Fired Coaches Podcast

One of the most successful coaches we have had on the FCP. Coach Danelle Bishop shares her inspiring journey from basketball player to a successful college coach. She highlights the importance of resilience, mentorship, building confidence, Next Play (Goldfish Mentality), family and adapting strategies for long-term success in coaching.We talk about her time as head coach at Azusa Pacific, being let go at Cal Baptist and the successful run she has had at Cal Poly Pomona. 03:38 - Mentorship and Early Coaching Experiences06:35 - The Challenges of Young Coaching09:33 - Transitioning to Cal Baptist: New Opportunities12:16 - Facing Adversity: The Impact of Being Fired15:20 - Finding Strength in Faith and Leadership18:00 - Success at Cal Poly Pomona22:07 - Navigating Coaching Challenges25:44 - Building Confidence in Coaching28:50 - The Goldfish Mentality in Sports32:28 - Reflecting on Coaching Success36:37 - Lessons Learned in Recruitment40:12 - Continuous Growth as a CoachFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most. The ONLY podcast dedicated to giving fired, resigned or non-renewed coaches a voice.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Follow on X - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFollow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/

Lessons from a 40-Year Coaching Journey with Coach Dave Pilipovich. Coach Pilipovich (current men's basketball assistant coach at Colorado State) shares insights from nearly four decades in basketball, spanning Division III, Division II, NBA G League and Division I programs. His experiences highlight the importance of patience and relationship-building. We discuss the impact from mentors: Jim Boone and Tim Loomis. Helping build Robert Morris and Eastern Michigan. Working at Michigan with Tommy Amaker. The unique challenges of being an interim head coach and the rewards of being the head coach at Air Force. All things Mountain West Conference. Making the Division I NCAA Tournament after 37 years at New Mexico! Being let go, continuous learning, flexibility, favorite restaurants and much more! #thiel #californiapa #floridaatlantic #georgiastate #robertmorris #easternmichigan #michigan #airforce #newmexico #austintoros #coloradostate 02:14 - Early playing days at Teal College and lessons learned03:36 - Mentors and early coaching influences06:31 - Building programs08:20 - Experiences coaching in NCAA tournaments and memorable moments09:40 - Reflections on setbacks and longevity in coaching career11:06 - Insights on patience and perseverance in coaching journeys14:44 - Building relationships with high school coaches and recruiting strategies16:01 - Learning from legend coaches like Jim Boone and Tommy Amaker18:19 - Unique aspects of coaching in the Mountain West and at Air Force20:19 - Transitioning from interim to head coach at Air Force22:20 - Challenges and lessons of coaching at military academies24:41 - Building resilience and managing high expectations28:24 - Reflections on ending seasons and dealing with coaching changes35:18 - Transitioning into assistant roles and supporting younger coaches38:55 - Advice to his younger self and continuous learning as a coach41:13 - The significance of mindfulness, preparation, and details in coaching lifeFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most. The ONLY podcast dedicated to giving fired, resigned or non-renewed coaches a voice.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Follow on X - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFollow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/

Fun episode sitting down with Coach Scott Brisson. We talk about how he has navigated the world of college football coaching, from Division III to Lehigh and now as a P4 analyst at UCLA. We talk about his experience as an offensive coordinator, being let go, Shippensburg, Wake Forest, playoff run at James Madison, culture at UCLA, reflection and much more!02:23 - Early influences and college playing experiences at Bowdoin04:29 - Transition from player to coach and first coaching roles07:10 - The significance of scheme, schematics, and continual learning11:47 - Experience moving through Division III programs and lessons learned14:14 - Transitioning back to Lehigh and growth as an offensive coordinator22:32 - The importance of humility and learning from others26:11 - Reflecting on the end of a coaching stint at Lehigh and transition to other opportunities28:45 - Building relationships and networking amidst coaching changes36:49 - Lessons from coaching at Wake Forest and Holy Cross41:23 - Culture at JMU and UCLA with the right people46:08 - Continuous growth through film, discussion, and innovation48:08 - Final reflections and advice for young and seasoned coachesFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most. The ONLY podcast dedicated to giving fired, resigned or non-renewed coaches a voice.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Follow on X - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFollow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/

Sort of a different episode. When I first started the podcast, every 7th episode was interviewing individuals who hadn’t been fired. On this episode I sat down with Josh Washington and Charles Ruffing. Back in 2010-11, I was in my 3rd year coaching college basketball and my first year back at my alma mater. The 2010-11 season was not pretty. We went 4-21. Josh was a senior on that team and Charles was a freshman. Fast forward to 2026 and both individuals are on Division I coaching staffs. Josh is at Jacksonville University as the men's basketball strength and conditioning coordinator (Josh was a previous FCP guest on episode #35). Charles is at Western Illinois University as an assistant men’s basketball coach.This episode reflects on their basketball careers, coaching philosophies, and lessons learned from their playing days. Their candid insights reveal how setbacks, humility, continuous learning, and relationships shape successful coaching careers, regardless of playing pedigree.01:15 - Reconnecting with college basketball memories from 2010-201102:10 - Lessons from a challenging season and resilience03:55 - Anecdote about leadership, and accountability06:56 - Navigating team dynamics between younger and older players08:24 - Handling losing streaks & maintaining a positive team culture10:42 - The importance of self-awareness, humility, and continued learning in coaching12:12 - The influence of playing pedigree on coaching opportunities12:58 - The role of mindset, impostor syndrome, and passion in career development14:27 - The transition from pedestrian player to successful coach and the chip on shoulder15:37 - The importance of mentors, humility, and growth through adversity16:33 - Building confidence and understanding success as a formula17:44 - The reality of rocky seasons and ongoing learning as a coach18:39 - Does division level matter? Differentiating division 1, 3, JUCO, and NBA experiences19:08 - Financial and resource disparities across divisions and their effect on coaching20:35 - Recognizing the value of lower-level coaching experience in career development22:00 - Falling in love with the process and adapting to resources24:33 - Growth from player to coach and the importance of self-identity26:55 - The turning point to becoming an avid reader and continuous learner28:10 - The impact of mentors and learning styles in coaching development29:38 - The passion for learning and outside-the-box thinking in coaching30:52 - Inspirational quotes on confidence and perseverance33:05 - Reflection on decisions, success, and relationships beyond wins and lossesBook References:-The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho-The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande-The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon-Give and Take by Adam Grant-Forty Eight Laws of Power by Robert GreeneFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most. The ONLY podcast dedicated to giving fired, resigned or non-renewed coaches a voice.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Follow on X - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFollow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/

Discover the intriguing career path of Jared Ambrose. From growing up in a coaching family to leading teams at the collegiate level. Gain insights into the realities of coaching, the challenges of playoff runs, and the evolving landscape of college football including NIL and transfer culture. We talk about his time in coaching at Delaware (including a Joe Flacco story), helping build Towson with his brother Rob, and his stint as Interim Head Coach at Albany. 02:21 - The story of coaching transitions and connections05:55 - The Delaware playoff run and Joe Flacco's legendary throw07:28 - Navigating the FCS playoffs09:26 - Challenges of tournament logistics and team resilience11:03 - Highs and lows: From playoff appearances to national title games14:34 - A decade spent coaching with his brother at Towson16:16 - Experience working with his brother, Rob Ambrose, and organizational growth18:51 - Towson's remarkable rise from obscurity to championship contender21:20 - Recruitment of Terrance West22:20 - The impact of NIL, transfer portal, and recruiting at FCS level25:54 - Returning to Delaware and achieving success in recent seasons30:14 - The 2023 season challenges: Injuries, roster chaos, and COVID disruptions34:15 - Reflections on coaching stability, pressure, and organizational integrity38:48 - Transitioning out of coaching and focusing on family and community endeavorsFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most. The ONLY podcast dedicated to giving fired, resigned or non-renewed coaches a voice.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Follow on X - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFollow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/

In this episode, Coach Tony Shiffman shares his experience playing college football at Illinois College, managing injuries, passion for offensive line play, journey coaching high school in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Iowa, significance of organizing, coaching college at Lake Forest and Elmhurst, career setback, staying involved and networking.02:20 - Transition from playing to coaching, injuries shaping career decisions03:36 - The unique mentality and resilience required in football injuries05:13 - Handling injuries and the importance of resilience in student-athletes06:03 - Passion for offensive line and its culture in football07:19 - What makes offensive line the most unique position group10:16 - Building experience across different states and coaching environments11:55 - Deciding when to pursue a head coaching role13:15 - Moving into college coaching and the learning curve involved17:43 - The quick turnaround to Lake Forest and Elmhurst roles19:42 - The realities of coaching at the college level and balancing responsibilities22:17 - Recruiting strategies and regional relationship-building24:56 - The 2022 coaching experience and lessons learned26:07 - The significance of having a support network and staying connected28:16 - The evolving opportunities for remote coaching roles and analysis33:08 - Connecting with other coaches and remaining involved in football communityFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most. The ONLY podcast dedicated to giving fired, resigned or non-renewed coaches a voice.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Follow on X - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFollow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/

In this episode, Coach Scott Wachenheim shares his remarkable journey through military service, college coaching, and leadership at VMI. Discover insights on building resilient programs, taking hard jobs, and lessons learned from decades of coaching at various levels. We talk about his stops at Air Force, Arkansas, Colorado, Utah State, Rice, Liberty, Washington Redskins (Commanders), Virginia and as head coach at VMI. 01:00 - Journey to the Air Force Academy03:25 - Influence of Coach Hatfield06:52 - Transition from Player to Coach10:07 - Early Coaching Experiences and Success13:56 - Coaching at Utah State21:25 - Evolution of Offensive Strategies23:27 - Becoming Offensive Coordinator at Rice27:34 - Career Transition to Liberty and NFL34:54 - Lessons from the NFL Experience36:11 - Transitioning to VMI: A Unique Challenge40:03 - Building a Program at a Military Institute50:04 - Overcoming Adversity: The COVID Season53:09 - Deciding to Step Away from Coaching57:01 - Life After Coaching: Finding New PurposeFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most. The ONLY podcast dedicated to giving fired, resigned or non-renewed coaches a voice.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Follow on X - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFollow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/Follow on LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/company/fired-coaches-podcast

We talk about Coach Brian White's new book, "The Locker Room is Not For Sale". We travel through his college football journey from Fordham, Notre Dame, UNLV, Wisconsin, Syracuse, Washington, Florida, Boston College, Colorado State and now Bowling Green. During the episode we learn about being real, mentorship, recruiting, his love for cooking, staying connected to players, being fired, his thoughts on Aaron Hernandez and a special Lou Holtz story.01:36 - Writing the Book: The Locker Room's Power04:32 - The Impact of the Locker Room and Brotherhood06:06 - Connecting Through Authenticity and Realism12:55 - The Importance of Coaching Outside the Lines14:52 - Mentorship, Street Life, and Life Lessons16:02 - Living the Coaching Lifestyle and Family Balance18:13 - The Role of Faith and Realism in Life and Coaching22:43 - Staying Connected with Past Players24:56 - Coaching Aaron Hernandez and Life Lessons29:24 - Handling Turbulence and Staying Resilient44:19 - Cooking, Hobbies, and Personal Passions49:30 - Overcoming Challenges: Parkinson's and Personal Growth53:33 - Lou Holtz StoryFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most. The ONLY podcast dedicated to giving fired, resigned or non-renewed coaches a voice.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Follow on X - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFollow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/Follow on LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/company/fired-coaches-podcast

In this episode, Mike Rittelmann shares his journey from a D3 football player and coach to scout, highlighting the importance of networking, talent evaluation, and the unique aspects of CFL and the College Gridiron Showcase.01:19 - Growing up in Pennsylvania and love for football02:09 - Transition from player to coach and evaluator03:31 - Challenges of moving from athlete to coach04:27 - Impact of coaching on understanding the game06:34 - Networking and building a career in scouting10:05 - Getting involved with CFL and international leagues12:11 - The talent in CFL and differences from NFL14:00 - Adjustments from CFL to NFL scouting15:14 - College Gridiron Showcase: From list to opportunities16:44 - Success stories of players from CGS19:29 - Evaluating prospects from all levels of college football21:07 - The importance of outliers and unique talents22:44 - Canadian players and CFL draft process24:39 - The art of scouting and continuous learning26:36 - How to improve as a scout and industry insightsFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most. The ONLY podcast dedicated to giving fired, resigned or non-renewed coaches a voice.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Follow on X - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFollow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/Follow on LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/company/fired-coaches-podcast

Dan Schumacher shares his extensive journey in college athletics, highlighting his strategic approach to facility upgrades and program turnarounds. Discover insights on navigating NCAA processes, building winning teams, and adapting to the evolving landscape of college sports. We talk his experience as an athlete and working at Winona State, being an athletic director at D2 Lewis University, D1 Chicago State University, D3 University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and D3 Northland College. 01:24 - Transitioning from Private Sector to Athletics04:50 - Turning Around Athletic Programs06:34 - Challenges and Successes at Chicago State09:30 - The Role of Facilities in Athletic Success11:49 - Understanding Division III Athletics13:57 - Strategic Planning for Enrollment and Sports16:11 - Building Facilities and Enhancing Programs18:44 - The Importance of Facilities in Recruitment19:42 - The Journey to Northland College21:40 - Finding the Root of Issues23:18 - Rearranging Facilities for Better Functionality25:36 - Hiring Practices and Coaching Strategies29:36 - Navigating Different Hiring Processes32:20 - Staying Current in College AthleticsFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most. The ONLY podcast dedicated to giving fired, resigned or non-renewed coaches a voice.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Follow on X - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFollow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/Follow on LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/company/fired-coaches-podcast

In this episode we take a trip down memory lane. We learn about how Coach Scott Pera got his start in coaching. We discuss the Hoosiers 2.0 story at Annville-Cleona, coaching James Harden at Artesia and Arizona State, making the jump to college coaching, how he got connected to Mike Rhoades, getting his opportunity to be the head coach at Rice, being let go, getting better and his current role as general manager of Penn State men's basketball. Take a listen!01:04 - The Roots of Honesty and Trust in Coaching02:19 - Starting Out: From Baseball to Basketball05:10 - The 1999 Annville-Cleona State Championship Run08:20 - Memorable Moments in High School State Championships10:37 - Transition to California and Artesia High School19:10 - Journey to Division I: Arizona State and Rice22:30 - Coaching James Harden25:09 - Returning to Pennsylvania and Coaching at Rice31:38 - Recruiting Trey Murphy and Building a Program34:56 - Being Let Go at Rice39:05 - Reflections on Family, Moving, and Coaching Aspirations40:36 - Transition to Penn State and Current RoleFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most. The ONLY podcast dedicated to giving fired, resigned or non-renewed coaches a voice.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Follow on X - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFollow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/Follow on LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/company/fired-coaches-podcast

Cory Marquardt's journey from student manager at Drake, navigating coaching changes, building relationships and embracing life's uncertainties. This episode offers insights into resilience, adaptability, and the power of relationships. We talk all things basketball, including Drake, high school basketball, UW-Stevens Point and getting better. Lot of fun with this one!02:45 - Athletic Background and Early Coaching Experience03:48 - Choosing Drake University: A Journey of Discovery09:59 - Growth and Responsibilities in the Basketball Program18:08 - Navigating Coaching Changes at Drake23:49 - Embracing Change and Building Resilience25:12 - Returning to Roots: The Journey Back Home30:37 - Building Relationships: The Heart of Coaching36:57 - Embracing Change: The Coaching Carousel42:19 - Finding Balance: Life After CoachingFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most. The ONLY podcast dedicated to giving fired, resigned or non-renewed coaches a voice.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Follow on X - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFollow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/Follow on LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/company/fired-coaches-podcast

In this episode, Tyler Frings shares his journey from a college volleyball player at Carthage to then to coaching and building a men's volleyball program from scratch at Marian University. He discusses the growth of men's volleyball, the importance of culture and community in sports, and insights into recruiting, program development, and the future of the sport.01:40 - Curiosity and Lifelong Learning05:05 - Athletic Background and College Volleyball Journey09:27 - Transitioning to Coaching at Carthage College15:20 - Coaching Experience at Cardinal Stritch University20:36 - Building a Volleyball Program from Scratch at Marion University26:53 - Challenges and Growth in the Early Years of Coaching30:00 - Reflecting on Coaching and Moving Forward33:26 - The Future of Men's VolleyballFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most. The ONLY podcast dedicated to giving fired, resigned or non-renewed coaches a voice.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Follow on X - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFollow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/Follow on LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/company/fired-coaches-podcast

In this chat with Ben Wierzba, we learn about his unique path from coaching men’s basketball to women’s basketball. The recent announcement on him being named the head women’s basketball coach at Evansville, his time as the Director of Operations at Army, being let go as the head coach at D2 Illinois Springfield, coaching success as an assistant with Mercer and Miami (OH) women’s basketball, full circle moment at Evansville and much more!02:49 - Building a Program at Miami of Ohio05:43 - The Importance of Relationships in Coaching08:53 - Family Life as a Coach11:46 - Experiences at West Point and Operations Role14:46 - The Coaching Family Tree17:43 - Returning to Evansville and Building a New Program19:45 - The Importance of Kindness in Coaching20:31 - Transitioning to Head Coach at UIS23:43 - Facing Challenges and Learning from Failure25:48 - Rejuvenation and New Opportunities27:33 - The Shift to Women's Basketball Coaching30:29 - Success at Mercer and Building a Winning Culture32:29 - Returning to Evansville: A New Chapter33:40 - Reflections on Coaching and Personal Growth35:23 - The Joy of Winning and Celebrating SuccessFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most. The ONLY podcast dedicated to giving fired, resigned or non-renewed coaches a voice.Make sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!Follow on X - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFollow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/Follow on LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/company/fired-coaches-podcast