The Intentional Edge - Jeff Jones - Episode 156

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today we’re talking about what it means to develop the intentional edge.My guest is Jeff Jones, the Head Football Athletic Performance Coach at the University of Northern Iowa and the author of The Intentional Edge: 10 Reps to Mental Toughness. Across more than 20 years in athletic performance, Jeff has coached at programs including Boise State, Arkansas State, Auburn, Appalachian State, Luther College, and Fairfield High School. Along the way, he has contributed to conference championships, Fiesta Bowl victories, and a BCS National Championship appearance.But Jeff is much more than his résumé. He is a husband, father, mentor, and lifelong learner who cares deeply about continuous improvement and making a difference in the lives of others. His philosophy is simple but powerful: mental toughness isn’t something we merely talk about—it’s something we train through intentional reps.In this conversation, Jeff shares how transformational coaches shaped his life, why relationships must come before results, and how gratitude, discipline, confidence, identity, and purpose help us respond to adversity. We also explore why training the mind matters far beyond sports—and how small, intentional choices can change the way we perform, lead, and live.This episode is about building resilient people, not just stronger athletes. It is my honor to welcome Jeff Jones.