Former FSU Football OC Has Strong Take On State Of Coaching College Football

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham turned heads after his comments on the current state of coaching in college football.

Former Florida State football offensive coordinator and current Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham has turned some heads with his recent comments concerning the difficulties of coaching college football in the modern era.

While some coaches are complaining, Dillingham is calling them out.

“I literally spent nine years of my life doing anything to become a coffee boy. So, don’t give me the ‘Oh, it’s hard to be a coach right now.’ Yeah, it’s hard. Then quit,” according to Sarah Kezele of AZ Sports.

If coaches don’t want to do the dirty work, then maybe they’re not cut out for it. The complaints have stemmed from the intertwining of NIL deals with recruiting - both high school players and prospects from the transfer portal.

College football is definitely changing, but I understand where he’s coming from.

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It’s the fall semester of 2020. It’s a hot and humid day at Florida State’s football practice. What was a sunny atmosphere has turned into a downpour in a matter of minutes. I guess no one (including myself) checked the weather reports or the meteorologist was wrong.

I was an equipment manager who usually worked with special teams. However, only so many portions of practice were dedicated to punts, field goals, and kickoffs. That left me needing to do something.

Former FSU quarterback James Blackman was working out of the shotgun when the rain started to pour. I was assigned to stand behind the play and wave a towel when the play concluded so that those who videoed the play could cut their clips more efficiently.

It might not seem like much, but it was exhilarating. I was standing on the practice field that I had seen in videos and pictures growing up as a Florida State fanatic. I was right behind the starting QB watching him take snaps and make throws.

We carried practice scripts so that we equipment managers could be where we were supposed to be. I always carried my script in a plastic envelope (I would sweat through the paper, it was rather annoying and perhaps a little embarrassing). However, Dillingham did not use those plastic sleeves, so I offered him mine. He probably needed it more than I did.

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That was the extent of my interactions with coach Dillingham. He probably doesn’t remember it, and that’s okay.

What I’m trying to say is that I’ve been the guy trying to become the coffee boy. The bottom of the totem pole. Last to get food at the buffet. We probably have all been in that situation. 

Retroactively following Dillingham's advice, the job was tough, so I quit. And that’s okay too. I just didn’t want to always give up my plastic cover.

Working in equipment wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life, which is why I’m writing this article right now.

Dillingham’s comments ring an eternal truth in sports and life. If you’re not cut out to sacrifice, then perhaps you shouldn’t collect any flowers at the end of the show.

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