If I Had A Son – Leadership Lessons From Texas Tech’s Tommy Tuberville

If I had a son I often think about where I would want him to play college football.  Of course, he would be a Division I prospect.  Ultimately though, it would be his decision but here are three places I would steer him towards:

• Mark Richt and the University of Georgia Bulldogs
• Jim Tressel and the Ohio State Buckeyes
• Tommy Tuberville and the Texas Tech Red Raiders

I am a big fan of Coach Tuberville’s leadership.  As a father, here is why he would be on my list. 

1. Christian Character – Coach Tuberville, both at Auburn and now at TTU, has been very active in his local church and local community organizations.  This is very important to me as I would want my son to have a strong role model spiritually.  When strong male leadership is missing in this area, there is rudderless thinking and lifestyle.
2. Priority of Family – Wikipedia notes that Coach Tuberville’s two sons chose their current church based upon the quality of the youth groups.  Don’t miss this as it is very important.  When I was 12 my mom let me choose which church we attended based upon my preference.  The church I have been at for five years was chosen largely because my daughter is happy there.  What this shows me is that Coach Tuberville puts the team (in this case his family) above his personal preferences.  He is a true servant leader.
3. Player Development – It would be naive for any parent who has a son attending a D-I school not to think about his chances of becoming a professional.  As defensive coordinator of the Miami Hurricanes and later at Auburn, the coach sent literally dozens of players to the next level.  From the head coaching position alone, he has had 19 players drafted by the NFL.  He would maximize my son’s talent and provide him options for his post-collegiate career.
4. Championships – While on staff at Miami, the Hurricanes won 3 national championships.  At Ole Miss, he took a squad decimated by probation and led them to an 8-4 record and Motor City Bowl  victory in only his 3rd season.  At Auburn, he won 5 SEC Western Division Titles in 10 years including going 13-0 in 2004.  As a result of USC’s infractions and being stripped of its 2004 wins, the NCAA should rightfully grant Auburn as that year’s national champions.  If my son plays for Coach Tuberville, he will win.

Christian Character, The Priority Of Family, Player Development, and Championships.  Texas Tech will be one of college football’s best stories this year.  They will be more balanced and finish with at least 10 victories. 

If you have a son who lives in Texas or Oklahoma and shows the ability to play at the next level, consider Texas Tech.  You’ll be glad you did as he will increase his capacity and exceed his potential. Coach Tuberville will see to that…and he’s also a pretty good actor.

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