Right Fit Leading: Mike London, W&M Football
I was recently graced with a phone call from the energetic head football coach at William and Mary, Mike London. I have known Coach London since I was an assistant football coach at Bethel High School, Hampton, Virginia, in 2000.
Over the years, I have had many opportunities to talk with Coach London and continue to get the benefit of his perspective on life and leading and coaching. Let me share part of that conversation with you.
First, Coach London is a leader in the community, evidenced by the “Get in the Game” event below. He supports Be the Match – Bone Marrow initiatives for drives and education.
“I was a bone marrow donor to my daughter Ticynn years ago at John Hopkins hospital and thus saved her life,” he said. “The doctors said the odds that a parent would be a match was 10,000 to 1. I was that match. Praise God!”
Next, Coach London uses his life lessons every day to impart wisdom, lead his team, and support his family. Below, he is holding the 2008 National championship trophy and is shown with the family, 7 kids and his wife Regina on a vacation.
He has been leading all his life. “I was a police officer/detective in the city of Richmond, Va.”
“At that young point in my adult life, I learned the value that treating people with dignity and respect. That it was then and always will be critically important. The police experience shaped my standards as a head football coach for a team or organization throughout my 30-plus years of coaching experience.” He has a simple focus for his program.
- Go to Class
- Show class
- Treat people with dignity and respect
You should never stop learning. My continuing conversations with Coach London improve my life, my leading, and my coaching. Thanks Coach London!
Doc Brown