2025 Interview with Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator from Hughes High School
Coach James Minor
Cincinnati: Hughes High School
Positions
Assistant Head Coach (DC)
Defensive Coordinator
Head Coach (Junior Varsity)
Defensive Coordinator (Freshman)
Defensive Assistant (Varsity)
College
Alcorn State University (Bachelors)
Grand Canyon University (Masters)
Could you share with the readers your coaching tree, from first job to current job?
Defensive Assistant (WJHS 2007-2010)
Freshman Defensive Coordinator (Winton Woods High School 2019-2020)
Head Coach, Junior Varsity Assistant Coach LB/SPT
(Winton Woods High School 2021-2022)
2021 Division II Ohio State Champions
Defensive Coordinator (Deer Park High School 2023)
Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator (Hughes High School 2024-Present)
When you met with the player from Hughes, what was the first thing that you said to them?
Trust the process and buy in, and you will become a champion.
Overall, what message did you receive from the team?
It was a message of hope. They wanted to win, and they responded with a belief that they could win. The work they put in was amazing.
Who are some of the coaches that you have learned the most from?
It started out in 1991; I and a guy by the name of Steve McNair were freshmen together at Alcorn State University. Not only was he a good friend from high school to college, but he was a great leader as well. In 2000, I met a man by the name of Coach Bob Kelly (Big Bob); he was my brother-in-law's father. He played pro football in his career and was well known. He got me into coaching, so I started coaching youth football, and so it began. Coach Andre Parker (HC Princeton High School) and Coach Arthur Wilson were very instrumental in my success and development as a coach. Taught me a whole lot as a coach. Coach Chad Murphy was a blessing to me in many ways. I learned so much from him and still learn from him today. Coach Calvin Johnson was someone who really taught me and showed so much of what it was to be a head coach. I’m very appreciative to him for his leadership. Lastly, Coach Lorenzo Engleman, a man of faith, head coach, leader, and just an all-around great person. These guys have a supreme knowledge of the game and made me who I am today; I was truly blessed by God.
What was the biggest motivation in taking the assistant head coaching job at Hughes High School?
It is a dedication to the memory of Big Bob Kelly, a true mentor and coach to many kids at Hughes High School.
How will you go about picking your captains?
Leadership and dedication to the program.
What will you do to get the numbers up?
Continue to work harder and develop. Athletes and young men
What offense and defense will you run?
N/A
Will there be an open competition for starting positions, or will you stay with the returning starters?
Yes, positions are earned, not given.
Once you have openings on the schedule, what will you look for as far as playing non-league games?
Competition
As an assistant head coach, what are your thoughts on playing games on Thursdays and Saturdays?
Playing in the CMAC, we play on both those days. I think Thursdays are okay; Saturdays are more for college football, but it does bring a spotlight to our program.
What are three things that you expect of every player on the roster?
Leadership
Discipline
Hard Work and Dedication
What was the last book that you read, along with the author?
Ray Lewis Biography
If you listen to podcasts, which one is your favorite?
N/A
Who are your favorite and least favorite college football teams?
My favorite is my alma mater, Alcorn State University. Florida, Ohio State, and Alabama can get some burn. At least I don’t have one love for all college football.
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