We wrap up Week 5 of our OTAs with just two weeks remaining before our 7-on-7 Tournament, Strongman Competition, and Offensive Line Challenge.
Over the past five weeks, I missed two OTA sessions—one for a family wedding and another while recovering from knee replacement surgery. At first glance, a head coach being absent from training might seem like a leadership void. Instead, those absences created opportunities for other leaders to step forward.
We often talk to our players about having a “next man up” mentality when a teammate is sidelined by injury. The same principle applies to coaches. When one person is unavailable, someone else has the opportunity—and the responsibility—to lead.
As I continue my recovery, simply moving from the field for speed and agility work, to the weight room for strength training, and back to the field for football drills has been more exhausting than I expected. As a result, I’ve spent more time observing than directing. That perspective has allowed me to watch our coaches teach, encourage, and connect with our players in ways I might have otherwise missed. It has been rewarding to see each of them grow in confidence, embrace greater responsibility, and take ownership of our program.
Leadership is not about one person filling every role. Strong programs are built when many people are prepared to lead. Sometimes what first appears to be a void is actually an opportunity—for others to step forward, for a team to grow, and for everyone to become stronger together.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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