Reviving a Program: Insights from Coach Cullen O'Brien Artwork

The Coaching 101 Podcast

Welcome to The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosted by Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson, where football coaching takes center stage! Whether you're a seasoned football coach, a rookie on the sidelines, or just a die-hard fan eager to learn more about the game, this podcast is your playbook for success.

Join Daniel and Kenny as they break down game strategies, share insights on player development, explore leadership on and off the field, and tackle the challenges of coaching at every level. Featuring interviews with top coaches, athletes, and experts, every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies to help you build winning teams and inspire greatness.

Step onto the field and into the minds of coaching pros—because greatness starts with the right game plan!

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The Coaching 101 Podcast

Reviving a Program: Insights from Coach Cullen O'Brien

October 04, 2025 • Kenny Simpson and Daniel Chamberlain • Season 6 • Episode 18

In this episode of The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson welcome Coach Cullen O'Brien from Florida to discuss his journey in football coaching. Coach O'Brien shares his experiences growing up in a football family and transitioning from college to high school coaching. He highlights the challenges of turning around struggling football programs, emphasizing the importance of making practices fun, focusing on fundamentals, and building resilience among players. The episode also features advice for aspiring head coaches and strategies for overcoming adversity on the field. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in football coaching and program development.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:51 Coach Cullen O'Brien's Background

02:44 Transition to High School Coaching

03:59 Challenges and Achievements at Ida Baker High School

07:03 Quote of the Week and Sponsor Messages

11:37 Discussion on Coaching Perspectives

27:46 Taking Over a Struggling Program

28:50 Building Team Morale and Participation

30:04 Innovative Training and Engagement

31:52 Philosophies and Fundamentals

39:25 Keys to Coaching Success

45:34 Handling Adversity and Building Resilience