Coach Gary Bernardi: Coach Um Hard, Respect the Profession, Trust & Loyalty

I had the privilege to sit down and learn from longtime PAC-12 and Mountain West coach, Gary Bernardi, whose illustrious career spans over 40 years at the Division I-A/FBS level. Coach Bernardi’s resume boasts a wealth of experience, having mentored NFL greats such as Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden and NFL All-Decade Team member Tony Boselli. Coach abides by a simple yet profound coaching code—emphasizing thoroughness, detail, humility, hard work, and player development. His coaching journey began in 1980 at Arizona under Larry Smith, where he coached offensive tackles and tight ends. He followed Smith to USC (1987-1992), working with tackles, tight ends, and special teams. Coach Bernardi spent a decade at UCLA (1994-2003) as an assistant and recruiting coordinator, shaping talent and earning a reputation for his recruiting prowess. His career also includes impactful stops at UNLV, San José State, Colorado, Northern Arizona, and SDSU. Before his college coaching career, Coach Bernardi coached at the high school level in California and briefly served as head coach at John Burroughs High School in 1993. Coach and his wife, Leigh, have three children, including son Joe, an offensive line coach at Western Kentucky.

In this episode of the Coachers Podcast, the conversation delves into Bernardi's coaching journey, philosophy, and the evolution of coaching styles, particularly in light of recent changes like the transfer portal. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and relationships with players, the significance of teamwork, and defining success beyond just wins. Bernardi also shares memorable coaching moments and offers valuable advice for aspiring coaches.

Takeaways 

Coaching is about building relationships with players.

A good coach must be a good teacher.

Trust between players and coaches is essential.

Success is defined by player development, not just wins.

The transfer portal has changed the dynamics of recruiting.

Teamwork and camaraderie are vital in football.

Coaches should be demanding yet caring.

Toughness is crucial for success in football.

Helping others is a core value in coaching.

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Coach Gary Bernardi
• 4:16 The Journey of a Coach
• 6:42 Coaching Philosophy and Values
• 7:50 The Evolution of Coaching Styles
• 11:10 The Impact of the Transfer Portal
• 14:57 Power Dynamics with Players making more than Coaches
• 18:36 Advice to your Son?
• 19:45 Why is Football the greatest sport?
• 20:47 Toughest position to play in Football? (Physically)
• 22:16 What is the Mushroom society?
• 23:28 What do you look for in an OL Recruit?
• 24:05 Biggest influences
• 27:00 Reflecting on Players Coached & Mike Grieb
• 31:02 Anela Question of the Day: Favorite place to play at? and Visit?
• 35:57 What does team mean to you?
• 36:52 Reflecting on Coaching Relationships
• 39:45 Junior Seau, Tony Boselli, Jonathan Ogden
• 42:55 Winning & Being Apart of a Team
• 45:58 Balancing Competition and Safety in Practice
• 47:48 Navigating Personal Challenges in Sports
• 52:42 Responding to Setbacks and Losses
• 55:33 Measuring Success Beyond Wins
• 59:19 Final Thoughts on Coaching and Leadership
• 59:50 Rocky Long Story: Elite