Aug 8, 2019
This week on Inside the Headset we speak with Fisher DeBerry, former Air Force head coach. We discuss what motivated him to become a coach, the changes he saw in football over his nearly 50-year coaching career, and his advice for coaches.
Coach DeBerry's career began at Bennettsville HS (SC) as an assistant coach in 1962. He then spent the next six seasons as an assistant at Florence McClenaghan HS (SC) before joining the staff at Wofford College (1969-1970). Coach DeBerry also served as an assistant for Appalachian State (1971-1979), and in 1980, he was hired as the quarterbacks coach at Air Force. He was quickly promoted to offensive coordinator (1981-1983), and in 1984, DeBerry was named head coach--where he remained until his retirement following the 2006 season. Coach DeBerry served as AFCA President in 1996 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
- [0:44] Start of interview
- [1:20] The lasting impact of coaches
- [2:36] Initial draw to the coaching field
- [4:23] Making the jump to coach at the collegiate level
- [10:39] Unique aspects of coaching and recruiting at a service academy
- [13:11] Keys to success at Air Force
- [16:25] How the triple option fit Air Force's personnel
- [19:34] Major changes in the game of football
- [24:45] Coaching Chad Hennings
- [30:06] Advice to aspiring coaches
You can follow Fisher DeBerry and his foundation on Twitter.
Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com.