John Kirby

[Collin Rugg @CollinRugg]

NEW: CNBC host verbally stunned after billionaire Howard Lutnick explains how Trump's tariffs will be used as a negotiation tactic to make the U.S. a "bunch of money."

Lutnick shot down the media narrative that tariffs would increase inflation.

"It's a bargaining chip. We can't sell a Ford or GM in Europe. You go to Europe, you can't sell a Ford..."

"They're gonna come and negotiate and their tariffs are gonna come down. And finally, Ford and General Motors are gonna be able to sell in these places. How's that sound?"

"This is just negotiating strategically."

"When you're running for office, you make broad statements so people understand you. Tariffs are an amazing tool for the president to use."

"Use tariffs to build in America. If we want to make it in America, tariff it... we need to protect the American worker."

"So which is it? Do we make a lot of money on tariffs or do we bring change behavior productivity here? And we drive up our workers here. So it's a win-win scenario."

Becky Quick: "This is the best explanation I've heard."

[Jamy Bechler @jamybechler]

“Toughness is the mental and physical strength to do what you need to do - no matter the consequence.” (Matt Rhule)

~ video from @TheCoachTube

[Todd Wolfson @CoachWolfson]

If you’re in education and you forget sometimes why you do what you do… spend 5 minutes of your day and watch this.

[Chris Parker @chris_parker222]

8 things that have changed in the last 5 years
I stopped coaching after the 2018 season. I had no idea major changes were on the horizon for the profession. The Head Coach of 2024 has different issues that I did not deal with as a Head Coach. Here are 8 things that have changed...

1. COVID. I had no idea what this was when I coached. Everything has been impacted (mostly in a negative way) because of the pandemic.

2. Transfers. Players have always transferred, but the last 5 years seem to have more than the 100 years before. It is insane how quickly young players are giving up on their home school and moving for sports. It makes it very discouraging to coach at a place that doesn't get the players showing up.

3. College Recruiting. The "transfer portal", "covid year", and "NIL" have completely changed recruiting to something that I can't even recognize from 5 years ago. None of this has helped the HS coach who is getting the same pressure from parents with unrealistic expectations of scholarships that are fewer and further between.

4. Coach Entitlement. Every generation says "the young guys" are not as committed, not as tough, etc. - so maybe this is just me doing the same. Coaches on their phone at practice, thinking they should be calling plays after they worked 1 year, etc. Few want to learn technique and take pride in being a good position coach. Few want to work the hours it takes to plan and organize. It takes what it takes. The best staffs are still not worried about titles and still working hard. There is a balance, but many coaches do not want to put the time in now.

5. Parent Entitlement. Some parents have always been a struggle, but the parent behavior seems worse and worse each year. Many admin are scared to deal with it early and it grows and grows. Parents forget the coach is a person and attack the coach publicly, in-person, behind-their-back, on social media, and anywhere else. Coaches aren't perfect, but it is way too easy and too normal for parents to attack coaches for playing time issues.

6. Impatience. This applies to coaches, players, and parents. Most coaches do not want to wait for a promotion. Most players don't want to play on the JV and develop. Most parents don't want to wait to be the booster club president. Social media has been around a while, but the last several years it seems to have dominated people's minds. Everything is about attention and instant gratification. There is no instant gratification in a successful athletic program.

7. Lack of respect. This has been on the way down for years, but it's gotten worse the past 5 years. Assistant coaches should always keep the boss in the loop and they should ask the head coach, "Do you need anything else" before leaving. They should be on time, show up, sit in the front, be a part of the school, care about the place, etc. These were all common years ago, but now can set you apart. Players and parents struggle more now to respect the coach and give them the benefit of the doubt when issues arise.

8. Hurt feelings. There is no tolerance for disagreement. Everything seems personal. It's very difficult to be a coach and keep score when everything is sensitive and personal. There must be healthy debates, disagreements, and conflicts to achieve success. It is harder in the current climate than it has ever been.

People always ask me, "do you miss it?". Of course, the answer is "YES". But I don't miss these things that my friends and colleagues are dealing with daily.

I'll end with this.... I feel bad that so many really, really, really good young coaches out there never got to be around in the "good old days". I started at the end of them, but I really cherished the old timers that taught me football. Older coaches, support the new guys. Young guys, I hope you find that rare mentor that can teach you.

I didn't write any of this to be negative, but to shine a light on things that can improve. Coaching is still a great profession. Working with kids is still worth it. This is why I spend most of my free time trying to develop coaches. Let's work to reverse as many of these trends as possible.

[Jake Lemming @jakelemming]

Division 1 Coaches,

Check the tape on 2025 ATH Luke Gilbert of Pisgah in AL

-Holds only 1 FCS offer
-Long at 6'3" 205, with instincts & play-making ability
-Always around the ball
-Off the charts competitor on tape

https://t.co/mTa2pb9IW2
@Lukegilbert_1 │ @coach_lpruitt

[Jason Bowen @jbowensports]

“The best this is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.”
Congratulations hall-of-famer.

[John Kirby @JohnKirby07]

@Kramer_74

[John Kirby @JohnKirby07]

@JamieDarwin1 @TraegerGrills

[John Kirby @JohnKirby07]

One of the best to ever do it. Congratulations to @Coach_Ellison and @PisgahSports on another Blue Map

[John Kirby @JohnKirby07]

@mlbelites_ Pederson played defense too. Last shot in the video was him on defense. Looked like safety

[Alabama Football @AlabamaFTBL]

🤟 - Love You Too @TurnerSportsEJ

"Make somebody's life Better."

#BamaFactor #RollTide

[John Kirby @JohnKirby07]

33 years ago today the Lord blessed me with @kirbya11_amy. I love her more today than ever. Truly Blessed.

[John Kirby @JohnKirby07]

@Kramer_74 @Kramer_74 may have won twitter today

[John Kirby @JohnKirby07]

@durdencoach Common sense has become a super power my friend. It’s a lost art.

[John Kirby @JohnKirby07]

100%

[RunBMC @runBMC57]

Charles Barkley speaking the truth

[John Kirby @JohnKirby07]

@TDAlabamaMag Johnny Musso

[John Kirby @JohnKirby07]

@chris_mccreless Valley Head on a cool October Friday Night

[John Kirby @JohnKirby07]

Enjoyed a peaceful morning on Terrapin Creek

[Kevin Dukes @KDukes1]

#ready