Michigan Panthers Coach Mike Nolan On The UFL, Dan Campbell And More
I recently had a great conversation with Michigan Panthers coach Mike Nolan.
With the merger of the USFL and XFL into the United Football League, it will be a fun football season in 2024. The coach is looking forward to it. “I’m very excited, I am.” He talked about how the talent pool has dwindled to improve the product on the field.
As far as the rules are concerned, the coach said they’ll announce that soon. He expects the rules as early as this week. The coach loved the USFL rules, but there could be a few that could be refined. “There are several rules, about a half a dozen of them I thought were great.”
One of the rules is the kickoff. Michigan Panthers Head Coach Mike Nolan also heard some ideas on what they can do about that.
The coach said he’s loving his time coaching these guys. “It’s a lot of fun. I guess you could say I’m semi-retired after the 2020 season.”
What does he think about what Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions have done this year? He’s pretty close to Dan Campbell, having worked with him a lot in the past. “To watch his success is no surprise. He’s a good people person, and you must have excellent people skills to be a head coach in the NFL. If you don’t, you must have a great quarterback to overcome your lack of people skills.” He said Dan has both. “He’s a good guy, a great guy.” He said there’s no surprise he’s doing well with the Lions.
Coach Nolan once coached the 49ers. He said this week he’s pulling for Dan and the Lions. “I know this: the best two teams in the NFC are playing this weekend.”
Check out the interview below, and make it a point to hit up a Michigan Panthers game this season. The schedule should be out soon.
4 High-Profile Football Coaches I'd Want My Kid To Play For
As a youth coach, there is no better feeling than being able to be able to coach a team that your kid is on. But you realize, if your little athletes goes on to play post-youth ball, they will eventually play for someone else. This led me to think about which high-profile football coaches (in both the NFL and NCAA) I would want my kid to play for today.
This is focused on the sport of football for three main reasons. The first is that is the sport I coach him in. Second, it’s the sport of the season. Lastly, it’s the sport my son loves the most right now.
In today’s modern era of professional and high-profile college sports, the head coaches are very prominent figures. Their press conferences are posted to social media. Furthermore, their demeanor is constantly evaluated,, as the press formulate an opinion as to whether or not they are doing a good job.
“Put Me In, Coach!”
So, what do I look for when thinking about who I’d want my son to play for? Well, in this hypothetical scenario, it is important to note that I am selecting a coach, and not a team. Then, it boils down to attitude. These coaches seem to have an attitude that goes way beyond winning. There’s an empathy to their approach. They carry themselves as unique individuals first, and then as a coach. This then leads their locker room to do the same. Lastly, each of them has bet on themselves, and some point had to have the unwavering belief that they would be great at what they do. They never quit on their dreams or their teams.
I have never met any of these coaches. In addition, none of them coach the team I cheer for. They simply inspire me with how they go about their craft and inspire their players.
Here are the four football coaches I’d want my kid to play for.
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history.
Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.