116 | Part 5: Coach Rip Scherer: Coach Dick Tomey’s Legacy of Leadership and Resilience

About the Guest

Rip Scherer is a seasoned American football coach with over 51 years of experience across collegiate and professional levels, including the NFL. Scherer’s impressive career began at Penn State and included coaching roles at major programs such as the University of Virginia, LSU, Georgia Tech, and Alabama. He also served as the head coach for James Madison University (JMU) and the University of Memphis. Scherer has significant history with the late Dick Tomey, having worked under him at the University of Hawaii and the University of Arizona. Currently, he serves as an analyst at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) under head coach Trent Dilfer.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of “Becoming UnDone,” host Toby Brooks invites esteemed coach Rip Scherer to share engaging and enlightening memories of working alongside legendary football coach Dick Tomey. Scherer highlights the professional journey and personal influences Tomey had on his career, recounting initial encounters at the University of Hawaii and later collaboration at the University of Arizona. The cherished anecdotes illuminate how Tomey, beyond X’s and O’s, perfected the art of building meaningful relationships, impacting lives well beyond the field, which ripples through Scherer’s own coaching philosophy.

Scherer offers listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Tomey’s recruitment strategies, coaching style, and his profound impact on players and coaches. Words like “compassionate leadership,” “relationship-driven coaching,” and “innovative recruiting techniques” capture pivotal moments from the transcript, painting a multifaceted portrait of Tomey. As Scherer recounts his career-defining transitions, the dialogue underscores how Tomey was not just a remarkable coach but a relentless mentor, personally investing in others’ successes. Detailing Tomey’s legacy, the episode is both a tribute and a call to extend similar values in leadership roles today.

Key Takeaways:

• Relationships First: Dick Tomey built his coaching career on a foundation of nurturing genuine relationships. He was as invested in personal dynamics off the field as he was in achieving on-field success.
• Innovative Recruiting: Tomey’s recruiting techniques set him apart. He championed unique and personal approaches, ensuring prospective players felt valued and understood beyond their athletic abilities.
• Mentorship Role: Tomey’s influence extended deeply, often advocating for and aiding others in securing positions, regardless of his personal gain—an exemplification of selfless leadership.
• Family-Centric Culture: He consistently emphasized the importance of family in coaching environments, advocating for coaches to maintain a work-life balance and develop strong family ties.
• Enduring Legacy: Despite not meeting the conventional wins benchmark for the College Football Hall of Fame, Tomey’s impact on football culture and leadership showcases his timeless influence.

Notable Quotes:

1. “Dick didn’t want to be just like any other offense either. …We had to be creative and innovative.”
2. “The further up you were on the structure, the lesser your quarters were. I mean, Dick would sleep on the couch.”
3. “My career would not be anywhere near it was if it weren’t for Dick. He bailed me out… He bailed me out.”
4. “If they know that you care about them and you spend time getting to know their family, they’re going to play better for you.”
5. “They don’t care what you know until they know that you care.”

Resources:

• Becoming Undone: Visit the Becoming Undone Podcast
• Toby Brooks: Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
• Rip Scherer: For more on the guest, look into UAB coaching staff resources or articles available online for his coaching career and experiences.

Join us for the full episode to delve deeper into Dick Tomey’s incredible life lessons and legacy. Stay tuned for more heartfelt stories and leadership insights in upcoming episodes of “Becoming Undone.”