Coach Kevin Donley

𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳....

Kevin Donley Football Camps, a new way for recruits to sign up to show their talent and compete.

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Part 7 of 10... It's the 'we' not me concept... don't miss this one.
https://www.coachkevindonley.com/2020/02/15/we-not-me-part-7-of-10/

WE, not me. part 7 of 10 - COACH KEVIN DONLEY Bucket Theory, part 7 of 10 Created for coaches. Applicable to all… –Coach D. Step 7: WE, not me. Football …

Part 6 of 10 in our Bucket Theory is now published... check it out here! https://www.coachkevindonley.com/2019/11/12/bucket-theory-part-6/

Bucket Theory, Part 6 - COACH KEVIN DONLEY Bucket Theory, part 6 of 10 Created for coaches. Applicable to all… –Coach D. Step 6: Responsibility, Understanding, Accountability Responsibility, …

Bucket Theory, part 5 of 10
Created for coaches. Applicable to all…
–Coach D.

Part 5: SCHEMATIC SYSTEMS

A commonly misunderstood perception is the belief that coaching is primarily about play-calling. That it’s comprised of the X’s and O’s found within a magical playbook.

The truth? It’s far more complex than mere implementation of offensive (and defensive) schematic systems.

Championship teams are led differently.

Championship leadership guides in ways far too complex to be contained within a tangible playbook. They’re led and pushed with a trifecta of effective schematic systems, principles of integrity, and goals of individual, personal development.

Yes, coaching requires adapting on the fly. It means adjusting ball routes and placement. And certainly, calling plays is part of this. But, championship coaching integrates decision-making processes of adaptations and plays with an essential element of individual, personal development in all players.

Beyond plays and strategy, it requires making each player the best he or she can be. It integrates an in-depth social and cultural level of connection.

Championship coaching is acting as a diligent implementor of processes in an efficient manner. But it reaches deeper than that. Effective coaches also utilize intuition, perception and they stay tuned-in to players. Know your team. Push them. And, be aware.

Too often, it seems, social and cultural connections are elements of coaching that are underplayed. And in my opinion, these connections are imperative. Again, listen to your players. Know them. Push them. And, yes, call them out honestly as needed. Keep your players accountable.

Coaching is not just a locker room speech delivered. And it’s not merely implementation of offensive and defensive schematics. It’s a dynamic integration of systems and coaching philosophies, effectively combined with the interactions of teaching the habits of champions.

And then? Players will proactively fill their own bucket, thus developing the skills needed to face trials and achieve success beyond the field.

Want a winning playbook? Keep it balanced with more than the proverbial X’s and O’s. Develop your people. Help them achieve their full potential. Make them champions beyond the field to be the best versions of themselves. That's a champion play.

Bucket Theory, part 4 of 10
Created for coaches. Applicable to all…
–Coach D.

Step 4: Maximize Coaching Strengths

It’s a known strategy implemented by successful coaches and affluent business leaders alike. It’s simply this: surround yourself with excellence.

Yes, effective leaders inherently understand the value in building a quality, trusted management team. A team to take the proverbial ball and run with it. With endurance. With excellence, focus, gusto—and sound integrity.

Whether selecting football coaching support or business managers to help run your business, hiring the right people is crucial. Hire not only for his or her acquired knowledge and future potential, but more importantly hire and build your leadership team based upon CHARACTER.

Why? People of sound character typically share similar foundational beliefs. Just as in personal relationships, sustainable growth can only be firmly rooted within a solid foundation. And if hiring those of similar character, so too is it more likely to have shared ethics, morals, personal drive—and passion for success.

Once your team of similarly-wired leaders is in place, the next step is to deep-dive into maximizing coach strengths.

We all, myself included, have both strengths and weaknesses. Every coach and every businessperson has qualities on both end of the spectrum; it’s simple human nature. This is where analysis and ensuing strategy begin to take formation. And once it does? That’s when effective schematic systems can be solidified.

For your analysis, evaluate your coaches (or business leaders) based upon perceived strengths and weaknesses you’ve witnessed among them. Direct coaches to conduct self-evaluations gauging the same. Pay attention. Witness actions and gauge strengths and weaknesses based upon active observation, in conjunction with conducted self-evaluations.

Then, combine strengths to offset and overrule weaknesses. Doing so, your coaching staff will be comprised of balanced strengths, thus building an impenetrable force that together can implement effective, nearly flawless processes.

At least that’s the goal. Continual tweaking is typically necessary, but just as life is ever-changing, so too are we as complex individuals. But again, as long as foundational values remain complementary, tweaks can reset arising imbalances.

Maximize your coaching staff’s potential to reap the effectual likelihood of devising schematic systems that work. That build a championship team. And a championship season.

The simplest way to dilute complexities of building the right coaching staff and maximizing their strengths? It’s in the acronym CPR. In my world, this means: character + process = results.

So focus on acquiring a team with strong character. Then implement processes and schematic systems to get the results of excellence for which you aspire.
And then? Buckets begin to fill for both coaches AND players, leading to habits of life-long champions.

PART 3 (of 10) in the Coach D. "Bucket Series" is live... check it out here!
https://www.coachkevindonley.com/2019/07/26/bucket-theory-part-3/

BUCKET THEORY, part 3 - COACH KEVIN DONLEY Bucket Theory, part 3 of 10 Created for coaches. Applicable to all… –Coach D. My players, past and present, know …

Ready for Part 2 of the Bucket Series? Great! Just click here...
https://www.coachkevindonley.com/2019/07/08/bucket-theory-part-2/

Bucket Theory, part 2 - COACH KEVIN DONLEY Bucket Theory, part 2 of 10 Created for coaches. Applicable to all… –Coach D. My players, past and present, know …

Hello, Facebook friends... we are starting a 10-part series on filling your bucket. We hope you follow along + enjoy... 😎
https://www.coachkevindonley.com/2019/06/18/bucket-theory-part-1-of-10/

BUCKET THEORY, part 1 of 10 - COACH KEVIN DONLEY Bucket Theory, part 1 of 10 Created for coaches. Applicable to all… –Coach D. My players, past and present, know …

Are YOU A Cut Above?

The final post to conclude our short-series on being "A Cut Above" is here... let's all strive to be a cut above the rest.
--Coach D.

https://www.coachkevindonley.com/2019/05/16/step-3-a-cut-above-passions/ ‎

Step 3: A Cut Above. Passions. - COACH KEVIN DONLEY Passions. What do you really care about? –Coach D. Don’t we all want to be a ‘cut above’ the rest? …

Yes, this.

Step 2: A Cut Above
Sorry, destiny is not fulfilled by chance.
–Coach D.

Don’t we all want to be a ‘cut above’ the rest? Of course we do. Whether on the football field, at the gym, in the boardroom, in class or as a spouse, parent, sibling, grandparent or friend, we want to be the very best we can be. So, how do we become ‘a cut above?’

We began this short series with discussion about being open to change. This involves self-reflection and learning from mistakes—then transforming that knowledge into accepting (and wanting) change.

Once we’ve acknowledged this unveiled openness to change, we proceed with Step 2. This phase involves DESTINY. And, I’m not referring to starry-eyed fluff. I’m talking about embracing the following reality: destiny is NOT a matter of chance. It’s not something to magically appear. Rather, the fulfillment of destiny? It’s a CHOICE.

It’s YOUR choice.

Sure, it’d be great to sit on our behinds, awaiting a divine intervention to set before us an easy path to our destinies.

But, life doesn’t roll that way.

As on the football field, we WILL get knocked down. We will endure sucker punches we simply didn’t see coming. We will feel hurt and disappointment. We will fail. We all do at some point.

But with the right attitude, these circumstances intertwine with destiny to uplift us to higher levels. We learn. These are lessons to shape—and to motivate.

Destiny is not a magical, automatic gift. It’s a goal to be achieved. It must be earned. It is, indeed, a choice.

In life, chance forces little to fruition. But choice? That’s a new game. That’s when sweat, dirt and tears fuel us to dig deeper. To push. To see destiny and run toward its goal line. So, go get it.

Determine the steps you need to take. What must you do to take one solid step forward? Write it down. Recite it frequently. Then put actions to your words. Chase your goal. Put in the work.

And when you’re knocked down? Feel the sting. And then get the hell back up. Push. Dig. And reach the goal of your destiny.

To be a cut above? Remember, be open to change. Then, understand destiny is not attained by chance, but only by choice. Stay tuned and we’ll explore yet one more phase as we step together toward personal excellence.

A Cut Above
Step one: Be open to change
–Coach D.

Don’t we all want to be a ‘cut above’ the rest? Of course we do.

Whether on the football field, at the gym, in the boardroom, in class or as a spouse, parent, sibling, grandparent or friend, we want to be the very best we can be.

So, how do we establish ourselves as such, seamlessly fitting among this category of movers and shakers?

While no genuine growth exists seamlessly, there are key attitudes and actions to get us started. First and foremost? We must be open to change.

And I mean truly open—not a mere nod of agreement that it sounds like a good idea. Being open to change requires raw honesty and accurate assessment of ourselves. When the varnish is chipped away, accepting what’s revealed can sometimes be a difficult reality. Know yourself. Face your true reflection. Know what needs some refining. Accept it.

Then, do something about it.

Allowing ourselves to openly embrace change while also accepting that perhaps we’re not *quite* as awesome as our moms and biggest fans claim (although praise can be effective fuel), is actually a rare strength. To admit we have some work to do (on ourselves) is admirable, shows introspection and requires emotional strength.

It means fully knowing and embracing that we have not yet reached our full potential. It means consistently striving for new knowledge and growth. I discuss this often, but do so as being in a state of unveiled vulnerability can lead to tremendous opportunities.

Part of this first step of openness involves learning from mistakes. I mean really learning. Dig deep. Pursue answers to ‘why’ a circumstance appeared in your life in the first place. Why we allowed it to exist. What caught our attention in the situation—and why we reacted as we did. Keep asking "why?" until inhibiting flaws are revealed.

And, therein lies the lesson. Always find the lessons in mistakes.

And once the lesson is revealed? It should prevent us from making the same mistake over and over.

To be a cut above? This is just the first step. Stay tuned and we’ll explore more deeply as we journey together toward personal excellence.

Winning Culture
–Coach D.

A winning culture. What does it look like? And really, what does it mean?

We all hear the phrase with frequency. “We need a winning culture.” But each time this is spoken, I rarely hear much depth to elaborate on what this looks like, or what it really means—in football, the boardroom and life.

So let’s dig a little deeper.

Most know that I like to use analogies. So, consider the image of a cloud. The entirety of particles within the cloud comprise a winning culture. Stick with me here. This means everyone within the space is focused and dedicated—100 percent—toward the overall goal. And consequently, what thrives within the cloud’s center, cushioned and protected by the winning culture surrounding it? Therein lives true success.

To be successful, it requires a winning culture. Success necessitates an environment comprised of like minds, equal efforts, accountability and a consistently driven desire for excellence. Thus is the championship mindset.

If we surround ourselves with champion-minded individuals, the center of true success can be achieved.

However, if the environment or culture surrounding your circumstances is NOT comprised of persons driven by excellence, the inconsistency can (and likely will) pull weight away from the center, weakening the heart of success.

So surround yourself with the right players—on the field, in the boardroom and in this thing called life.

And if a winner falls?

Sometimes those creating a negative pull simply need encouragement and redirection. Life happens. We all get tackled at some point. But great leaders pick up those who have fallen. And great players can be ‘re-balanced’ again. These are sometimes the best players you’ll find.

So, for the greatest chance of success? Surround yourself with the right environment. Dive in to the creation of a winning culture, where everyone is 100 percent invested in wanting to be the very best in everything they do.

That’s a winning team.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our first giveaway! After we put all of the eligible names in a random name generator for our book and gift card giveaway, we are happy to announce that Zachary Minardo and Alyssa Grimm are the two winners! Congratulations! Please check your messenger for details on how to claim your prize!

GIVEAWAY!! FREE LIMITED EDITION SNAP TO WHISTLE BOOK & FREE $10 GIFT CARD!!!
To enter to win your very own limited edition Snap To Whistle book and a free $10 gift card to your choice of: Chick-Fil-A, Applebees, or Starbucks all you have to do is:
1. Like the Coach Kevin Donley Page.
2. Like this post.
3. Share this post.
Two winners will be randomly selected at the end of the sweepstakes on Sunday, March 3rd at 12:00 p.m. Good Luck!!

Football Is A Microcosm of Life
–Coach D.

Football is a microcosm of life.

I don’t believe this just because I’m a football coach. I understand this deep within my bones as it’s truth. The greatest team sport is, indeed, a microcosm of this life we are all enduring (and hopefully thriving) within.

The same attributes that encourage success in football are the same attributes to acquire success in life. Confidence, effort, accountability, courage, wisdom, integrity and more should be the foundation upon which we stand. That is, whether we’re wearing cleats, loafers or wingtips.

Also, the qualities that inhibit a player’s growth are the same that hold us back in life. Fear of failure, apathy, procrastination, entitlement (and more) are all the enemy of productive positivity in life. They drain energy, deter direction and squelch the drive needed to push beyond our comfort zones.

My coaching team and I dedicate ourselves to encouraging success, directing players on these foundational qualities. Why? It’s not just to mold them into great players. It’s to maximize each young man, from the inside out. It’s a grand goal with a higher purpose than simply to gather wins.

When football seasons end, we expect players to carry these qualities forward to provide them with the best version of their lives they can achieve. To help them build a secure legacy that is their own.

Through football, players understand teamwork. They carry an attitude of ‘we before me,’ they endure sweat, frustration, pain and effort at their highest of levels. These are what make good players great. And frankly, these are the elements in life that we should ALL exhibit, forcing us to develop, grow, exert with purpose and see with clarity.

To hear people say, ‘football is life’ – simply is not accurate. But football sure is an exemplary microcosm of it.

Be your best. Your future will thank you.

High School Coaches - The annual USF Football Coaches clinic is less than a month away. Be sure to get in contact with and RSVP to Coach Donley as soon as possible! More information can be found below.

Motivation Is Not Enough
–Coach D.

It takes more than motivation. Sure, to be a good leader we must be motivated. And we must be motivatOR.

But that’s just the beginning.

Quality leaders understand to achieve true effectiveness, it requires constant and never-ending practice. It’s a continual process, necessitating a willingness, honesty and self-analysis to hone leadership abilities into life-altering effectiveness.

It’s an educational experience, if you will, wherein courage is required to tackle any challenge before you. It takes really knowing those you lead and what makes them tick individually. And the most effective leaders? They notice when someone on the team is struggling. And then? They give a darn to provide assistance—perhaps particularly when help is NOT sought after. You know they need you; YOU go to THEM.

How does this work? Through AWARENESS. Watch your own players (whether on the field or in the boardroom). Get to know them as individuals. If behavior patterns change, find out why. Discipline may be required—OR, your player might just need an ear and some direction. Life happens to us all. And remember, each person on your team? They’re likely all going through SOMETHING outside of work. Hey, we all are.

As you explore your own personal development as a leader, ask yourself which values most accurately define you. Sound cliché? Perhaps, but it’s both profound and an important discovery. Consider elements such as integrity, courage, toughness (both physical and emotional), persistence and availability.

Do you possess these qualities? Furthermore, do you transform these values into action? Do they comprise the foundation upon which you stand? Do they propel you through each day?

If not, evaluate why. Leadership is not merely a natural gift. It requires thought and self-reflection. It takes work on the daily.

So whether in the office or on the field, effective leadership strategies and values are made of the same attributes that comprise excellence. Think. Be honest. Self-reflect. Take action. Then lead your team as the best, engaged motivator they’ve ever had. Then watch the greatness grow.

Yep. Coach has his own book. Check it out, won't you?