“Old dogs can learn new tricks—and good coaches never stop learning.”
Experience is valuable, but growth comes from staying open to new ideas. In the ever-evolving world of coaching football, the best coaches are the ones who adapt, innovate, and keep learning. Whether it’s a fresh tactic, a new training method, or a different way to motivate players, every lesson learned makes you a stronger leader. Lifelong learning is essential for coaching success.
I recently made two very productive and informative professional development trips. One was to Dartmouth College where I caught up with a couple of other coaching friends who were visiting from NJ. We spent time in meetings with Linebacker Coach Don Dobes and Offensive Line Coach Keith Clark then we observed practice to see how what we learned was implemented on the field. The other trip was to Norwich University to visit National Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year, Scott Caufield. I brought our Strength Coach and Assistant Football Coach on the visit so that she could also learn from one of the best.
Experience provides a strong foundation, but growth comes from staying curious and open to change. In football coaching, embracing new tactics, technologies, and training methods not only improves team performance but also keeps a coach current in a fast-evolving sport.
A true coach is both a lifelong learner and a lifelong teacher. When you commit to both learning and teaching, you build a legacy that goes far beyond the scoreboard. That is why for 25 years I have invited coaches to attend my Offensive Line Clinics at no cost. Even if they do not have any of their players attending, they are welcomed to join us, to learn, and to pass it forward.
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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