Kevin Fox on Character Coaching at Texas Tech, NIL Pressures, and Building Team Culture

On the Contacts Coaching Podcast, Justin interviews Kevin Fox, a Salinas native and longtime Midland, Texas resident who serves as character coach for Grant McCasland at Texas Tech. Fox shares his path from UC Davis and early ministry work to building relationships in junior college basketball at Midland College, where he connected with coaches like McCasland, Ross Hodge, and others. They discuss West Texas sports culture, the importance of encouraging multi-sport athletes, and how character coaching works best through organic relationships, clear boundaries, and accountability. Fox addresses how NIL has increased pressure and outside pull on athletes, the value of JUCO coaching experience for today’s roster turnover, and practical ways teams define and measure culture, including tracking “positive touches.” He also reflects on humility, continuous learning, and stepping out from behind the scenes.00:00 Welcome and Introductions01:06 From Salinas to Midland01:53 Hoops to Coaching Network04:38 Character Coach Role05:15 West Texas Football Culture07:06 Multi Sport Debate10:37 Organic Mentorship Model14:40 NIL Pressures and Protection17:39 JUCO Mindset at Tech21:16 Calling to Ministry25:16 Teaching Faith and Coaching28:44 Coaching Meets Ministry30:21 Learning to Say I Don’t Know31:53 Humility and Adaptation34:26 Boundaries and Accountability39:03 Preacher vs Minister41:15 Coaching Across Levels47:12 Defining Character Culture51:12 Changing Minds and Showing Up53:57 Closing Story and Farewell