Getting to know Perrin Cunningham Offensive Line Coach from Licking Heights

 

Name: Perrin Cunningham

High School: Winton Woods High School

Current Position: Offensive Line Coach, Licking Heights High School, owner of OL_HawgAcademy

College: Ohio Dominican University – Former NCAA Division II All-American and All-Decade Team Selection

1. Could you share with the readers your coaching tree, from your first job to your current job?

I began my coaching career as the offensive line coach at Northland High School, where I coached from 2018 to 2026. In 2026, I accepted the offensive line coaching position at Licking Heights High School, where I currently coach. Along with coaching high school football, I'm also the owner and co-founder of OL Hawg Academy.

2. Who are some of the coaches that you have learned the most from?

I've learned a lot from Coach Troy Everhart while at Winton Woods, Coach Andre Parker (Princeton High School), and Coach Mac during my playing days at Ohio Dominican University. Each of them helped shape my coaching philosophy in different ways.

3. What makes a good offensive lineman?

A great offensive lineman is a technician and a true student of the game. Offensive line is one of the smartest positions on the field. Many of the all-time greats weren't just strong—they mastered technique. You can be the strongest player in the room, but that only takes you so far. Being a technician elevates your game and allows you to reach your full potential.

4. What are your expectations for the offensive line this season?

I always have high expectations—just ask our offensive staff. My biggest goal this season is for our group to completely buy into what we're building. It's our first year together, so we have to develop chemistry and trust. We don't have a lot of varsity experience, so we need to play as one unit, communicate well, and rely on each other every snap.

5. What is the most rewarding part of coaching the offensive line?

The most rewarding part is watching your guys dominate their opponents against their will. There really isn't a better feeling as an offensive line coach. I'm excited to watch this group grow and go to work every week.

6. What's the toughest part of coaching the offensive line?

The toughest part is putting together the right combination of players based on their different skill sets because every lineman is unique. From a coaching standpoint, teaching technique is always challenging because of how detailed it is. I also take it personally when we aren't running the football effectively.

7. What is the toughest part of being an offensive lineman or teaching young offensive linemen?

One of the toughest things about playing offensive line is knowing you'll rarely get the recognition you deserve. It's not the glamorous position, but it can be the most rewarding. Everyone wants to be a skill player, but without the guys in the trenches, there are no skill players.

8. Is it easier to teach run blocking or pass blocking? Explain.

In my opinion, it's much easier to teach run blocking—and it's not even close. Pass protection is extremely technical. Many young players don't learn how to properly kick step until later in high school. To protect the quarterback, you have to be a "dancing bear" on an island. Pass blocking requires much more footwork, patience, and technical development.

9. How do you handle difficult conversations with players, and what's your approach to discipline?

It's simple—I have a face-to-face conversation and tell them the truth. I'm respectful, but I'm also honest and direct about my expectations and what needs to change. I never give players false hope. Some will appreciate that honesty, and some won't, but they always know where they stand.

When it comes to discipline, my former players already know the answer—take off and touch earth (up-downs). Discipline is either earned through actions or used to build our mental toughness. Accountability is a huge part of our culture.

10. How do you approach building confidence in players who are struggling or underperforming?

I continue working with them. Nobody is perfect, and nobody grades out at 100% every game. My job is to put players in positions where they can be successful. Their job is to trust the coaching, trust the process, and continue improving. Encouragement goes a long way.

11. How did you get involved with OL Hawg Academy?

It all started with Coach Shawn Burks who coaches at KIPP, and we originally trained under the name HDSU. About three years ago, my business partner, Shane Farris, and I officially created OL Hawg Academy. We've been training offensive linemen together for around seven years and have continued building on the foundation that was first established.

12. Can you share with the readers what OL Hawg Academy is and how players can get involved?

OL Hawg Academy is an offensive line training organization based in Columbus, Ohio. We train athletes from 8th grade through the college level. Last year we launched our youth program with Coach Darius Love from Westland High School to continue expanding our reach and developing young linemen.

We also have a defensive line coach, Thomas Owens, owner of Elite Dawgz Training. In addition to skill development, we travel across the country for offensive line/defensive line competitions, college visits, and have even hosted our own competitions.

Our goal is to develop complete offensive linemen by emphasizing flexibility, agility, explosiveness, and elite technique.

Parents and athletes can follow us on Instagram and X (Twitter) at @OL_HawgAcademy. I personally run those accounts, so feel free to reach out with any questions. For defensive line training, follow @EliteDawgzTraining on Instagram or @EliteDawgz_ on X. Follow our youth trainer at @coachlove72_

13. Outside of coaching, what do you enjoy doing for fun or relaxation?

I'm a proud husband and father, so most of my free time is spent with my family. I also enjoy spending time with friends when I can. I'm an outgoing person who loves being outdoors.

14. Where is your favorite vacation spot?

My favorite vacation destinations are Jamaica and St. Maarten.

15. You have one hour to talk with any offensive line coach in the nation. Who are you choosing?

I'd have to go with Mike Munchak or Alex Mirabal. Both are outstanding offensive line coaches who have consistently developed elite talent. I'd love the opportunity to pick their brains and learn from their experiences.