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Coaching is about so much more than X's and O's. In this deeply personal conversation, Chris Mullins and Jeff Moyer take us behind the whistle to share their transformative coaching journeys—from demanding drill sergeants to mentors who build genuine connections with their players.
Every coach starts somewhere, and both Chris and Jeff candidly admit they began by mimicking the aggressive coaching styles they experienced in their youth. "I was that guy at one point," Chris reflects, acknowledging that his early intensity likely drove some kids away from sports altogether. Jeff shares similar regrets from his early college coaching days when he focused exclusively on developing athletes while overlooking the humans beneath the uniforms.
The turning points in their coaching philosophies came through powerful moments of clarity. For Chris, it was his wife's simple yet profound reminder during a challenging season: "You've forgotten your why." For Jeff, it was brave enough to stand before his team and ask for honest feedback about his coaching approach. These moments of vulnerability led both men to fundamentally rethink how they connect with their players.
What emerges is a coaching philosophy that balances high standards with genuine care—tough love coupled with personal connection. From personalized handshakes to intentional conversations, they've discovered that when players know you care about them as people first, they'll "run through a brick wall for you" as athletes.
Whether you coach youth sports or college athletics, this conversation offers valuable insights on building a coaching support system, maintaining your passion through difficult seasons, and remembering that your impact extends far beyond the field. As Chris poignantly notes, "Sometimes, you may be the only version of Jesus that some of these kids ever see."

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