2025 Interview with Toledo St. Francis de Sales Head Coach Josh Lindke

 

Josh Lindke

Head Football Coach at Toledo St. Francis de Sales

Would you let the readers know about your coaching career? First job to current job?

Started coaching in 2013 at Anthony Wayne HS (alma mater). I was there for 2 years coaching WRs. Then I became a student assistant at BGSU in 2015 and 2016 under coaches Dino Babers and Mike Jinks. In 2017 I was hired at Toledo St. Francis to be the OC under Dan Chipka. Was here in 2018 as well. Then in 2019, I went to Toledo Central Catholic to coach QBs/passing game coordinator. I was there from 19-21. Then in 2022, I was hired at Otsego HS to be the HFC. Year 1 ('22), we went 6-4, and Year 2 ('23), we went 4-6 and made the playoffs. Then in 2023 I was hired to be the HFC here at SFS. We took a program that was 7-33 in the previous 4 years and went 8-4 with a playoff win in our first year.

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?

Some of my best mentors were Craig Smith (HS HFC), Seth Doege (Arizona OC), Mark Nell (AWHS former baseball coach), and Greg Dempsey (HFC Toledo CC)—I - learned so much from all of them. Player relationships, discipline, running big school programs, time management—building championship culture and fostering a culture that is more than just football.

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

It's wildly important because that's where those kids develop. Live game reps.

What is the most rewarding part of being a high school football coach?

The most rewarding part is the impact you get to have on each kid's life. I make it a priority to get to know all of our kids on a personal level so we can understand what makes them tick. When you see a kid develop and then succeed in getting everything they want out of the experience, that's the most rewarding part.

When one of your players receives an invitation to an all-star game, what does it mean to the staff and the football program?

Whenever our players are recognized at a local, state, or national level, that is not only good for them but good for the program as well. It shows our families and families in the area that we can develop talent at the highest level here at SFS.

How difficult is it overall to be in the Michigan Catholic Athletic Conference?

The Catholic League is very tough. Every week is a battle. Lumen Christi, Divine Child, and University of Detroit Jesuit are all top-notch programs with great talent.

Would you share with the readers why your school made the move?

We made the move because it made sense for all the Catholic schools in the Toledo area. Geographically, competition and exposure.

As a coach or player, what has been your biggest moment?

The biggest moment was probably winning a playoff game last year at Avon Lake. Along with beating our rivals SJJ for the first time in 10 years. To take a program that was 1-9 last year and 7-33 in the previous 4 combined to 8-4 and accomplish those two things was huge for the momentum of our program.

How difficult is it to play games on nights other than Friday, as far as prep goes for them?

We always play on Friday.

When looking for non-league games, what do you look for?

In non-league games, we look for great competition as well as games you feel good about being able to win. You want to be able to have your team challenged.

As a coach, what all do you do to help get your players recruited?

We are in constant communication with college coaches about our kids. I think promoting your program/kids daily on social media plays a huge role in their recruitment.

Where is the best local spot to grab a meal?

Stubborn Brother on Bancroft Street or Steven's Diner! Great spots

Have you been to any Toledo Rockets sporting events?

Yes. Coach Candle and his staff do a great job.

Who is your favorite athlete?

LeBron James

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