In this episode, I sit down with Coach Gene Durden — head coach of Buford Girls Basketball and one of the most respected coaches in the state. With multiple state titles, his program is elite — but what really sets him apart is how he gets his players to buy in.

We talk about how he coaches with intensity, holds kids to a high standard, and still has them hugging him after the game. He explains how to get on a player without losing them — how to coach hard but still make them feel loved.

Coach Durden also opens up about losing his son, Devin, in a tragic car accident and the last conversation they had. It’s powerful. And it changed the way he coaches forever.

If you’re a coach who wants to lead a team that fights for you, trusts you, and gives everything they’ve got, listen.

In this episode, I sit down with the legendary Coach Paul Standard, one of Georgia’s most respected high school football coaches. Currently the head coach at Gilmer County, Coach Standard is best known for his incredible legacy at St. Pius X, where he built a powerhouse program.

Coach Standard shares how he got into coaching football, the mentors who shaped his career, and some of his favorite game memories – including his unforgettable upset against Marist and a young Sean McVay. He also dives into the secrets behind his consistent success, emphasizing the vital role a supportive “coach’s wife” plays in a coach’s journey.

I sit down with Coach Tommy Jones, the head football coach at Cherokee Bluff. Coming from one of the greatest high school football coaching families in Georgia, Coach Jones grew up surrounded by the game. His dad and brother are both legendary coaches, and being raised in that environment shaped him into the leader he is today.

Coach Jones shares what it was like growing up with a coach as a father and how those experiences influenced his passion for football and mentorship. He also talks about his time at Furman University and the mentors who played a big role in his journey.

Interestingly, Coach Jones almost didn’t get into coaching, and he shares the story of how that path unfolded. He also opens up about his vision for life after coaching – connecting high school coaches with God and being a mentor beyond the field.

Tune in to hear Coach Tommy Jones’s inspiring story of faith, family, and football, and how his journey shaped his calling to impact young lives.