Trent Dilfer, Head Coach - Lipscomb Academy

04/30/20 • 44 min

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

[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

Previous Episode

Adam Cushing, Head Coach - Eastern Illinois

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Eastern Illinois Head Coach, Adam Cushing’s Building Culture Virtual Clinic. Cushing discusses the process of establishing a new culture, the meaning behind “Clarify & Simplify”, as well as the importance of teaching kids how to lead.

Adam Cushing was hired as the 25th head coach in EIU program history on December 9, 2018. Coach Cushing brought in the biggest Illinois based recruiting class in more than 20 seasons in 2019. Additionally, in his first season, the Panthers ranked 1st in FCS in fourth down conversions. Prior to EIU, Cushing spent 15 years coaching at Northwestern (2004-18), 13 of those seasons under Coach Pat Fitzgerald. Cushing helped the Wildcats win the Big Ten Conference West Division in 2018 (8-1 record). While at Northwestern, Cushing held a multitude of positions, such as the offensive line coach (2009-18), the superbacks coach (2008), tight ends & h-backs coach (2005-07), served as recruiting coordinator (2008-10), and a graduate assistant (2004). Coach Cushing began his coaching career at the University of La Verne coaching the tight ends (2002) and offensive line (2003).

[1:35] Start of interview
[3:11] Establishing a new culture at EIU
[10:16] Going back to the basics
[17:36] Clarify & simplify
[22:09] Succeeding off the football field
[27:47] Defining excellence
[29:52] Q&A with Coach Cushing

Next Episode

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

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