DJ Mann, QB Coach/Recruiting Coordinator - Cedar Hill High School

05/07/20 • 29 min

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Cedar Hill High School Quarterback Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, DJ Mann. Coach Mann discusses the importance of being a recruiting coordinator for the right reasons, the significance of knowing the academic component to recruiting, as well as the value in positively promoting your athletes.

DJ Mann has been in the education profession for over 11 years, teaching and coaching throughout the Dallas Metroplex, West Texas, Houston, and East Texas. Mann has been a teacher, quarterback coach, and recruiting coordinator at Cedar Hill since 2017. Prior to Cedar Hill, Coach Mann spent four years as the assistant head coach, offensive coordinator, and recruiting coordinator at Crosby High School (2012-16). Mann has also had coaching stints at Sulphur Springs High School (2010-12), Wylie High School (2008-10), Spruce High School (2007-08), and Palo Duro High School (2006). Additionally, Coach Mann is the owner of BeGreat Academy, a quarterback and receiver program preparing athletes for recruiting camps, combines, and showcases.

[1:35] Start of interview
[2:51] Being a recruiting coordinator for the right reasons
[4:03] Creating the buzz on social media
[5:45] Developing film for recruits
[8:50] The significance of academics
[14:15] Communicating with collegiate scouts
[18:02] Promote your players
[23:26] Separating yourself as a recruiting coordinator

[1:35] Start of interview
[2:51] Being a recruiting coordinator for the right reasons
[4:03] Creating the buzz on social media
[5:45] Developing film for recruits
[8:50] The significance of academics
[14:15] Communicating with collegiate scouts
[18:02] Promote your players
[23:26] Separating yourself as a recruiting coordinator

Previous Episode

Trent Dilfer, Head Coach - Lipscomb Academy

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Super Bowl XXXV champion, and current Lipscomb Academy Head Coach, Trent Dilfer’s session from the 2020 AFCA Convention. Coach Dilfer discusses the importance of developing pros, the concept of thermostat leadership, and the significance of Energy, Effort, Attitude, and Focus.

Trent Dilfer led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl championship in 2000 and was a lead analyst for a variety of ESPN programs. The 14-year NFL veteran joined ESPN in July 2008. Dilfer played for five teams during his career, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1994-99), Baltimore Ravens (2000), Seattle Seahawks (2001-04), Cleveland Browns (2005), and San Francisco 49ers (2006-2007). Dilfer led the Ravens to a 34-7 victory over the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. The 1997 Pro Bowl selection finished his career with 20,518 passing yards. Dilfer was the sixth overall pick by the Buccaneers in the 1994 NFL Draft out of Fresno State University.

[1:38] Start of interview
[2:45] "Not about winning a game, but winning a life"
[10:53] The importance of developing pros
[19:19] The concept of thermostat leadership
[22:17] The significance of E.E.A.F.
[23:40] E - Energy
[30:12] E - Effort
[35:00] A- Attitude
[36:37] F - Focus
[41:27] A winning process

Next Episode

Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach - Utah

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring University of Utah Head Coach, Kyle Whittingham's Victory Formation session from the 2020 AFCA Convention. Coach Whittingham discusses his tenure at Utah, shares practical ways for coaches to continuously develop, and speaks to the importance of recruiting and maintaining a united culture.

Kyle Whittingham recently completed his 15th season as the head coach for the University of Utah. After leading the Utes to 11 regular-season wins, the Pac-12 South Division title, and an appearance in the Valero Alamo Bowl last season, Whittingham earned FBS Region 5 Coach of the Year honors from the AFCA. During his tenure at Utah, Coach Whittingham has led the Utes to 14 bowl game appearances, with a record of 11-3. Coach Whittingham was also honored as the 2008 AFCA FBS National Coach of the Year after guiding the Utes to a 13-0 record, the Mountain West Conference title, and a victory in the Sugar Bowl. Whittingham also had coaching stints at Idaho State (1988-93), College of Eastern Utah (1987), and Brigham Young (1985-86).

[1:38] Start of interview
[2:16] Longevity and sustained success at Utah
[3:35] The transition to the Pac-12
[5:03] Unique defensive philosophy
[9:01] Staff continuity and the hiring process
[11:19] Career path and role models along the way
[16:56] Practical ways to develop as a coach
[19:31] Maintaining a united culture
[23:09] Critical positions and developing toughness throughout
[28:23] College Football Playoff expansion
[31:22] Succesful ways to handle adversity
[32:27] Advice to aspiring coaches