In this week’s Board Drill Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Kevin Sullivan, a North Florida coaching icon with 39 years of experience, including the unique achievement of being in the FACA Hall of Fame, and opening two high schools. Coach Sullivan dives deep into the art of developing young coaches – from finding the right fit to preparing them for play-calling duties.
We discuss the importance of offseason development, the value of coaching clinics, and how to teach young assistants to analyze film like a seasoned pro. Coach Sullivan also shares his philosophy on shared terminology and how football strategies have evolved, including his take on inside zone and modern RPOs.
One of the most powerful moments is when Coach Sullivan reveals a unique tradition involving a palm cross – a powerful symbol of team unity and legacy. This episode is packed with leadership lessons and practical coaching advice for anyone looking to build a cohesive coaching staff.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Coach Kevin Sullivan
01:37 – Finding and Developing Quality Assistants
06:24 – Offseason Growth: Tasks for Young Coaches
11:26 – Teaching Film Study and Game Analysis
13:33 – Play-Calling: When Young Coaches Are Ready
19:22 – Maximizing Coaching Clinics and Visits
28:16 – Shared Terminology and Staff Communication
34:09 – Evolution of Offensive Schemes and RPOs
44:47 – The Palm Cross Tradition: A Legacy of Leadership
47:53 – Closing Thoughts and Takeaways
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