MSU coach talks plan for success at local fundraiser
By Staff
Scot Beard
Coaches are much like teachers in that they impart knowledge to their players to make them successful on the field.
Occasionally, it is the player who teaches the coach something.
Such was the case with Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen and his former star quarterback at the University of Florida, Tim Tebow.
"Tim said to me 'The Lord has given me a gift and ability to influence people,'" Mullen said Friday night during a benefit dinner for Quinn's Ranch. "Now (as Mississippi State's head coach) I have the ability to influence people."
He said it was that lesson from Tebow that made him want to help Quinn's Ranch by being the guest speaker at the benefit.
Mullen spoke to the capacity crowd at the Arts &Entertainment Center in Red Bay about what his role as a coach meant to him. He acknowledged that winning is important, but he also feels helping players reach their potential – both on the field and off – is just as important.
"I am as proud of my two (former) players in Vanderbilt Medical School as I am of my Heisman Trophy winner and No.-1 overall NFL pick," Mullen said.
He said he tries to teach his players the lessons he learned and the values he acquired as he made the journey from gangly high school football player to head coach of a Southeastern Conference program.
Mullen said there are five core areas – character, old-fashion work ethic, accountability, confidence and honesty – he wants his players to learn and live by.
He said instilling character is a responsibility he takes on because coaches can no longer assume the players come to campus with a strong value system in place.
Mullen also feels the strong work ethic of previous generations has fallen to the side, saying many people think they are owed things instead of working for them.
"(Mississippi State) start our workouts at 5:45 a.m. because Florida starts at 6 a.m. Think of how much work we've done before (defending national champion) Florida gets started," Mullen said. "Don't wish for something, want it and do something about it daily."
He feels accountability is important because many young people do not realize their decisions have consequences.
He asks players to think of consequences – for themselves, their family and their teammates – before they make a decision.
"Accountability brings trust," Mullen said. "A team with trust is hard to beat."
Confidence helps players realize goals can happen and young people with confidence are unstoppable.
The final area Mullen tries to instill – honesty – is the one he considers most important.
"It is the main core value in the program," Mullen said.
He knows building a winner at Mississippi State will be a challenge in the ultra-competitive SEC, but he feels if his players accept his system they can go far.
The key, he said, is to have a plan to win and make your goals achievable. Also improving from day to day doesn't hurt.
"If you reach your potential today, maybe tomorrow you can rise a little more and the day after a little more," Mullen said. "You can't do it in one step."
