Gene Teigland
Thanks for expressing your interest in my coaching philosophies for football. As someone who has been fortunate enough to both play and coach in this sport, I have come to deeply appreciate its ability to shape one’s character and teach valuable lessons. Through both joy and disappointment, football has served as a remarkable avenue for cultivating team, and has instilled in me invaluable insights that I am eager to share with others. It is my sincere hope that by imparting these lessons onto others, I can help student athletes develop into not just better players, but more importantly servant leaders.
Over the past seven years I have led two varsity football programs. As the head coach and offensive coordinator for New Life Academy (AAAA) in Woodbury, MN, the program experienced newfound success including their first appearance in Section 3AAAA finals, the longest win streaks in program history, and top 10 in class AAAA offensive scoring. I also helped produce three different 1000+ yard passers in a run/pass balanced offensive attack. As a result of this turn around, I was honored to receive the Minnesota Vikings Prep coach of the week.
More recently I was the head coach and offensive coordinator for North High School (AAAAA) in North St Paul, MN. A school rich in diversity, I was tasked with transforming a program that did not reflect the values of the district for cultural inclusion with players and staff. Highly successful with this mission through strategic recruiting, I received praise from the district for quickly transforming the program in this high area of need. Also severely lacking in winning football culture and knowledge of the game, I transformed team behavior and football IQ setting the foundation for future long-term success. As a result of my work, I was honored to receive a second Minnesota Viking Prep coach of the week.
I attribute much of my philosophy learning under some of the best coaches in Minnesota. Prior to my tenure at New Life Academy, I was an assistant coach for Minnesota Hall of Fame coach Dwight Lundeen in Becker, Minnesota. As a player for Bethel University, I was a four-year starter at running back for Minnesota Hall of Fame coach Steve Johnson. Under their mentorship, I was taught key elements of not only how to build a winning program on the field but how the proper combination of love, discipline, and toughness brings out the best in players and prepares them for whatever challenges they will face in their lives beyond the game.
My mission is to guide student athletes through a transformative journey, nurturing their physical, mental, and spiritual growth, and empowering them to emerge as leaders of conviction for their future family, workplace, and community.
- Deeply rooted confidence is built through knowledge and dedicated, repetitive practice.
- You must learn to do the things you don’t like, so you can be great at the things you love.
- Enduring success is cultivated through genuine, meaningful, and service-oriented relationships with others.
- It starts with US. Our coaching habits should match our player expectations.
- Pain then Glory. Don’t sacrifice long term results for short term gain.
- Positive, passionate energy produces renewable energy while negative energy does not.
- If you didn’t teach it to them, you can’t be frustrated with their performance.
- If a player is failing don’t say — they’re not listening to me — ask am I teaching them properly?
- If a concept fails before you blame the player, ask yourself was it repped enough?
- Focused composure puts the train back on the track.
- Growth is faster and deeper under competition and pressure.
- Detailed knowledge matters but simplistic teaching is key.
- Evaluate players all year and don’t be afraid to make changes.
- Be honest in your communication with players and don’t be afraid to admit mistakes to them.
- Evidence of high impact leadership is shown in how the older players treat the younger players.
- If a problem can’t be addressed directly, keep it to yourself.
Letters of Recommendation available upon request.