Coaches Scoop

  Photo Courtesy of Stefanie Chiguluri - San Francisco 49ers By Nate McCray As NFL teams report for 2025 training camp, optimism is everywhere, but so are the question marks. For contenders and rebuilders alike, camp is the proving ground where roster gaps, coaching overhauls, and unproven players either rise to the moment or reveal cracks that can sink a season.   So, as I scan the league using real offseason data, a few teams’ standout above the rest as the biggest mystery heading into camp: the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and the Cleveland Browns. After back-to-back 4–13 seasons that marked the official end of the Bill Belichick era, the New England Patriots find themselves at a franchise crossroads heading into the 2025 training camp. With former Patriots star and fan favorite Mike Vrabel now at the helm as head coach, the team faces a pivotal moment: can Vrabel inject toughness, identity, and stability back into a locker room that has lacked direction, or...

  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...