As temporary coach of my high school team, I would first do my best to get acclimated to roster, playbook and coaching staff. I would not have the intention of being the long term coach, but I'm too competitive to let the team play poorly if it's in my power to keep things rolling. After going through the first couple days of practice, I see some adjustments to make. We have a couple players who are natural athletes, but look completely out of position. A switch a WR and CB to opposite positions and have the position coaches spend some extra time getting them up to speed. I also push the RG out to RT. He has faster footwork than the current RT, who struggles with speed rushers. Both position switches have almost instant benefits and help both sides of the ball flow better. Another big change is simplifying things on the defensive side. There are about 4 times as many plays as needed, especially at the high school level. Man coverage and cover 2 will be what we primarily run out, with occasional other looks as needed. A lot of high school football comes down to talent. It's more difficult for a coach to coach their team into a win, though the opposite is not true at all. A lot of coaches don't utilize their personnel or try to run complicated schemes. Offensively, things are pretty stable. The option run out of spread with a variety of short and medium passing feels like a strength of this team. We also have two All-Conference caliber Tight Ends that need to get heavily featured. One is a monster in the blocking game yet can still sneak out for that 3rd and 5 pass. The other is huge for his age and can run as well as most of the WRs. He is a true matchup nightmare for any team in our conference and honestly any team in the state. The first half of the game the team is playing timid. It feels like they aren't aware of how talented they can be and are playing to the competition. At half time, we go into the locker room only up 14-7. I can tell the vibe of the team and coaching staff is content. We are going up against one teams in conference that routinely makes the playoffs and competes for the conference championship. Doing my research before stepping in, I know this will be a down year for them though and we aren't playing up to potential. Right away I lite a fire under the offense's ass. Most plays, we are letting the defense dictate the pace of the game and are sitting back. I challenge the offensively line specifically to step it up physically. With the exception of one DT, we should be able to push them around at will. The second half starts and the sideline is anxious yet excited. We go out on defense and stuff the run on 3rd and 2 to force a 3 and out. That energy translates over to the offense when they take the field next. A 10 play, 64-yard drive results in 6 points. In reality, it would result to way more than that. The players and coaching staffing started to realize the potential this team has. The offense would go on to score 3 more touchdowns in the second half while the defense only gave up a field goal. After the game, I let the team know how proud of them I am and that this right here is the expectation, not the goal. The team would go on to win conference and make a good run in the playoffs. They came up against the eventual state champions in the semi final game, a private school who recruits from around the state and country. How that system is fair is beyond me, but it is what it is sadly. Either way, my high school alma mater should be proud of what they achieved.
On the day Miles Weperom was claimed on waivers by the London Royals he received a phone call from the athletic director of his old high school. Miles worked so hard in the gym, on the field, and with video review. He worked so that he could show DSFL teams that he was ready for his shot on a roster. He's finally done that and now his former high school wants him to fill in as coach because the other looney tune retired in the middle of the season? Miles hates telling people no, but he's literally on his way to the airport so he can fly to London and join his new team. He informs his old athletic director that he will fill in as coach for one game and on one condition: if they can figure out a way for him to video conference on the field. Miles grew up in California near Silicon Valley. The superintendent of his high school has connections with a robotics expert and was able to borrow a mobile robot with a monitor attached. All Miles had to do was call in from his laptop. With a long trip from the US to England it was a nice way to kill some time. About an hour into the flight and it was go time. Miles called in and connected to the team in the locker room about 15 minutes prior to kickoff. The team had already warmed up, but came back to hear from Miles before the game. The team was already a top performer in their area so it didn't make sense for Miles to change the playbooks or adjust their play style. He just reinforced in them to trust their instincts, read their keys, and to rely on each other. The team made their way to the field with their robotic coach knowing they were receiving the opening kickoff. Special Teams coach called up a trick play to start.... The passengers, all of the sudden, hear Miles shouting "Go! Go! Go! Woooooo!" Opening kickoff taken to the house. Miles leans back, clasps his hands behind his head and says "This is gonna be a good flight."
"So last year, completely out of the blue, you got a call from your old high school to coach their football team. What was that experience like?"
"Oh man, it was crazy. Being back in that school was definitely a blast from the past. I haven't been back there in years, so to walk those halls again brought back a lot of memories. It was more overwhelming when we took the field. Before kickoff, I sat them down for a little pep talk. I told them to enjoy the moment while it lasts. That no matter how talented they are, that talent means nothing without hard work and dedication. I made sure they understood the value of education. They seemed receptive.
The game went by in a blur. It was weird being the one on the sidelines calling the plays. I leaned hard on the assistants, not going to lie. But I liked it. Who knows maybe it's something I look into after my playing days are over.
But I will say this, who ever takes over that program is going to be lucky. Coach Brown built up a lot of talent on that roster. Not just the players but the assistants and staff as well. Lots of great people at that school. If the new coach can keep everyone together, they'll be right back in the thick of things."