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Player development has always been the foundation of Division III football—but in today’s game, developing players also means keeping them engaged, connected, and committed to your program.
In this episode of DingoTalk: From the Sidelines, we’re joined by two respected Division III head coaches for a thoughtful conversation about the challenges of building players, strengthening culture, and leading successful programs in today’s college football landscape.
🏈 Andy Fries – Ohio Northern University
🏈 Todd Parsons – Curry College
Together, they tackle one of the biggest questions facing Division III football today:
👉 Developing Players and Keeping Teams Together in Modern D3 Football
From offseason development and spring football to retention, technology, and the evolving role of today’s coach, this episode explores what it takes to build successful student-athletes and sustainable programs.
🏆 Offseason Development & Spring Football
• What does player development look like in today’s game?
• Has the approach to development changed over the last several years?
• Should Division III evolve its spring football model?
• Are coaches maximizing the opportunities they have with players?
🏆 Retention, Engagement & Team Building
• Why are players leaving programs?
• How do coaches keep non-starters engaged and invested?
• What creates real buy-in within a team?
• Has retention become harder than recruiting?
🏆 Technology, Staffing & The Future of Coaching
• How much technology is too much?
• How do coaches balance innovation with personal relationships?
• How are smaller coaching staffs adapting to increasing demands?
• What does the future of coaching look like in Division III football?
Plus, don’t miss our Lightning Round, where each coach shares:
⚡ Which is the bigger challenge—development or retention?
⚡ One thing they’d change tomorrow
⚡ The most important part of their program’s culture
⚡ One word that defines their team
Whether you’re a coach, player, recruit, parent, or lifelong #d3fb fan, this conversation offers practical insight into the day-to-day realities of building players, strengthening culture, and leading successful Division III football programs.
👍 If you enjoyed the discussion, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue growing the Division III football community.
