Circumstances in life and on the playing field never remain stagnant. Change is inevitable. The mentally tough athlete understands that change is simply part of the process, not anything to fear or alter a mindset.

Football psychology stresses the importance the coaching staff plays in developing football confidence and mental preparation. When a team withstands a coaching change, such as North Carolina State’s firing of Tom O’Brien, and hiring of Dave Doeren, the players initially experience apprehension knowing that adjustments are inevitable. The uncertainty of a future led by an unknown coach often triggers players to analyze their purpose and reassess their individual goals.

While change is a certainty, determining whether it breeds positive or negative results is not. A coaching transition brings in new methods and philosophies of football, but it is up to each player individually to strive for the change to improve their football mind and ultimately their play on the field.

Returning players may suffer a sense of guilt over feeling misplaced loyalty to a new coach, or remorse that they no longer play for coach who left. From the college standpoint, players given a scholarship by one coach often feel indebted, and when that coach is no longer there, then they feel a significant void of leadership and even personal identity. The new coach must strive to develop a team atmosphere between new players and coaches, along with the veteran players returning.

Often the change in a coaching program is needed and provides a catalyst toward increasing the expectations of play. North Carolina State played decent under O’Brien, but hasn’t appeared in the Atlantic Coast Conference game nor won a league title since 1979. Doeren should be the spark needed to improve their level of play to be in contention for an ACC championship. He brings a solid football mental game to the Wolfpack, and believes in establishing a strong work ethic.

Coach Doeren said, “There are no shortcuts. I believe in that. I believe shortcuts are turnovers, shortcuts are losses. If we want to be a consistent top-25 program, then we have to be tireless workers that understand that that’s our charge. And we will be.” That kind of football confidence will definitely stimulate wins during the 2013 season.
Sports psychology in football challenges the athlete to embrace change focusing on positive aspects that strengthen mental toughness. For the veteran players of North Carolina State it is imperative to retain previous goals, but maintain an open mind to new philosophies and new goals brought by Coach Doeren and his staff.

The player with football confidence consistently thinks about his present play, and only focuses on goals of the future. Regret over mistakes from the past is gone from the thought process. The mentally tough athlete allows the past to remain in the past, and refuses to carry any negative residual emotions from the past. Change is anticipated, and accepted as necessary. All change is a learning opportunity when viewed with a positive mindset, whether on the football field or in the arena of life.