The Commanders' Week 2 Tackle Coach of the Week is Coolidge High School's Kevin Nesbitt. With 20 years of coaching under his belt, Nesbitt has become a role model and true team player during his time with DCPS. Under his leadership, the Coolidge football team has had tons of success, winning two straight DCIAA Gravy Bowls and making it to the city championship in the Stars Division last year. Additionally, Nesbitt is highly involved with the community, having started his own athletics organization called Ward 5 Warriors to help inner city kids. Nesbitt also serves as the Manager of Strategy and Logistics for Coolidge High School, coaches the girls' flag team in the spring and assists with building and facility management.
Commanders.com sat down for an exclusive with Coach Nesbitt following his Coach of the Week win.
Q: Congratulations on being named the Commanders' Week 2 Tackle Coach of the Week! How does it feel to receive an honor like this?
A: "It's a big deal to me because I've never had an award like this since I've been in league. Getting recognition shows the program is going in a positive direction."
Q: What's the biggest life lesson football has taught you, and how do you pass that lesson on to your players?
A:"Football teaches you that you've got to hold yourself accountable, you've got to hold your players accountable because we cannot do anything without each other. There's no say, 'Well I did my job. I lifted weights,' no, you've got to make sure your teammate's doing the same thing. You've got to make sure you're on the same page, and that's same lesson travels into life."
Q: Do you have a motto or mantra that anchors you in your work?
A: "You can't cheat the process. You have to do the little things, every day, consistently, You do everything consistently, and you'll get better results. Sometimes people try to skip days and you can't skip the workout and get to the field and just call plays. Trust the process, don't cheat the process."
Q: The team is off to a great start with a chance to beat Dunbar High School for the first time in decades. How are you keeping your team grounded and focused?
A: "We can't take away that Dunbar has been winning for so long. The anticipation is going to be there, and we lost to them in the championship last year. But at the same time we don't want to make it too much of a revenge thing or too much of a big like, 'We've gotta beat them.' I think we need to just continue doing what we do and focus on Coolidge football. Get out there and play the best we can. I think the results will come in our favor if we do the little things, take one play at a time and not focus on the outcome of the game."
