The Coachers Podcast

Coach Neil Russo - Newberg Wrestling: Embracing Discomfort & Maxing Out

🚨Coach Neil Russo🚨 Coach Neil Russo has been the driving force behind Newberg High School Wrestling for over 25 years, continuing a proud family legacy that dates back to 1968.  As part of the multigenerational Russo coaching dynasty—alongside his father Pete (who won a state title in 1970) and uncle Tony (who secured 7 state championships) Coach Neil Russo has helped build the Tigers into one of Oregon’s most dominant programs. The family’s combined 58 years of leadership were recently honored with the dedication of the Russo Family Wrestling Room at Newberg High.  Under Coach Russo’s guidance, Newberg has captured multiple 6A state team titles (3 peat in 2026) and, produced dozens of individual state champions, and earned Coach Russo honors like Oregon State Coach of the Year and NFHS National Wrestling Coach of the Year.  A Newberg alum and lifelong Tiger, Coach Russo continues to uphold a tradition of excellence, toughness, and family values on the mat. Go Tigers! In this episode of The Coachers Podcast, Coach Russo shares insights into his family legacy in coaching, the evolution of his coaching style, and the importance of adapting to the changing dynamics of sports. He emphasizes the value of multi-sport athletes, the necessity of embracing discomfort in wrestling, and the balance between making the sport enjoyable while also fostering a competitive spirit. Throughout the conversation, Coach Russo highlights the life lessons learned through wrestling and the significance of building a strong community around the sport. In this conversation, Coach Russo shares his insights on coaching wrestling, emphasizing the importance of life lessons learned through the sport, the balance between individual and team success, and the value of resilience in the face of adversity. He discusses the significance of unpleasant drills, the meaning of teamwork, and the strategies he employs to foster leadership among his athletes. Coach Russo also reflects on the journey of underdog wrestlers, innovative training methods, and the metrics he uses to define success beyond just winning. Photo Credit: Seth Gordon Key Takeaways: -The Russo family Tradition -Coaching is an evolving journey; adaptation is key -Wrestling teaches athletes to embrace discomfort -Expectations and Maxing out -Why is Wrestling the Greatest Sport? -Winning becomes a byproduct of the Process -Learning how to lose -Wrestling is Primitive and Personal -Coaching Philosophy: Teaching Life lessons! -The Three Musts of a first time HC -Mental Dynamics in Wrestling Matches -Balancing life lessons and competitive excellence -Expectations for effort and commitment are uniform for all athletes -What separates good teams from championship teams? -Coaching is an Art that requires flexibility and creativity. -“You only get one chance with a kid” -Unpleasant drills are essential for growth -The 4 Scenarios of Coaching -What are you most proud of? https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

Coach Brian Mehl - West Albany Football: Winning Teams Find a Way to Connect

🚨 Coach Brian Mehl 🚨 Coach Mehl has been the head football coach at West Albany High School (OR), since 2014. A former standout quarterback and defensive back at Churchill High School in Eugene, he played college football at Linfield University before beginning his coaching career. He previously served as the Bulldogs’ QB/WR coach and defensive coordinator before taking over the program at age 29 in 2014. Under his leadership, the team has achieved consistent success, including multiple Mid-Willamette Conference titles, numerous deep playoff runs, and multiple state semifinal appearances. Coach Mehl has focused on building a disciplined, competitive program while developing young men on and off the field. Thank you for your time and insight coach! Go Bulldogs! In this episode of The Coachers Podcast, Coach Mehl shares his journey from an athlete to the head football coach at West Albany High School. He discusses the influence of his family background in education and athletics, his coaching philosophy centered around developing young people, and the importance of building relationships within the team. Coach Mehl emphasizes the significance of adaptability in coaching, innovative practice techniques, and the often-overlooked role of special teams in football. In this conversation, Coach Mehl discusses the multifaceted aspects of coaching football, team identity, and connection among players. He reflects on the challenges of coaching and the metrics of success beyond just winning games. Coach Mehl shares insights on why he believes football is the greatest sport and offers advice for young coaches entering the field. Takeaways -You can learn a lot from observing great leaders. -Winning is important, but developing young people is the true goal. -Coaching Philosophy and the Values of West Albany Football. -Love and Accountability can co-exist -Adaptability is crucial in coaching. -Why is Football the Greatest Sport? -Building a Demanding yet Positive environment -Addressing players that aren’t meeting expectations: The Golf bag Metaphor -We’re in the Human Business -Successful programs are relationship driven! -Winning Teams find a Way to Connect -One drill you wish you did sooner in your career? Half-Line! -Special teams play a critical role in overall success. Special teams are often overlooked! -The Current Challenges of Coaching. -Football is the best vehicle to teach life lessons. -Success Beyond the Wins! -Coaching Football is a Lifelong Thing!   https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

Coach Steve Coury - Lake Oswego Football: You Encourage What You Tolerate, You Foster What You Celebrate

🚨 Coach Steve Coury 🚨  Legendary head football coach of the Lake Oswego Lakers (OR) for 34 years. A former Oregon State standout and All-Pac-10 receiver, Coury returned home in 1992 and turned the Lakers into one of Oregon’s premier programs. 3x State Champions (2011, 2018, 2025) • 9x State Finalist • nearly 300 career wins. Known for building tough, disciplined teams that play with heart and love — where every player matters and the culture is family. Husband, father, grandfather, and one of the most respected coaches in Oregon high school football history!  In this conversation, Coach Coury shares his extensive journey in coaching, from his early days influenced by his father's coaching career to his current role at Lake Oswego High School. He discusses the importance of family, the transition from college to high school coaching, and the significance of building a cohesive team culture. Coach Coury emphasizes the life lessons that sports can teach young athletes and the balance between competition and enjoyment in the game. He also reflects on the critical role of offensive line play and the values that guide his coaching philosophy. Coach Coury shares his insights on coaching, the challenges posed by modern influences like social media, and the dynamics of coaching one's own children. He reflects on cherished moments in his coaching career and discusses best practices that have contributed to his team's success. The discussion highlights the profound impact of football as a metaphor for life, illustrating how the sport instills discipline, hard work, and resilience in young athletes. Coach Coury emphasizes the significance of making every player feel valued and the role of shared leadership on the team.  Photo Credit 📸: Portland Tribune Key Takeaways: -Journey to Lake Oswego -Exposure to Great Coaches early on in college career -Influence and Impact of his Father, Coach Dick Coury -The Why Behind Coaching -Importance of family and work-life balance. -Transitioning from college to high school coaching  -Building a cohesive coaching staff is essential for team success. -Coaching Philosophy – What’s important to LO Football? -Offensive Line: It all starts up front -Cohesiveness vs Talent? -Fun should remain a core element of the game. -The Two Rules! -You Encourage What You Tolerate, You Foster What You Celebrate -The Challenges of Coaching: Outside Distractions -The Necessity of Explosive Plays -Why is Football the Greatest Sport? -The Dynamics of Coaching your Own Kid -The 65th Player: Every player, regardless of role, is important to the team. -You’re only as good as your Senior Class -Success beyond Wins! -Advice for Aspiring Coaches https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

Coach Ad Rutschman - The Winning Formula: People, Preparation, Performance

Coach Ad Rutschman: The Unrivaled Dual-Sport Titan. A coaching colossus who etched his name into immortality as the only college coach in history to win national championships in both football and baseball. At Hillsboro High, he won three state baseball titles and one state football championship. Then at Linfield University, the success continued—claiming the 1971 NAIA Baseball National Title and three NAIA Football National Championships (1982, 1984, 1986). 24 seasons as head football coach. Zero losing seasons. A .787 winning percentage. 4x Hall of Famer. Architect of champions. Coach Rutschman isn’t just a coach; he’s a blueprint for greatness and success.  A true Oregon legend who dominated two sports like no one else ever has. It was an honor to get to sit down and learn from one of the greatest to ever do it! Coach Rutschman is still coaching Kickoff Return for Linfield University. A big Thank You to Coach Rutschman and his son Don for allowing me to share his story with others. This interview is a highlight of the depth, acuity, and greatness of Coach Rutschman; however, I feel as if there was so much more that I left undiscovered. For a deeper dive and understanding, I strongly encourage purchasing Coach’s book “Winning with Class” which can be found on Amazon.  In this engaging conversation, Coach Ad Rutschman shares his journey from a young athlete to a legendary coach at Hillsboro High and Linfield University. He reflects on his early influences, the philosophy behind his coaching methods, and the importance of building character in athletes. Coach Rutschman emphasizes the significance of input in shaping attitudes and performance, and he discusses the challenges faced in modern coaching environments. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the values of honesty, hard work, and the impact of sports on personal development, leaving a legacy in the world of athletics. Coach Rutschman shares his extensive coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of hard work, commitment, and the value of every player on the team. He discusses the significance of teaching success skills in sports and life, the mental approach required for different positions in football and baseball, and the essence of teamwork. Coach Rutschman reflects on what separates championship teams from good ones, how to address player performance issues, and the importance of mentorship in coaching. He concludes with wisdom for aspiring coaches and family, highlighting the need to do what is right and to choose the right path in their careers.   Takeaways: -Be careful trying to Improve on Happy! -Input = Output: Input affects thinking, which in turn affects attitude and performance. -The quality of a person's life is based on the choices they make. -The 3 Laws: Law of Life, Law of Attraction, Law of Positive Expectation -Most problems at their core are People problems -The Formula for Success -The Formula For Winning: People, Preparation, Performance -Honesty gives you respect, credibility, and integrity -The Greatest Challenge in Coaching? -Coaching Philosophy: 1st. Build People 2nd  Build a Program -Winning takes care of itself if you focus on developing individuals. -The role of a coach is to instill confidence while providing authentic feedback. -9 to 1 Rule. 9 Pats on the back for every 1 kick in the butt -Set your sights on what people can be! -The 3 Categories of a Player -Winning in sports and life is about avoiding losing first -The sports field is the greatest classroom for success -Success skills are more important than technical skills. -Addressing player performance requires understanding and communication. -Everyone needs a mentor! -Do what's right, not what's popular. https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast

Coach AJ Cooper - SDSU DEF QC / Corners: Football is the Greatest Metaphor For Life

Coach AJ Cooper is a Defensive QC and Corners Coach for San Diego State Aztecs, he joined the staff in spring 2026 under head coach Sean Lewis. A North Las Vegas native, Coach Coop was a standout defensive back at Southern Oregon University, where he was a multi-year starter, two-time NAIA national champion, and racked up 198 tackles and nine interceptions. After earning his business degree from Southern Oregon and a master’s in athletic administration from Central Washington, he quickly climbed the coaching ranks: He started off as a GA and Corners Coach at CWU (2019-20), Oregon State Def GA (2021-22), linebackers coach at Sacramento State in 2023, then secondary and inside linebackers coach at Oregon State from (2024–25), where he earned AFCA 35 Under 35 honors. His new role at SDSU is full circle moment; his father, Hunkie Cooper, was SDSU’s WR Coach from (2015-22). I had the opportunity to work with Coach Coop at OSU and learned a lot from his approach and process. Players of all positions naturally gravitated towards him, and he had a knack to motivate, inspire, and teach. I’m excited to see where his journey takes him, thank you once again for your time and insight Coach! In this episode, Coach AJ Cooper shares his journey from a player to a coach, detailing his experiences at various levels of football. He discusses the motivations behind his coaching career, his coaching philosophy centered on building relationships, and the challenges faced in modern coaching. Coach Coop emphasizes the importance of proving oneself daily and the significance of football as a metaphor for life, highlighting the lessons learned through the sport. In this conversation, Coach Coop discusses various aspects of recruiting and coaching in college football, emphasizing the importance of player evaluation, positional versatility, and the impact of NIL on recruitment. He shares insights on what makes an ideal cornerback, the significance of experience in players, and how to effectively integrate transfers into a team. Additionally, he offers advice for aspiring coaches and highlights the value of building relationships with players and staff.  Takeaways: -The Why behind Coaching -Coaching Philosophy: Motivate, Inspire, Teach -Be Their Family, Not Their Friend -Proving it to myself everyday: Having a Process -The Disease of Mediocrity -Balancing praise and accountability -Greatest Challenge in Coaching: Outside Distractions -Identity at Practice -Football is the Greatest Metaphor for Life -NIL has exposed these kids' true intentions. -What does your prototypical corner look like? -Red Flags During the Recruiting Process -Recruiting Position Versatility -Willing Tacklers and Playmakers -P.R.I.M.E -Meeting Structure and Game week / Scouting Prep -Preparation is everything. https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast