've had good coaches and the kids just, they, they work their tails off for us. They really do.

Luke: 32:39

And the kids are why we're in this business. It's the, it's the best part of the business is getting to coach kids and getting to see where they're at. And watch them move to who you knew they could be. "I mean there's nothing more rewarding. And then the successful outcomes is just the icing on top, right? It's just, it's, it's so rewarding and that's why we all do it. It's, it's these little victories that we get to see every day that keeps us coming back for more, despite. Mounting pressures of teachers and coaches, and that's just the reality that's happening in schools across America. So with that said, if you could wave your magic wand right now and you could fix one thing in coaching that would make it even that much more rewarding or that much better, what would be that one thing that you would fix and.

Scott: 33:32

Man, that's a tough question. Um, there's, there's so many things that we kinda go back and "I mean. If you're just talking about pure football, uh, "I, "I, think. And "I. Don't know if it's like this in, in your state, but the officials have gotta get a grip on the game. Uh, they've gotta get a better knowledge of the game and they've gotta get more, reps and more work. "I. "I don't "I, just "I think the health of the officials is not good, at any level. if you're just talking about the pure game, that would be the number one thing. If "I could change anything right now, it would be parents. crazy expectations, man. Uh, crazy expectations they. They, they want their kids. It's almost like they want their kids, their, all their kids to just be all state players. And like, that's the most important thing. And you know, there's some kids that they're just not gonna be good football players. They're just not gonna be, uh, or good whatever basketball players or volleyball players or whatever. They're just not gonna be. and that's not just parents. There's coaches, you know, there's teachers. But "I just think the expectations that. put on kids as As really as parents. That would probably be the biggest thing. "I would change.

Luke: 34:41

Yeah, "I. Think a lot of parents. They justify or validate their parenting skills based on the accolades that happen on the field. And, and we know that has nothing to do with it, right? That has zero "I mean kids that are successful on the field is because, one, they're talented athletes, and two, they work hard and, and that's what happens. So it, it is mounting. I'm not surprised that you said that as your response and "I appreciate your, honesty with it because, It's getting difficult and it's like what "I told you on the phone when "I was talking about hopping on the podcast. We're losing awesome teachers and coaches because of the excessiveness of parents and. "I "I don't "I. It's just not lost. "I, "I just loved their kids. "I get that. But you know, just, trust the process. Just like we tell their sons, you know, trust the process that what we're doing is in the best interest of their kids. And, you know, it's just always been amazing to me, uh, that, sometimes parents forget, like, of course we wanna win. we're working 80 hours a week. We're neglecting our own families. Do you really think we're not in this to win it? "I mean of of course we are. So, doesn't surprise me with your answer there. So let's get back to stereotypes, to wrap up this episode. I, "I. Think they're really funny too. They cracked me up and you know, "I "I. Hear your southern draw. And I'm like, man, "I just "I. Think about football. All right. Like when "I hear you talk "I, think about football. "I brought up my offensive line coach to begin the. He would always use a Southern accent when he was doing one of his clinic talks to us and, and we'd be, we'd be laughing, right? So, you know, "I live in Chicago from what "I hear "I have no idea what this even means. People are like, man, you really have a Chicago accent, which "I never even heard of such a thing because, well, "I only know Chicago, so maybe "I do, maybe "I don't. So like, what's the stereotype of, US coaches up in, uh, up in the north, US

Scott: 36:31

I don't, "I don't know. And "I, "I, "I thought you would probably have a stronger accent than you do. But, um, "I think maybe you'd probably accentuate your words, maybe a little more than we do down here. Um, Man "I don't know what, what "I what is the stereotype? We have "I "I. Know "I

Luke: 36:50

"I. Don't wanna "I, don't wanna get any of those. Southerners pissed off right now.

Scott: 36:53

"I. Know the stereotypes we have "I. Think that's more stereotypes for us than there are. people up North "I know we probably all, you know, dip and ch tobacco and, and, you know, hunt and fish and "I, "I, "I "I. Know the stereotypes that

Luke: 37:07

Yeah, that's, that's the low hanging fruit right there, coach. But you know, "I, "I, "I will say this from looking just through the lens of sports and "I. Don't know if this is. True or not, but like there's definitely the perception that, uh, you know, in the south, especially the southeast with football, like that's it. Like, like that's, that's what it is, you know? Um, where "I in Chicagoland football is huge, but this is also Michael Jordan City. So basketball is, "I. is really massive as well, you know, so whereas again, down by. Football is kind of everything. And "I don't, "I. Don't know if that's true or not, but that's that. That's definitely the stereotype as well.

Scott: 37:50

football's keen, but in the south. But our school, our school is a really strong, it's an academic first school. Uh, we're an a p "I B school. Really, really strong academics and they're, they're gonna put that first. But, our baseball teams won multiple state championships, basketball teams won a couple track team, and we've been. Pretty successful in, in every sport at Auburn High. So it's a good, um, it's a good all around school, but yeah. "I "I know that anytime "I, anytime "I go in "I go to Arkansas every year for the BROS award. And that's, they think, oh, Alabama football. Like that's what, that's what people think. So, and I'm, I'm fine with that. "I mean there's so many not football's not bad. You know, there's so many good lessons you can learn from and "I think more people should play it.

Luke: 38:32

"I. I, absolutely agree with you. "I. You know, just like a kid could go to school and major in music, "I, think they should be able to go to school and major in football or basketball, whatever it is, that's, that's really important to

Scott: 38:43

"I heard. I heard a Yeah, there. "I heard a lady at a banquet today, this weekend, excuse me, giving out a scholarship. She said, football's the last tough thing that a boy has to do. And "I thought, wow, you know, "I mean it really is.

Luke: 38:56

the late great Randy Walker when he was at Northwestern, he was really good to US coaches in Chicagoland, and he would always talk about football being the, the last bastion of American ideals. And, uh, you know, maybe it is, maybe it isn't. "I don't know, but "I do know, "I love it. And "I do know that the, uh, the life lessons of embracing. We always say embrace the suck, right? That's the best part of football and that's what "I really love about it. And that's why "I have my son play. And that's why I'm gonna, I'm gonna keep on coaching it. So you know, I'm gonna keep following you on Twitter. What is your Twitter handle, by the way, coach.

Scott: 39:30

At Coach Scott 34, which is dumb "I. Wish "I could change that. "I. When "I got Twitter in like oh eight or whenever it was, Twitter came out. "I. Just put that as my hand on now. Like "I gotta "I, gotta stick with it. "I guess.

Luke: 39:42

go check him out on Twitter. you're not gonna be disappointed with his videos. Even if you're not a football coach. the humor will be lost on you a little bit, but you won't be disappointed with his videos. Because even just the filters are phenomenal and you know, coach "I have a request. "I. "I really want you to, to work with your executive team. Whoever's help, whoever's maybe your kids behind the videos, they probably help you brainstorm. We need to come up with something to attribute us northern, football coaches. Okay? One "I. Don't think we get enough credit from you Southern boys. You, you think we're, we're inferior to all of you guys, right? Which probably is true, whatever, but, uh, "I would love to see some stereotypes put out by you for us Northern Football coaches

Scott: 40:20

Okay, we're doing it. That's a great idea. I'll be working on that.

Luke: 40:23

And "I appreciate you being on "I. Like "I said, "I know it's, it is really late. it's been great talking to you. And again, your videos, my podcast, Twitter in general, like, it's just so cool the way the community of coaches is just growing and expanding and getting to meet different people in different areas and just get to shoot things, off each other. So, I, appreciate this connection. "I, look forward to talking more strictly

Scott: 40:47

Absolutely. Thank you for having me on "I. Enjoyed it.