My Journey, My Sword.

The first time I saw a college football game live; I had no idea it would change the trajectory of my life. It was Nebraska vs. Oregon. My best friend, Tanner Farmer, was playing for the Cornhuskers—one of the best offensive linemen in the country—facing off against a rising star named Justin Herbert.

Justin Herbert Attempts a pass in route to beat Nebraska 42-35 September 9th, 2017

The electricity inside Autzen Stadium was unlike anything I had ever felt. Beyond the environment and my best friend dominating the line of scrimmage, one thing stuck with me: the way Herbert played the quarterback position. Calm, sharp, and strong—he made football look like poetry.

That day planted a seed. I realized I was meant to be around football—not just as a fan, but as a coach. I wanted to help shape the next generation of players. And though I never thought I would return to it, there was one place where I could begin that journey: home.

I packed my bags and left Oregon, full of hope and purpose, to return to Southern Illinois and accept a position at my former high school. But that first season did not go as planned. We struggled. We could not do anything right, and at the end of the season, the entire coaching staff was let go. Just like that, the opportunity I had poured myself into vanished.

Coach Mike Leach’s Book – “Swing Your Sword”.

During that lone year at my former high school, I came across Swing Your Sword by the late, great Mike Leach. That book single-handedly kept me on track. It reminded me to keep things in perspective. One quote in particular stuck with me:

“We have too many non-triers these days. They are afraid of how things may look. Instead of experiencing the journey, they are worried about how they will be perceived.”

Who was I to give up after one tough year? Who would I be as a person to my loved ones, fellow coaches, and those who have invested into me if I were to give up after this? It certainly would not be the last challenge I faced in coaching. No matter what I must keep trying.

Coach Leach was a unicorn—unique in every way, not just in football. His words, actions, and offense kept me believing that I, too, could be a Pirate. That the Air Raid was not just a scheme—it was a philosophy. Precision. Creativity. Freedom. It was everything I believed football should be. I continued to study football, build myself up, and search for the next opportunity.

I sent out email after email to local programs. Mostly to conference teams because I wanted to face my former team. Most went unanswered. I was close to giving up—until I finally got a reply. After a couple of great phone calls, I was offered a role coaching quarterbacks—the position I had always dreamed of coaching. Coach Leach also said:

“Do what consumes you.”

And little did I know in the early stages that football would, in fact, consume me. I have now been with my current program for five years. I have been blessed with continuity, growth, and with each passing season, my love for the game has only deepened. I have become a little obsessed, consumed with trying to find ways to improve. Like Kobe Bryant would enter the lab early morning to get shots up, I would wake up early and look at Shallow, Mesh, Y-Cross, pass pro, how Lincoln Riley ran it, how Kliff Kingsbury ran it, how Hal Mumme ran it, how AJ Smith ran it, just looking for the best possible way to be better.

I never had the chance to meet Coach Leach. But I will always admire how he did things his way and found success. He was a traditionalist with a twist. He ran his offense everywhere he went, and by being him elevated programs that needed elevating. Not just football, but his spirit! I will never forget the moment he casually tossed chairs on the sideline—it was so Leach: hilarious, unpredictable, and unforgettable. There will never be another like him.

Through Coach Leach, I was introduced to so many others—Hal Mumme, AJ Smith, Stan Bedwell, and more. I can say without a doubt that if I had not picked up that book and researched Mike Leach I would not be where I am today. I would not have met the great people of this community, and I would not have grown into the person I am today.

This blog is my way of saying thank you. Thank you to the Pirate who unknowingly helped chart my course. Thank you for inspiring me to keep showing up, to find my voice, and to keep swinging my sword.