S2 #13 features Brandon Kreczmer, who is the linebacker coach at Western Illinois University. Prior to joining the Leathernecks staff, Coach Kreczmer served as an assistant at the D3 level as well as a very successful stint as a high school head coach, so he spans a wide array of experience in the coaching ranks.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What makes a great assistant coach
- Be where your feet are planted and do whatever the head coach asks; doesn't matter if it's lining the field or filling the water bottles, just do it and do it as if it's the most important job in the world. Also, always bring ideas to the HC and never take it personal if he/she doesn't use it.
- How to put the players first despite the pressures to win at the D1 level
- Regardless of level, players respond best to the coaches who truly care about them as people and not simply as athletes. Therefore, the coaches who put people first will ultimately yield the most on-the-field success.
- Why three words mean so much
- "I love you" - players need to hear it, especially b/c it may be the only time they hear it.
- Differences between coaching at the HS/collegiate ranks
- Other than only focusing on football all day long, skills needed to be successful at the collegiate ranks are very similar to that of high school: Be a people-centered, servant leader.
