Building a Values-Driven Football Program: Insights from Coach Darrell Sutherland
In the world of football, success is often measured by wins and losses on the field. But for Coach Darrell Sutherland and his coaching staff at Bartram Trail High School in Jacksonville, Florida, success goes beyond the scoreboard. In a recent episode of the Board Drill Podcast, Coach Sutherland shared invaluable insights into how they built a culture centered around core values like integrity, character, teamwork, and service leadership.
One of the coolest things too is how many of the guys that are currently coaching at Bartram over the last few years there that were former players. And just so fun to see them come back. -Coach Sutherland
Deliberate Planning and Discussion:
One of the cornerstones of Coach Sutherland's approach is intentional planning and discussion among the coaching staff. They recognized the importance of not just assuming they were all on the same page but actively engaging in dialogue to define the traits they wanted their players to graduate with. This meant asking tough questions: What does it mean to be a Bartram Trail Bear? How can we prepare our players for life beyond high school football?
One of the key things is that coaches feel like they have the opportunity to contribute. You get guys there that want to come and do something to make the program better, and then giving them the opportunity to do that and stepping out of their way, giving them the resources that they need to do it. -Coach Sutherland
Weekly Themes and Teachable Moments:
To reinforce these values, the coaching staff implemented a system of weekly themes, covering topics like integrity, character, and service leadership. But these themes were not just abstract concepts discussed in team meetings. They were woven into the fabric of everyday practice. Coach Sutherland emphasized the importance of seizing teachable moments, whether it was picking up trash on the field or emphasizing the importance of finishing drills with maximum effort.
Player Involvement and Ownership:
Crucially, Coach Sutherland and his staff involved the players in the process. Players were not just passive recipients of the program's values; they were active participants in shaping the culture of the team. From selecting themes to delivering presentations to their teammates, players were given ownership of their growth and development. This empowerment fostered a sense of accountability and responsibility within the team, driving collective progress towards shared goals.
And I think the same thing with players, you know, being open and honest with them and them seeing over the long haul that you really do care more about their growth as a man than you do about their growth as a player. -Coach Sutherland
Evaluation and Feedback:
The effectiveness of the program was not left to chance. Coach Sutherland and his staff implemented regular feedback mechanisms to assess the impact of their efforts. Post-season surveys and individual meetings provided valuable insights into what was working well and where improvements could be made. This commitment to evaluation and feedback ensured continuous growth and adaptation within the program, keeping it responsive to the evolving needs of the players and the community.
…at the end of the year we would do the postseason surveys with the guys, and then with the seniors I would meet with them because I felt like those guys would obviously had a little more freedom to be honest with us. -Coach Sutherland
Balancing Coaching Commitments and Family Life:
Beyond the X's and O's of football, Coach Sutherland emphasized the importance of prioritizing family and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By involving their families in team events and activities, coaches demonstrated that relationships off the field are just as important as those on the field. This holistic approach to coaching not only fosters stronger bonds within the team but also sets a positive example for players, emphasizing the importance of relationships and values beyond the game.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Coach Darrell Sutherland's approach to building a values-driven football program serves as a testament to the transformative power of sports. By prioritizing character development, involving players in the process, and maintaining a focus on continuous improvement, coaches can create a culture that not only produces wins but prepares young men for success in life beyond the game. As coaches, let us take inspiration from Coach Sutherland's example and strive to build programs that not only win games but also shape lives.
Action Item List for Coaches
Define Core Values: Take time as a coaching staff to identify the core values you want your players to embody both on and off the field.
Develop Weekly Themes: Create a schedule of weekly themes that align with your program's values and prioritize discussions and teachable moments around these themes.
Involve Players: Empower players to take ownership of their growth by involving them in the selection and presentation of weekly themes.
Evaluate Effectiveness: Implement regular feedback mechanisms, such as post-season surveys and individual meetings, to assess the impact of your program and identify areas for improvement.
Prioritize Family: Remember to prioritize family and maintain a healthy work-life balance, as strong relationships off the field are essential for success on the field.