The Long Game: 20 Years From Walk-On To Washburn University Head Football Coach | Zach Watkins

Zach Watkins shares his journey from Washburn walk-on linebacker to head coach, revealing how his 20-year connection to the program shapes his coaching philosophy and vision for the future.

• Coming full circle from player to head coach at Washburn University
• Building a program on five pillars: family, accountability, discipline, toughness, and respect
• Completing over 2,000 hours of community service in five months
• Creating accountability groups and football nights at every campus sport
• Managing 36 scholarships across a roster of 125+ players
• Developing relationships with every player through individual meetings
• Recruiting philosophy: "If you're good enough, they'll find you"
• Moving to morning practices to prioritize family time for coaches
• Implementing a single-digit jersey system where players vote for teammates who best represent program values
• Washburn NFL alumni success stories including Corey Ballantyne (Colts) and Kyle Hinton (Falcons)

Join us for our first game Saturday, August 30th against Truman State at 1 pm!

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0:00 - Welcome Coach Zach Watkins 
10:18 - From Player to Coach Journey
18:00 - Pro Pathways and Washburn NFL Alumni
25:28 - First Year as Head Coach
33:47 - Building Community Connection
41:47 - Family-First Coaching Philosophy
51:39 - Roster Management and Recruitment
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