118 | Part 7: Coach Dave Fipp Reflects on Coach Dick Tomey’s Enduring Legacy and Leadership

About the Guest

Dave Fipp is a highly respected coach in the National Football League (NFL), currently serving as the Special Teams Coordinator for the Detroit Lions since 2021. Before joining the Lions, Fipp contributed his expertise to several NFL teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played a pivotal role in their 2018 Super Bowl victory, as well as the Miami Dolphins and the San Francisco 49ers. His coaching journey began under the mentorship of the legendary coach Dick Tomey at San Jose State and includes valuable experience as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Arizona. Fipp’s career is characterized by his commitment to developing players not only athletically but also personally.

Episode Summary:

In this enriching episode of “Becoming UnDone,” host Toby Brooks presents a heartfelt exploration of the lessons and legacy of renowned football coach Dick Tomey, examining his profound influence on both the game and his athletes. Throughout the episode, Brooks connects personal anecdotes with insights from his guest, Dave Fipp, creating a vivid portrayal of the enduring impact of a coach who lived by the philosophy of caring deeply for his players.

The conversation delves into Dave Fipp’s journey in the world of football, accentuating the transformative role Coach Tomey played in shaping his career. Emphasizing Tomey’s forward-thinking approach, Fipp illustrates how treating players with genuine interest and respect transcends traditional coaching tactics. By doing so, he offers a blueprint for fostering meaningful relationships that contribute to both personal growth and collective team success. This episode not only honors Dick Tomey’s remarkable contributions to football but also offers invaluable lessons on leadership, honesty, and the enduring power of mentorship.

Key Takeaways

• Impact of Leadership: Dick Tomey’s approach to coaching transcended traditional win-loss metrics, focusing instead on personal development and honesty, which left a lasting impact on his players and colleagues.
• Genuine Care: Tomey’s philosophy of genuinely caring for players as individuals, not just athletes, was ahead of its time and remains a model for effective coaching and leadership.
• Career Path Insights: Insights into Dave Fipp’s decision to leave a full-time coaching position for an opportunity to learn under Tomey as a Graduate Assistant, showcasing the value of mentorship in career development.
• Relational Coaching: The importance of relationship-building in coaching, highlighted by Fipp’s observations on how genuine concern and honesty – “I love you so much, I’m going to tell you the truth” – foster trust and respect.
• Legacy and Influence: Dick Tomey’s legacy is exemplified through ongoing influence, as seen in his former players and staff who continue to reflect his values across various coaching roles.

Notable Quotes

• “What you do speak so loud I can’t hear what you say.” – Reflecting Tomey’s belief in the power of actions over words.
• “He meant that with every player, every coach, every person he was around, it really didn’t matter how you got there.” – Dave Fipp
• “I love you so much, I’m going to tell you the truth.” – A signature phrase from Coach Tomey that illustrates his integrity and fondness for his players.
• “The number of lives he’s changed and the impact he made and the number of people he’s made that impact on is incredible.” – Dave Fipp, on Tomey’s legacy.
• “Truth is all anybody wants. As long as you know you’re getting it, you can handle either the good or bad news.” – Dave Fipp

Resources

• Dave Fipp’s NFL coaching profile
• Books referenced: H.G. Bissinger’s “Friday Night Lights”
• Additional insights from the University of Arizona’s football program and the historical context of Dick Tomey’s career.

Dive into this episode to gain a rich understanding of Dick Tomey’s enduring leadership philosophy and discover the profound lessons that continue to shape the lives of those he led. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insights on “Becoming Undone.”