AFM Home | The Staff Report | Apr 2003

Tony Severino
Schutt Sports Midwest Regional
High School Coach of the Year
Rockhurst High School
Kansas City, Mo.

Having coached for 33 years, I have seen many trends come and go in football. It is so important for a young coach to develop a sound philosophy, not only on the Xs and Os, but also on player development and evaluations.

We here at Rockhurst use this as a basis for our program. These four words sum up the philosophy of our program: simple ... sound ... fair ... compassionate. We feel that that if we build the football program around these words, it will encompass everything we are trying to accomplish.

1) Simple - It’s not what you know, but what you teach that your players will comprehend and understand. Keep it simple from a terminology standpoint and be consistent year in and year out. Therefore, your players are never confused, which builds confidence.

2) Sound - Have a system, both offensively and defensively that is sound and not necessarily “trendy.” You can never teach everything you know. Find out what works for you and your players and build on it. Be able to adjust within the system, but stay sound.

3) Fair - Treat your players fairly. Be honest and upfront with your players. Never embarrass them in front of their peers. We talk “fair but not equal.” We are not an intramural program. You will earn the right to play. There is a difference in talent levels, and if you get an opportunity, make the best of it.

4) Compassionate - Get to know your players as best you can in all phases of their lives. Try to put yourself in their shoes and be compassionate when dealing with their problems. Never forget what it was like to be a player when dealing with your kids. If you forget, its time to get out of coaching.