Coach Steve Pyne: The Twin Thieves, Kids First, Players Run the Culture

In this episode, Coach Steve Pyne shares his extensive coaching journey, highlighting the importance of building relationships, developing players, and fostering a strong team culture. He discusses the qualities he seeks in assistant coaches, and the balance between developing athletes and coaches. Coach Pyne emphasizes the significance of trust, compassion, and empathy in coaching, as well as the need for innovative strategies and drills to engage players. He reflects on the challenges of making tough decisions and the evolution of his leadership style, as well as focusing on the selfless pursuit of a common goal within a team. Coach Pyne currently serves as the Head Football Coach at Union HS, in Vancouver, WA. Prior to Union, he was a long time Head Coach at Central Catholic (OR), where they won 5x state titles and 14x conference titles.

Takeaways

·      Coaches establish the culture, players run the culture

·      Tell your players you love them – encourage vulnerability. 

·      The Twin Thieves – Fear of Failure & Fear of Judgement

·      Coaching is about building relationships and impacting lives.

·      Success is measured not just by wins, but by the growth of players.

·      “Kids First, Wins Second"

·      Team culture thrives on selflessness and mutual support.

·      Assistant coaches should embody the mission and vision of the program.

·      Establishing trust with assistants allows for effective delegation in coaching.

·      Innovative drills can energize practice and foster competition.

https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

Chapters

• 0:00 Coaching Journey and Background
• 8:25 Defining Moments in Coaching Success
• 11:06 Qualities of an Assistant Coach
• 12:09 The Why Behind Coaching
• 14:29 Balancing Development of Athletes and Coaches
• 17:12 Establishing Trust w/ assistants
• 21:39 Coaching Philosophy and Core Values
• 24:39 Evolution of Leadership Style
• 29:33 Kids first, Winning second
• 31:11 The Tough decision to leave Central
• 36:32 The One Formation Challenge
• 39:59 Scouting and Game Preparation
• 45:15 Innovative ways to enhance Practice
• 49:44 Anela Question of The Day
• 50:55 What does team mean to you?
• 54:54 Team Dynamics and Championship Success
• 57:12 The Twin Thieves
• 59:52 Empowering Team Leaders
• 1:02:06 Vulnerability, Accountability and 3-2-1
• 1:06:10 Closing Thoughts and Lasting Lessons