Open Door Policy
A LOOK INSIDE A COACH\'S OFFICE: CHUCK BROYLES, PITTSBURG STATE
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Chuck Broyles of Pittsburg State followed a near legendary coach – Dennis Franchione – when he became head coach of the Pittsburg State Gorillas in 1990. Franchione, now the head man at Texas A & M, had compiled a 56-6 record in his last six seasons at PSU. Since that time, though, Broyles has not only continued the tradition, he has become near legendary himself.
In his fifteen seasons as head coach he has guided the Gorillas to 13 post-season appearances and an overall 154-30-2 record which makes him the all-time winningest coach by percentage in NCAA Division II history. His 1991 team won the D-II National Championship and last fall was honored as the Schutt Sports Division II Coach of the Year with an overall 14-1 record. The Gorillas have the winningest D-II program in NCAA history.
We spoke to Coach Broyles about PSU football, it's rich tradition and history, from his office on campus. More specifically, what it's like being the head man for PSU and what goes on behind the scenes? What is the inner-workings of a day like for him? Included is an intimate look inside a coach’s den...
AFM: What was it like 15 years ago when you became head coach at Pittsburg State?
CB: I was the defensive coordinator here for two years before becoming head coach. I was somewhat apprehensive but ready for the challenge. Coach Fran left with a great record and I knew there was a lot of work to do. We were, at the time, and still are the winningest D-II program. I was the only coach with recruiting experience when I got the job that December. I hired Tim Beck to help and he’s been with me and now serves as our offensive coordinator.
AFM: Tell me how the office is used? Do you have staff meetings there, do recruits visit, do you use it to watch tape?
CB: It’s essentially a two room office with the back room used as a conference room primarily for daily staff meetings. From early August through the season we have meetings there every day at 7:30 am for about 12 people. I also use my office for meetings with parents and recruits. I use the computer but am pretty much on the phone a lot – the phone we feel is our best recruiting tool. The amount of emails is staggering – if I’m out of the office for a week I probably receive about 500 emails.
AFM: Over the years have you had any interesting or unusual visitors or anecdotes?
CB: In 1996 at our annual golf tournament both Brett Favre and George Brett played. Brett’s agent – James (Bus) Cook – had played racquetball that morning and sprained his ankle. We started to treat it in my office and realized he had torn his Achilles tendon but he still played 18 holes of golf that day. He plays through pain like his client.
AFM: Any interesting or unusual phone calls over the years?
CB: I once received a call from a player who was considering transferring to PSU. After we discussed the academic and administrative information side of the call, I told him all of the NCAA requirements before a transfer can be completed. He then asked me if I was Coach Sherrill from Pittsburgh and I realized this call wasn’t going any farther.
AFM: Have many fellow-coaches stopped by your office?
CB: Coach Fran comes by often. I learned a lot from him especially his tremendous work ethic. He is from nearby and has spoken at our clinic. A former player of mine – Brad Scott – has been by the office as well. He coached for Bobby Bowden and was head coach at South Carolina. A retired NFL coach lives close to the campus – John Levra – has also visited with us. He coached for 23 years in the NFL and was on the staffs of Mike Ditka and Bum Phillips and was a member of our 1961 National Championship team.
AFM: What are some of the personal and professional memorabilia in your office?
CB: I’ve got a corn plant in the corner that my wife gave me that’s been there for 15 years. We are the only team in the country known as the Gorillas and I’ve got, I believe, 27 stuffed gorillas on one wall. One has sun glasses on. There’s also some ceramic and brass gorillas around the office.
Behind my desk I have a painting by Ted Watts, a PSU alum. He’s considered one of the most notable sports artists in the country. The painting is of the 1991 championship team. It includes our two Harlon Hill winners – Ronald West and Ronnie Moore – as well as Troy Wilson. In addition to a collegiate National Championship, Troy has a Super Bowl ring with the 49’ers and a ring from the Arena League.
AFM: If you were allowed to take only one item from your office, what would it be?
CB: Probably a toss-up between the corn plant and the national championship painting.
AFM: If you could invite any three coaches into your office for a philosophical football discussion, who would they be?
CB: Probably Bear Bryant, Mike Ditka, and Tom Landry. When Coach Fran was at Alabama I was able to go through the Bryant Museum. John Levra told me Ditka – known to be ‘gruff’– was a great coach. I feel I would learn a lot from life’s lessons by listening to Coach Landry.
AFM: If you could be a GA again and learn from one coach, who would it be?
CB: Lloyd Carr. I served on the NCAA Rules Committee with him and he has great passion for the game. He often refers to ‘the great game of football’ and, as coaches, we are protectors of the game. Winning is important but not at all costs.
AFM: What thoughts or advice would you give to the person that will eventually replace you?
CB: Good luck. I’ve often thought if God had to decide on one D-II program, Pittsburg State would be perfect – the fans and administration will give you great support. But with that comes high expectations that can be overwhelming. I think, in making decisions, my advice would be to always do what you feel is best for Pittsburg State.
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