In an exciting twist for football fans, The Athletic has unveiled a special “Bonus Batch” of audio episodes derived from last year’s hit series “The Playcallers.” These additional interview-style episodes provide listeners with insights from three up-and-coming assistant coaches, each with their own unique contributions to the game. Episode 3 shines a spotlight on Carolina Panthers DBs coach and passing game coordinator, Jonathan Cooley.
Cooley delves into the intricacies of his coaching approach, highlighting the importance of relationships in tough seasons. “We like to start with relationship-building,” he explains. “Get people to talk about themselves and the things that people will say, you’ve got to listen to.” By focusing on building connections and instilling belief in the system, Cooley aims to empower his players to excel on and off the field.
When it comes to reaching a diverse group of personalities in the defensive backs room, Cooley emphasizes the need to meet players where they are at. “Understanding where they’re at, what their background is, is important to where you can take teaching from an X’s and O’s standpoint,” he notes. By starting fresh each season and approaching coaching with a beginner’s mindset, Cooley ensures that both seasoned veterans and new recruits can continue to grow and evolve.
Listeners can look forward to hearing more insights from Cooley, including anecdotes about coaching top cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the innovative football laboratory at John Carroll University, predictions for defensive strategies in 2024, and much more. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Cooley’s coaching philosophy and the future of the game.
