In this episode of Four Thumb Tacks, we sit down with Matt Mayberry — former All-Big Ten and NFL linebacker turned best-selling author, speaker, and leadership consultant.We cover:How football develops mental toughness and resilienceWhy presence over perfection leads to better performance and growthThe power of focusing on the 1% moments each dayWhat it really means to keep coming back through adversityWhy belief must come before behavior and outcomesHow coaches can build connection, trust, and cultureUsing football as a vehicle to develop leaders, not just playersThis episode is packed with practical insight for coaches, players, and leaders looking to improve how they show up, maximize daily moments, and build sustainable performance.To learn more about CoachTree visit coachtree.us or email us at [email protected].

Dr. Bobby Low serves as Assistant Athletic Director of Mental Performance at BYU. In addition to his work with BYU, Dr. Low is the founder of MOTYV8 Mental Training App and author of "Wiring Intelligence."We talk: Why mental training mattersFoundational skills for every athlete or programPractical tools coaches can apply and accessible mental training for all levelsPerforming in big momentsTo learn more about Dr. Low's work, visit: motyv8.comIf you like our content, please like, rate and subscribe - it helps grow the CoachTree community. To learn. more visit coachtree.us or email at [email protected].

In this episode of Four Thumbtacks, Brad and Billy sit down with Whiteland (IN) Head Coach Darrin Fisher, a 30+ year veteran who has spent the last 21 seasons building one of Indiana’s most consistent programs.Coach Fisher shares how he thinks about what actually wins in today’s game: the seven core stats he tracks, why explosive plays have changed the equation, and how concepts like turnover margin, red zone efficiency, and “starting fast” really show up on Friday nights. He explains how Whiteland’s practice structure and how a daily “1–0” plan keep the program anchored in physicality, ball security, and fundamentals.You’ll also hear the origin story of his allegiance to the Fly Sweep —how an I-formation coach in 1999 ended up in Salem, Oregon learning from Mark Speckman, joined a tight-knit “Fly Club” of coaches across the country, and eventually built his complete offensive system around these concepts.Along the way, Fisher opens up on:The evolution of high school football and why big plays now trump some traditional metricsHow Whiteland structures a practice weekUsing film and analytics to correct, teach, and move on from wins and lossesThe heartbreak of coaching, the joy of relationships, and why football players are “a special breed”His best advice for young coaches: find a system, commit to it, and stop aimlessly chasing the newest schemeWhether you’re a high school coach, play caller, or just love the craft of building a program, this conversation is packed with practical ideas, and veteran wisdom that can be applied at any level.To learn more about CoachTree, email us at [email protected].

Brett Dietz, Head Football Coach at DePauw University, joins Four Thumb Tacks to talk football, leadership, and the lessons learned from a life immersed in the game. A former four-sport college athlete and professional QB in Europe and the Arena League, Coach Dietz brings a unique perspective on how experience shapes coaching style.We dive into:Building a championship culture at DePauwThe concept of "raising the floor" vs just raising the ceilingCoaching through COVID and the impact on team identityGrit equity, player development, and surrounding yourself with the right peopleInstalling and evolving the QB Run RPO with practical, game-ready insights for high school and college coachesCoach Dietz also shares stories from recruiting, arena football, and the storied Monon Bell rivalry—and wraps up with a rapid-fire 2-minute drill.Rate, review, and follow the show—your support helps us bring more coaches into the conversation.🔗 Links:Learn more at: coachtree.usFollow us on X, Instagram, & Facebook: @TeamCoachTreeQuestions or feedback? Email us: [email protected]

Dr. Chris Carr, Director of Performance Psychology for the Green Bay Packers, joins us to explore the mental side of football. From rewiring mindset after a drop to game day focus, he shares lessons from decades with elite athletes and coaches.Key topics:Building mental routinesRewind & re-record techniquePreparing under pressureSupporting player wellnessCoaching through the grindTo learn more about CoachTree visit www.coachtree.us, or email at [email protected]

This week features Billy Riebock, Head Football Coach at Millikin University. We talk: Journey to First Time Head CoachWhat it means to be in the big chairImportance of Loyalty, Learning and Prioritizing the workHow he and his staff are approaching a program rebuildTo learn more about CoachTree visit www.coachtree.us, or email at [email protected]

This week's chat features AJ Steward, Running Backs Coach at UCLA. We dive into: His evolution of RB Coaching PointsFaith in the Coaching journeyBuilding trust with a new position groupTo learn more about CoachTree, visit our website at www.coachtree.us or email us at [email protected]

This week features Joey Lynch, Sr. Offensive Analyst at Texas A&M, we talk: Focusing on the big picture and organization Prioritizing "expense" in your weekly plan How to coach the back shoulder fadeTo learn more about CoachTree, visit us at ⁠www.coachtree.us⁠ or email at ⁠[email protected]

Today we are joined by Bobby Johnson, Offensive Line Coach for the Washington Commanders. In our conversation, we discuss: Bobby's 30 year D1 and NFL career Knowing where the technique skeletons are buried Coaching to your player's X-Man Power An inside look into the NFL coaching cycleTo learn more about CoachTree, visit us at www.coachtree.us or email us at [email protected].

Joey Hecklinski is the Head Football Coach of Goshen High School (IN). We discuss his transition from a 10 year collegiate coaching career to leading a high school program. Key Takeaways: Respect and giving back to the greatest team sport Importance of a community for building a winning high school program The importance of understanding your Team while developing a system To learn more about CoachTree, visit us at www.coachtree.us or email at [email protected]