2024 Interview with Head Coach Nick Osborne from Western Brown

 

Name:Nick Osborne

School: Western Brown High School

Position: Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator

College: Northwest Missouri State University, Masters Degree in Physical Education and Health

Would you share with everyone your coaching career, from your first job up to your current position?

I began my coaching career at Anderson High School in 2016 through 2019. In 2020, I was named the head coach at my alma mater, Western Brown High School.

Who are some of the coaches you have learned the game from, and how much of what you have learned from them have you incorporated into what you do?

My biggest mentor is Evan Dreyer at Anderson High School. Coach Dreyer was my head coach. during my playing days at Western Brown. I have been around him for the last 15 years. I was a player in his system as well as a coach. I have incorporated a fast-tempo offense that I have learned from him over the years. We must practice and lift how we play; everything must be high-paced.

What are your thoughts on playing out-of-state teams, and will you be playing any one of them when you have openings in your schedule?

I think it is a great opportunity for all programs. We are currently working on getting some Kentucky schools on our schedule next fall and in the future. This is a great opportunity for our kids to see the different levels of football in different states.

What are your thoughts about students playing multiple sports?

I think it is a great thing for athletes to play multiple sports. I am a big advocate for our football guys to wrestle. Once you’ve wrestled, everything in life is easier. Kids should also be given the opportunity to showcase their skills in different sports while also hitting the weight room to get bigger, faster, and stronger for all sports they are playing.

How important is it to you that all of the lower levels throughout the program play a full schedule?

It is very important to get our JV team a full schedule in order for them to continue to get reps and compete weekly in order to continue to grow as a football player.

I have been to 14 states to cover or watch high school football games, and with the exception of Texas, the common thread each state has is low football numbers. As a coach, what are your thoughts on getting the numbers up?

The game of football is one of the hardest sports anyone will ever play. This game challenges you mentally, physically, and emotionally. I also believe this game sets you up for life beyond In football, you succeed and fail daily, just like in life. The biggest thing we do with our program is we try to make things fun when we can. Our athletes also know they can come to us about
anything, and we will help guide them through whatever they are going through. I think this is a major factor in keeping our program numbers up.

What are your concerns entering the 2024 season?

Our biggest concerns are our youth on the O-Line and D-Line. We have a lot of talent coming back from last year's team, but we will still be young in those areas.

When you are in a blowout-type game, when do you pull the starters?

Midway through the 3rd quarter, we will begin to rotate guys in and out. Midway through the 4th quarter, we will pull all starters and get out the young guys reps.

As the head coach, what do you do to help your players get recruited?

The biggest thing we do is have a recruiting website for all of our athletes who are interested in playing at the next level. https://wbfootballrecruiting.weebly.com .  We will also get a list for our athletes at the level we believe they can play at, and we have our kids send emails to the college coaching staff. We created a Google Doc with the basic bio information of our player. has everything the colleges will need for that athlete. Then we show our kids how to create an email and start the line of communication with the coaches. We also created a camp list to send our kids to, as well as doing a college combine. We have college coaches come in to watch us workout and go through drills.

Would you let the readers know the players from the 2024 class that are moving on to play college ball, along with the college they will attend?

Out of 8 seniors this year, 3 have committed to playing college football.
Matthew Osborne, TE, Adrian College (MI)
Isaiah Smith, WR, Adrian College (MI)
Austin Huff, LB, Wilmington College (OH)

What mark do you believe the 2024 class has left on the program?

This senior class was the smallest we have had since I’ve been here. When I got the job, they were incoming freshmen, and their hard work and dedication will not go unnoticed. 4 state playoff appearances, regional final appearances, regional semi-final appearances, and a league championship.

What time should high school games in Ohio kick off on Friday night?

I think 7 p.m. is perfect; we will always be ready to play, no matter what time they decide to tell us.

What is a talent or skill you have that might shock your team?

I do not have any great talents or skills that will shock the team.

What is your go-to snack?

Garden Salsa Sun Chips

Have you watched any of the UFL games?

I have not; I have been following the Men's and Women’s College World Series.