Coaches Scoop

  By Nate McCray When you watch Alabama State’s running backs explode through the line of scrimmage or slip past defenders with decisive cuts, you’re seeing the quiet imprint of Juwan Lewis. As the Hornets’ running backs coach, Lewis has become a rising force on the sidelines, a young coach blending old-school toughness with modern precision. Whether it’s in the film room breaking down blitz pickups or on the practice field drilling footwork until it’s second nature, Lewis has shaped his unit into one of the most disciplined and dynamic groups in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). His journey from player to coach and mentor is more than just a career path, it’s a blueprint of resilience, football IQ, and a deep love for the game. I had the chance to catch up with Juwan this week, and after covering spring ball and summer camps, our conversation shifted to his running back room and what he’s eager to see from them this upcoming season. “I’m looking forward to seeing ou...

Photo Courtesy of Youngstown State University Athletics   By Nate McCray College football is more than just a game of X's and O’s; it's a game of relationships. Behind every signing day triumph, coaching hire, or program turnaround is a web of connections, trust, and long-standing bonds.    Tapping into your network is a necessity in today’s hyper-competitive college football landscape. In a sport where word-of-mouth can open doors faster than a 40-yard dash, the most successful programs are often those built on authentic relationships and well-cultivated pipelines. Yesterday, I reconnected with Youngstown State University head football coach Doug Phillips, and our conversation began by reflecting on a post-camp dinner he graciously hosted last summer at MVR, a local Italian favorite, for his staff, myself, and other camp volunteer coaches, a thoughtful gesture that underscored the value of relationships and camaraderie in this profession.   During our meeting, Coa...

  Photo Courtesy of Adrian College Athletics By Nate McCray When James Prince accepted the role of defensive backs coach at Division III Adrian College in February 2025, it wasn’t just a professional move, it was a testament to faith, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to both football and family. The nearly two-hour daily commute from his home to campus is more than just a drive; it’s a sacred space for reflection, a time where gospel music fills the car and centers his spirit. “Yeah, I still listen to some rap and R&B,” Prince says with a smile, “but the gospel helps me reflect on what I’ve been through, reminds me this journey is mine.” For some, the grind of the road would be too much. Not for J-Prince. “If God is okay with it and my family’s okay with it, I’m good,” he says with conviction. Before settling into our conversation, he made it clear who helped shape this chapter: then head coach Herb Haygood, who gave him his first opportunity at Madonna University. ...

  Photo Courtesy of Matt Cashore Imagn Images By Nate McCray In an industry where college football is often defined by coaching carousels and fleeting allegiances, Northern Illinois University’s head coach Thomas Hammock represents a rare breed—a head coach whose leadership is anchored in legacy, loyalty, and lived experience. A former Northern Illinois standout turned steward of the very program that shaped him, Hammock returned to DeKalb in 2019 with more than just a whistle and a playbook—he brought back a championship mindset forged through years of postseason battles at Big Ten powerhouses Wisconsin and Minnesota. With bowl game experience and conference title runs etched into his résumé, Hammock has infused NIU with a blueprint built on toughness, discipline, and long-term development. Now, as the Huskies look to reclaim their seat atop the MAC hierarchy, it’s clear that Hammock’s vision isn’t just about reviving a program—it’s about redefining what sustained success looks li...

  Photo Courtesy of Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP By Nate McCray As the summer sun beats down on Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, the Detroit Lions will kick off their 2025 campaign with a nationally televised clash against the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL Hall of Fame Game. More than just a preseason tune-up, the upcoming July 31st, 8 p.m. matchup will serve as a symbolic milestone for a franchise on the rise—honoring its storied past while showcasing the momentum of a team aiming for championship relevance. With Hall of Fame weekend drawing legends and fans from around the league, eyes will be on Detroit to see how head coach Dan Campbell’s retooled roster sets the tone for what could be a defining season in Lions history. The Lions are no longer the punchline of the NFL—they’re the protagonists of one of the league’s most compelling stories. Fresh off a resurgent 2024 campaign that saw them within reach of a Super Bowl berth before losing to the Washingto...

  Photo Courtesy of Davenport University Athletics By Nate McCray Since taking the reins in 2017 and guiding Davenport University through its inaugural season of NCAA Division II and GLIAC competition, Head Coach Sparky McEwen has transformed the Panthers into a formidable force in Midwest college football. What began as a daunting challenge—building a program from the ground up in one of the nation's most competitive Division II conferences—has evolved into a story of consistent growth, resilience, and competitive excellence. Under McEwen’s leadership, Davenport has not only earned respect across the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and nationally, but has also developed a culture rooted in discipline, player development, and a commitment to winning.    While we reflected on the 2025 spring ball campaign, Coach McEwen was quick to emphasize its importance in laying the foundation for both immediate and long-term success. “You know how we operate here, c...