Denis Cassidy returns to the Warriors as the next Varsity Head Coach

Coach Cassidy is a seasoned leader with a distinguished career in Architecture, Athletics, and Fine Arts. A Licensed Architect by trade, he has directed and won awards for major design and construction projects throughout the country. He has published several novels and is an award-winning artist, with artwork displayed in galleries and private collections.

Here are some thoughts and insights from Coach Cassidy…

When I was young, my mother, whom I loved more than I could possibly say, signed me up for the Cub Scouts, which later evolved into the Webelos and then the Boy Scouts. Today, I still remember their motto:

A Boy Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

These are the things I believe essential in building character in young men. Not the least of which is reverence. Reverence for a merciful and all-powerful God, who loves me and has a plan
for me, which, most often, is beyond my understanding. I believe that it is essential that I strive to do things that are pleasing to him, to assure my salvation. I try every day to live by this and
direct my actions in pursuit of pleasing God. I sometimes fail, but I always try.

What is your coaching philosophy, and how does it align with our program’s values?
I am a man of Faith and believe in dignity and honor. I think both qualities are essential components of one’s faith, and I would endeavor to ensure the boys
exemplify these virtues.

What is your vision for the football program?
Football is a unique opportunity to instill these virtues in young men in an activity that is beyond the individual. Football is a battle, fought together for a common goal. It is also an activity, by its very nature, that prepares these young men for life’s struggles. I would try to instill a desire to persevere, regardless of the obstacles and despite the results.

How do you define success for the program, beyond just wins and losses?
The development of the character of the players exceeds the wins and losses. If the boys develop strong character, wins and losses become secondary. Many lessons learned through loss cannot be learned otherwise. When I was a coach with TCW, I was approached by officials, opposing coaches, and players, who all commented on the character of TCW athletes. That was a source of pride for me, which I hope I will be able to continue to foster.

How do you plan to build and maintain a successful program?
I have spoken with Mrs. Hill about this on many occasions, and I believe we are of one mind. The development of the younger kids, Junior High and Junior Varsity, is the foundation upon which a successful Varsity program is built. Continuity of purpose and development, in all aspects, will build a strong and successful program.

How would he use the current coaching staff?
Until I know who the coaches will be, I cannot say exactly, other than I would look at their knowledge and experience carefully and would expect their support and their acceptance of the direction I would provide. I would be intolerant of those who oppose my direction, because I believe there is strength in unity and weakness in division. I understand the nature of the organization as a volunteer-based system, but even the most seasoned coach can be a detriment if they intend to undermine the success of the whole in pursuit of the success of the individual.

What changes would you make?
I believe in assessing the players’ abilities (coaches too) and preparing a plan of action that takes advantage of the strengths and downplays the weaknesses. That goes for offense, defense, special teams, and coaching. If a coach is relatively inexperienced, it doesn’t mean they will not be helpful. Along with the players, I intend to assist the coaches who volunteer to help and believe that together we can succeed in the mission, as long as there is unity in focus.

Do you have anyone he would like to bring along?
I do not have anybody I can think of that I would bring with me, but I am familiar with most of the current coaching staff. I may entertain the assistance of additional volunteers, as well as former coaches who are interested in helping, but I will discuss any coaching decisions with Mrs. Hill before making any changes. Any new coaches or coaches brought up from JH or JV would need to be replaced at the levels they vacate, which would also require an assessment of how they can help the program.

What are your expectations for your student-athletes, both on and off the field?
I seem to recall a TCW policy on grades, where a student failing in his lessons is prohibited from playing. The exact details I would have to work out with both the AD and the board, but neither football nor studies should be seen as one without the other when deciding on eligibility. Also, I don’t think I’m alone in saying that behavior on and off the field is important. Each student, coach, and parent is a representative of the organization, and tarnishing the organization’s reputation with bad choices (or behavior) is contrary to what I would hope to achieve.

How do you handle discipline issues with players?
I do not believe in degrading kids or coaches. Although it may be necessary to yell at times, I do not support screaming at the kids or arguing between coaches, especially when it’s in front of the kids. Coaches are grown adults and can work out differences of opinion in a dialogue at an appropriate time. As for the kids, I believe in punishing bad behavior or insubordination. That can manifest in many ways, but for the kids I support, limiting playing time, pushing them down to JV, or making them do extra physical exercise, like Bear-Crawls, “Painting the field”, and the like. Something that ultimately will help them with endurance and physical fitness.

How do you handle difficult players, parents, or situations?
I would expect that any pre-existing issue that is known to the board or the AD would be communicated to me so I can be prepared to handle anything that may come up with a child or their parent/guardian. There is no singular way to handle every situation. If I do not have an immediate solution on how to handle a particular individual or situation, I hope to be able to discuss next steps amongst the organization’s leadership, where a decision will be made on how to proceed. I understand parents’ desire for their kids to succeed and get playing time, but unless someone has earned the right to play based on behavior, dedication, and performance, I do not support playing someone just because they are the coach’s kid. This I intend to make clear to the coaching staff.

What is your off-season plan for the program?
Off-season is a time to assess and plan. Skills training, spring practice, 7 on 7, and strength and conditioning are paramount to remaining successful as a football team. Also, since the organization is a charitable one, I would like to assist in organizing activities that would help promote the organization, with the intention of garnering financial support. I know the organization is engaged in these activities currently.

How do you build culture within the team?
I have stated what I consider to be the methods by which I would build culture in response to the question about my coaching philosophy. Dedication to, and unity in purpose. Establish priorities, set expectations, and hold people accountable. Praise them when they succeed in these things and correct them when they fail. Players and coaches alike.

What are your plans for fundraising and community involvement?
As a volunteer, I have other responsibilities to my family that involve work outside of my duties as head coach at TCW. I would help in whatever way I am able or available. This, I believe, is something I would discuss with the board as the need arises.

How can you help our athletes with recruiting and getting to the next level?
Having gone through this process many times, I know what is involved in this recruiting process. First, I am familiar with many of the recruiting platforms and know which ones are worth the investment/money, and which ones are used by which level of college competition (NAIA, D-3, D-2, D-1 FCS, and D-1 FBS). That said, it’s hard to get college coaches interested if the program or player isn’t successful, but I would promote those players interested in playing at the next level to college coaches who express interest in bringing them on board their programs. I will reach out to colleges and try to get them to attend our games as much as they can. I can assist players and their parents with selecting and organizing highlight film clips to help promote themselves on social media platforms. I can visit campuses (as I am able) where I get an invitation to talk with college coaches about TCW players, and I can invite speakers to talk to parents about how to help their children in the recruiting process, which I have done in the past. I would also encourage the other coaches to attend coaches’ clinics and help parents schedule their children’s visits to camps. In summary, sports have always been a large part of my life, through my own experiences and those of my children. I have learned many of the lessons throughout the years, which have been essential in helping me deal with many situations in my life, both good and bad. I love coaching and mentoring the kids and feel I bring a lot to the table.