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Upset Wins - The Power of Culture

Sep 09, 2024 3:33 pm

Coach -

When Thomas Hammock's Northern Illinois team upset #5 Notre Dame, it wasn't just talent or luck. That victory came from a culture Hammock meticulously built over time.

After the win, he shared,

"We develop, recruit, find the right kind of kids that want to work and grind. They're not affected by outside things. We built a great culture here, a family atmosphere. Our guys love coming into the building. We love being around them. Things like this are possible when you do it step by step and don't take any shortcuts."

Other successful coaches, like Iowa State's Matt Campbell and Illinois' Brett Bielema, share this same steady, purposeful approach to culture-building. While each coach has their own unique method, their commitment to a winning culture drives their teams forward.

Building Individuals to Build the Culture

For Thomas Hammock, the "Husky Way" isn't just a slogan; it guides every part of his program at Northern Illinois University. He instills pride and respect for the Husky brand through consistency and discipline.

Whether maintaining the locker room, managing time, or serving the community, Hammock preaches leadership and accountability. He doesn't hesitate to correct players who stray from the team's values, regardless of their role.

The "Husky Way" goes beyond winning. It's about developing champions on the field, in the classroom, and life. Hammock believes culture can't be forced; players must shape it themselves.

By teaching values like integrity, courage, and pride, he ensures his players internalize these qualities, strengthening the team. His approach of building strong individuals first leads to collective success.

Here is Coach Hammock sharing “The Husky Way”

Video: Husky Way

Player-Led Accountability

Matt Campbell, head coach at Iowa State, led his team to a road victory against #21 Iowa, securing the Cy-Hawk Trophy. He focuses on empowering player-driven leadership, insisting that success isn't about goals or external validation but about players reaching their full potential, individually and as a team. Campbell highlights the importance of good habits, even when no one is watching, explaining that "the bright lights expose what you've done in the dark."

His team operates on ten core traits: belief, consistency, and resilience in adversity. These principles guided Iowa State to their win over an in-state rival. Campbell creates a positive attitude, genuinely cares for his players and relies on veteran leadership to ensure his team is ready for any challenge. This clear sense of purpose drives their consistent success.

Here’s Coach Campbell on 10 Steps to Reach Your Full Potential.

Video: 10 Steps

Fundamentals and Toughness

At Illinois, Brett Bielema builds his team on fundamentals and toughness. He believes good football starts with good habits, whether in practice or during games. "Practice habits become game-day reality," Bielema explains. He adopted this mindset from Bill Belichick, and it has shaped his career.

Bielema's Illinois team embodies toughness—both physical and mental. He emphasizes that toughness is built 365 days a year, not just on game day. Bielema prepares his team for any opponent by focusing on dependability and consistency. This commitment paid off when Illinois upset #19 Kansas, illustrating that solid fundamentals and a strong culture can lead to victory.

Here’s Coach Bielema on Toughness and Fundamentals

Video: Toughness and Fundamentals

It Doesn't Happen Overnight

Big upsets like Northern Illinois toppling Notre Dame, Iowa State overcoming Iowa, and Illinois beating Kansas are not accidents. They result from long-term culture building, consistent leadership, and a commitment to fundamental values. Whether it's Hammock's "Husky Way," Campbell's player-driven leadership, or Bielema's focus on toughness, these coaches have shown that success on the field starts with the culture built off it.

The lesson is simple. Build it. Invest in your players, shape their character, and lead with pride, accountability, and resilience. Because in the end, culture wins on game day.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski