Fired Coaches Podcast

Marcus Wiegert
  • 4.7 (41)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

Fired 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.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 80 - Dave Pilipovich

    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 learned 03:36 - Mentors and early coaching influences 06:31 - Building programs 08:20 - Experiences coaching in NCAA tournaments and memorable moments 09:40 - Reflections on setbacks and longevity in coaching career 11:06 - Insights on patience and perseverance in coaching journeys 14:44 - Building relationships with high school coaches and recruiting strategies 16:01 - Learning from legend coaches like Jim Boone and Tommy Amaker 18:19 - Unique aspects of coaching in the Mountain West and at Air Force 20:19 - Transitioning from interim to head coach at Air Force 22:20 - Challenges and lessons of coaching at military academies 24:41 - Building resilience and managing high expectations 28:24 - Reflections on ending seasons and dealing with coaching changes 35:18 - Transitioning into assistant roles and supporting younger coaches 38:55 - Advice to his younger self and continuous learning as a coach 41:13 - The significance of mindfulness, preparation, and details in coaching life Fired 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/

    44 min

  2. 4d ago

    Episode 79 - Scott Brisson

    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 Bowdoin 04:29 - Transition from player to coach and first coaching roles 07:10 - The significance of scheme, schematics, and continual learning 11:47 - Experience moving through Division III programs and lessons learned 14:14 - Transitioning back to Lehigh and growth as an offensive coordinator 22:32 - The importance of humility and learning from others 26:11 - Reflecting on the end of a coaching stint at Lehigh and transition to other opportunities 28:45 - Building relationships and networking amidst coaching changes 36:49 - Lessons from coaching at Wake Forest and Holy Cross 41:23 - Culture at JMU and UCLA with the right people 46:08 - Continuous growth through film, discussion, and innovation 48:08 - Final reflections and advice for young and seasoned coaches Fired 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/

    49 min

  3. Jun 4

    Episode 78 - Josh Washington & Charles Ruffing

    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 2010-2011 02:10 - Lessons from a challenging season and resilience 03:55 - Anecdote about leadership, and accountability 06:56 - Navigating team dynamics between younger and older players 08:24 - Handling losing streaks & maintaining a positive team culture 10:42 - The importance of self-awareness, humility, and continued learning in coaching 12:12 - The influence of playing pedigree on coaching opportunities 12:58 - The role of mindset, impostor syndrome, and passion in career development 14:27 - The transition from pedestrian player to successful coach and the chip on shoulder 15:37 - The importance of mentors, humility, and growth through adversity 16:33 - Building confidence and understanding success as a formula 17:44 - The reality of rocky seasons and ongoing learning as a coach 18:39 - Does division level matter? Differentiating division 1, 3, JUCO, and NBA experiences 19:08 - Financial and resource disparities across divisions and their effect on coaching 20:35 - Recognizing the value of lower-level coaching experience in career development 22:00 - Falling in love with the process and adapting to resources 24:33 - Growth from player to coach and the importance of self-identity 26:55 - The turning point to becoming an avid reader and continuous learner 28:10 - The impact of mentors and learning styles in coaching development 29:38 - The passion for learning and outside-the-box thinking in coaching 30:52 - Inspirational quotes on confidence and perseverance 33:05 - Reflection on decisions, success, and relationships beyond wins and losses Book 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 Greene Fired 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/

    33 min

  4. Jun 2

    Episode 77 - Jared Ambrose

    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/

    53 min

  5. May 28

    Episode 76 - Tony Shiffman

    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 decisions 03:36 - The unique mentality and resilience required in football injuries 05:13 - Handling injuries and the importance of resilience in student-athletes 06:03 - Passion for offensive line and its culture in football 07:19 - What makes offensive line the most unique position group 10:16 - Building experience across different states and coaching environments 11:55 - Deciding when to pursue a head coaching role 13:15 - Moving into college coaching and the learning curve involved 17:43 - The quick turnaround to Lake Forest and Elmhurst roles 19:42 - The realities of coaching at the college level and balancing responsibilities 22:17 - Recruiting strategies and regional relationship-building 24:56 - The 2022 coaching experience and lessons learned 26:07 - The significance of having a support network and staying connected 28:16 - The evolving opportunities for remote coaching roles and analysis 33:08 - Connecting with other coaches and remaining involved in football community Fired 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/firedcoachespod Follow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/

    35 min

  6. May 26

    Episode 75 - Scott Wachenheim

    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 Academy 03:25 - Influence of Coach Hatfield 06:52 - Transition from Player to Coach 10:07 - Early Coaching Experiences and Success 13:56 - Coaching at Utah State 21:25 - Evolution of Offensive Strategies 23:27 - Becoming Offensive Coordinator at Rice 27:34 - Career Transition to Liberty and NFL 34:54 - Lessons from the NFL Experience 36:11 - Transitioning to VMI: A Unique Challenge 40:03 - Building a Program at a Military Institute 50:04 - Overcoming Adversity: The COVID Season 53:09 - Deciding to Step Away from Coaching 57:01 - Life After Coaching: Finding New Purpose Fired 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

    1h 4m

  7. May 21

    Episode 74 - Brian White

    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 Power 04:32 - The Impact of the Locker Room and Brotherhood 06:06 - Connecting Through Authenticity and Realism 12:55 - The Importance of Coaching Outside the Lines 14:52 - Mentorship, Street Life, and Life Lessons 16:02 - Living the Coaching Lifestyle and Family Balance 18:13 - The Role of Faith and Realism in Life and Coaching 22:43 - Staying Connected with Past Players 24:56 - Coaching Aaron Hernandez and Life Lessons 29:24 - Handling Turbulence and Staying Resilient 44:19 - Cooking, Hobbies, and Personal Passions 49:30 - Overcoming Challenges: Parkinson's and Personal Growth 53:33 - Lou Holtz Story Fired 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/firedcoachespod Follow our Newsletter - https://firedcoachespod.beehiiv.com/ Follow on LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/company/fired-coaches-podcast

    47 min

  8. May 18

    Episode 73 - Mike Rittelmann

    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

    25 min
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4.7
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

Fired 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Marcus Wiegert
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Marcus Wiegert
  • Show Website
    Fired Coaches Podcast

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