In Episode 70 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with Nate Griffin, SIU offensive assistant coach, for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation about the coaching journey, player development, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of college football. Griffin shares his path from growing up in Colorado to playing fullback at the University of Idaho, and how that foundation led him into the coaching profession, with stops at Truman State, Northern Illinois, and five seasons at Minnesota in the Big Ten, where he worked in quality control and gained valuable experience in film study, game planning, and the day-to-day operations of a major college program. The episode dives into Griffin’s return to the field at SIU, where he now coaches tight ends and H-backs — one of the most demanding and versatile positions in football — discussing what he looks for in recruiting, why the role requires a unique blend of size, athleticism and toughness, and how developing players over time remains critical in a sport increasingly shaped by the transfer portal and NIL. Martin and Griffin also explore the realities of modern college football, including roster management, building a culture, and adapting to constant change, while Griffin offers a candid perspective on balancing coaching demands with family life, the sacrifices required in the profession, and the importance of staying grounded amid the pressures of the game. At the heart of the episode is Griffin’s belief in relationships — with players, coaches and families — and the role those connections play in building successful programs, as he reflects on lessons learned throughout his career and the importance of earning trust within a program. It’s an honest, thoughtful and engaging episode filled with behind-the-scenes insight into college football, personal stories from Griffin’s journey, and a deeper look at what it takes to coach and develop student-athletes at a high level.

In Episode 69 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with Carbondale head football coach Bryan Lee for a wide-ranging, candid and often hilarious conversation about resilience, second chances and the long road that led him to a 27-year coaching career and more than two decades as a head football coach.

Lee reflects on his upbringing in rural Murphysboro and the unconventional path that eventually brought him into education and coaching. After early struggles balancing work, college and direction, he credits his future wife for pushing him to take a leap of faith — moving to North Carolina with little more than determination and a car full of clothes. That decision helped him refocus, finish his degree and ultimately discover his passion for teaching and coaching young athletes.

The episode follows Lee’s coaching journey through multiple states and programs, beginning with one of the toughest assignments imaginable — taking over a struggling North Carolina program that had only 16 players and was on the verge of shutting down. Through persistence, culture change and relentless recruiting in the hallways, Lee helped rebuild the team and learned the lessons that would define his coaching philosophy for decades.

Martin and Lee also revisit his return to Southern Illinois, where Lee built successful programs at Chester and later Carbondale. The conversation includes stories about playoff runs, conference championships and the unique culture of high school football in Southern Illinois communities. Along the way, Lee shares memorable moments from his career — including coaching sports he had never played, mentoring future college and professional athletes, and the unexpected experiences that come with seeing former players reach the highest levels of the game.

At the heart of the episode is Lee’s belief that coaching is about far more than football. Drawing from his own experiences growing up, he speaks passionately about the responsibility coaches have to be positive influences in the lives of young people — especially those who may not have consistent support systems at home. For Lee, the greatest victories come not from the scoreboard but from the relationships built and the lives impacted long after the final whistle.

It’s an entertaining, thoughtful and deeply personal episode filled with humor, humility and powerful reflections on leadership, mentorship and the lasting influence of great coaches.

In Episode 68 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with Mount Vernon head football coach Dan Mings for a powerful, candid conversation about leadership, rebuilding programs, and what it truly means to develop young men through sport. Mings reflects on his 32-year coaching journey, including 23 seasons as a head coach at Fairfield, Edwards County, Johnson City, and two separate stints at Mount Vernon. The discussion revisits his 14 playoff appearances, six conference championships, and the unforgettable 2005 undefeated regular season that propelled Mount Vernon to the IHSA quarterfinals. But beyond the wins and championships, the heart of the episode centers on culture — how to take over struggling programs, how to recruit hallways instead of waiting for athletes to show up, and how to build a team identity rooted in toughness, accountability, and unity. Raised in rural Raleigh near Eldorado, Mings shares how growing up in a farming family shaped his blue-collar mindset and relentless work ethic. From playing nose guard at Greenville College to becoming an NAIA national qualifier in the hammer throw, his competitive edge has always been part of his identity. That same intensity now fuels his approach to mentoring players — blending hard truth, personal responsibility, and deep care for the kids he coaches.

Martin and Mings dive into the realities of coaching at larger schools in smaller regions, navigating travel challenges, staff loyalty, assistant coach development, and the emotional toll of fighting daily battles to grow a program. Mings speaks openly about the importance of assistant coaches, the value of community trust, and why adapting to the needs of each individual athlete — from “silver spoon” kids to those facing tougher circumstances — is critical to building lasting success. Throughout the episode, Mings emphasizes that championships are temporary, but relationships endure. For him, the greatest victories come years later when former players return to share milestones — marriages, careers, children — proving that the lessons learned on Friday nights carried far beyond the field. It’s an honest, intense, and deeply reflective episode about resilience, loyalty, small-town pride, and the responsibility that comes with shaping the next generation.

In Episode 67 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin is joined by longtime Southern Illinois sports broadcaster Darren Kinnard for a wide-ranging conversation centered on storytelling, credibility, and the evolution of local sports media. Kinnard reflects on more than three decades covering high school and collegiate athletics, sharing how he fell in love with sports broadcasting, the mentors and moments that shaped his career, and what it was like to cover an era when Friday-night games and postseason runs united entire communities. The discussion highlights the responsibility that comes with covering student-athletes, coaches, and programs where expectations run high and memories last a lifetime. The episode explores how sports media has changed over the years — from appointment-viewing television and print coverage to today’s digital-first, on-demand landscape. Kinnard offers insight into adapting with the times while maintaining journalistic standards, trust, and fairness, and why authentic local coverage still matters more than ever in small towns and tight-knit communities. Martin and Kinnard also dive into the behind-the-scenes realities of the job, including access, criticism, preparation, and the challenge of telling stories accurately in an age of instant reaction and social media noise. Throughout the conversation, Kinnard emphasizes the value of relationships, consistency, and respect for the game and the people who make it special. The episode closes with reflection on the enduring power of local sports — not just as competition, but as a shared community experience that connects generations. It’s a thoughtful, reflective, and media-focused episode that celebrates the past, examines the present, and looks ahead to the future of covering the games we all love.

In Episode 66 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, Treign Athletic Apparel, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin is joined by Jon Wofford and Stan Stout for a special Super Bowl Preview edition that blends nostalgia, insight, and a lifelong love of the game.

The conversation spans generations of football, as the trio reflect on how they first fell in love with the sport, the teams and players that shaped their fandom, and the moments that made the NFL such a powerful part of American culture. From legendary dynasties and unforgettable Super Bowl finishes to iconic players, nicknames, and rivalries, the episode captures the storytelling and emotion that define football at its best.

Wofford and Stout bring decades of experience as coaches, educators, and broadcasters, offering perspective on how the game has evolved — from old-school physicality and classic broadcasts to modern schemes, analytics, replay, and presentation. Along the way, they revisit favorite plays, broadcasters, and “where-were-you” moments that still resonate today.

As the Super Bowl approaches, the discussion turns to the present, with the group breaking down the matchup, evaluating strengths, trends, and storylines, and ultimately giving their picks and predictions for the big game Sunday. Their analysis is rooted in football intelligence, history, and appreciation for preparation — rather than hype alone.

The episode closes with reflection on why the Super Bowl remains unmatched as a sporting event, bringing together generations of fans through shared memories, debate, and anticipation. It’s a thoughtful, entertaining, and football-centric conversation that celebrates the game’s past while looking ahead to its biggest stage.

In Episode 65 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with Carterville Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Brett Diel, one of the most accomplished and respected multi-sport coaches in Southern Illinois.

A Carterville native and member of the Lions’ 1996 state championship football team, Diel’s career reflects a deep connection to the program and community that shaped him. After earning his degree from the University of Illinois, he began his coaching journey at Unity High School under legendary coach Scott Hamilton, where he developed a detailed understanding of scheme, teaching, and preparation that would define his coaching philosophy.

Diel later returned home to Carterville, spending 14 seasons as a classroom teacher and defensive coordinator under Dennis Drust. During that stretch, the Lions captured eight conference championships, made 26 playoff appearances, and reached five quarterfinals, with Diel earning recognition as one of the area’s premier defensive minds.

Beyond football, Diel built one of the most successful softball programs in school history. From 2003 to 2015, he guided Carterville softball to a 342–106 record, seven conference titles, five sectional championships, two Elite Eight finishes, and the 2008 IHSA state championship. His work across multiple sports established him as a program builder focused on culture, accountability, and sustained excellence.

Since taking over as head football coach in 2019, Diel has continued Carterville’s tradition of winning, compiling a 50–18 record with three conference titles, multiple playoff runs, and a 9–0 regular season in 2025. Now serving as Athletic Director, he oversees an athletic department defined by consistency, development, and community pride.

Kerry and Diel dive deep into the craft of coaching — from lessons learned as a player and young assistant to adapting schemes to personnel, emphasizing football intelligence, and building trust within a staff and locker room. Diel reflects on mentorship, preparation, leadership, and the balance between confidence and humility required to sustain success over time.

In this thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation, Diel offers insight for coaches, parents, and athletes alike, emphasizing preparation, accountability, and relationships as the true drivers of winning programs. It’s a candid look at leadership, longevity, and the responsibility of guiding the same program that once guided him — from championship player to head coach and Athletic Director.

In Episode 64 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with legendary Mount Vernon basketball coach Doug Creel, the winningest coach in program history and one of the most respected figures in Southern Illinois basketball.

Creel spent 19 seasons as head coach of the Mount Vernon Rams, compiling 348 career wins — the most in school history — while leading the program to eight regional championships, four sectional titles, one super-sectional crown, and a trip to the IHSA State Tournament. Coaching in one of Illinois’ most competitive basketball environments, Creel built teams that were consistently prepared for postseason play and known for their discipline, toughness, and execution.

A Mount Vernon native, Creel’s journey reflects both the tradition and evolution of the program he later led. After high school, he played two years at Rend Lake College before continuing his collegiate career at Jacksonville State University. Following college, Creel began his coaching career in Georgia, teaching and coaching for one year at Walker High School in the Atlanta area before returning home to Southern Illinois.

Kerry and Creel dive deep into the craft of basketball coaching — from learning through clinics and assistant roles to understanding how tempo, shot selection, and half-court execution win games in March. Creel discusses adapting systems to fit personnel, defining roles within a team, and the importance of guarding, rebounding, and valuing possessions against elite competition.

The conversation revisits key moments from Creel’s career, including his early years at Thompsonville, nine seasons as an assistant under Lee Emery at Mount Vernon, and the pressure of leading a high-expectation program steeped in tradition. Creel reflects on navigating tough seasons, earning trust within a locker room, and the balance between preparation and performance on game night.

In this candid, reflective episode, Creel offers perspective for young coaches and parents alike — emphasizing effort, coachability, and being a great teammate as the true foundations of success. It’s a thoughtful examination of longevity, leadership, and love for the game — delivered by a coach whose impact on Southern Illinois basketball continues to be felt long after the final buzzer.

In Episode 63 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with Southern Illinois coaching icon Ray Kauling, a Hall of Famer whose career spans more than two decades of leadership, program building, and postseason success.

Kauling spent 21 seasons as a head football coach at Mater Dei, Centralia, and Trenton Wesclin, compiling a 120–88 career record and leading his teams to 10 IHSA playoff appearances. His résumé includes a state runner-up finish in 2006, a semifinal run in 2008, multiple Coach of the Year honors, and induction into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2025. Through it all, Kauling built a reputation not just for winning, but for developing players, staffs, and programs the right way.

From small-town roots in Bessemer to playoff runs under the brightest Friday night lights, Kauling’s journey reflects the evolution of high school football itself. He discusses growing up at Mater Dei, playing college football at Illinois College, and the mentors who shaped his philosophy — along with the moment early in his career when he realized coaching was more than a job, but a calling.

Kerry and Kauling dive deep into the craft of coaching: learning at clinics, sitting in on game-planning meetings, evolving practice structure from “more reps” to “better reps,” and adapting schemes to fit personnel. Kauling shares insights into offensive philosophy, defensive innovation, and the constant balancing act between preparation, tempo, and player development.

The conversation also revisits some of the defining moments of Kauling’s career — including Centralia’s program turnaround, a memorable playoff run that culminated in a state championship appearance, and the high-pressure decisions that can define a season. He reflects on leadership under pressure, trusting assistants, and the lessons learned from both victories and setbacks.

In this candid, thoughtful episode, Kauling offers perspective for young coaches navigating today’s landscape: the value of humility, the importance of listening before leading, and why passion for practice often matters more than the scoreboard on Friday night. It’s a masterclass in longevity, adaptability, and love for the game — delivered by one of Southern Illinois football’s most respected voices.