Lions coach reflects on pressure of perfect season
The Columbus Lions’ first season back in American Indoor Football was a rousing success. The team barreled through their schedule en route to a perfect 11-0 season and their second straight indoor football championship. Dana Barker, a corrospondent for the Ledger-Enquirer, had a chance to talk with Lions coach Jason Gibson last week and get his thoughts on the season.
Q: Going undefeated through an entire season at any sport at any level is a success. Have you had a chance to reflect on that accomplishment?
A: It feels pretty good. I honestly haven’t had a chance to sit back and think about it. There was a little bit of pressure throughout the season because I knew the expectations for the Lions. There’s really more pressure on you to win it all because we were expected to. It was a tough haul, and we played some good teams throughout. To carry that pressure all game every season, anything else would have been 100 percent failure. Now that the season’s over, it’s more a relief. I’m not out celebrating and running through the streets, it’s more like “whew.”
Q: What is the bigger accomplishment for you as a coach, winning a championship or having many of your players advance to the next level in the Arena Football League?
A: At the end of the day, winning and losing comes and goes and I’m grateful for it, but to be able to send guys to the next level and make a difference in people’s lives, you can’t put a price tag on that. Any of my players talk to guys when they move up and they say how they miss Columbus, it’s so well-ran, and it’s the best place I’ve ever been. That goes a lot farther than wins and losses.
Q: Key players like defensive back Damian Daniels and wide receiver John Harris have announced their plans to retire. What are your thoughts on filling those big pairs of shoes on your roster?
A: I’ll believe that when I see it. Brett Favre did it six times, so why can’t they? I think we had this conversation last year, (but) I think this is it. You just never know. Life’s short and opportunities come around. At the end of the season, I’m exhausted; just like some are done playing football, I’m done coaching. By the time this interview comes out, though, I’ll probably miss it and be ready to go again. Things change.
Q: Are you looking for any players you had this year who didn’t start on a regular basis to step up next season?
A: Kyle Griswould, Byron Dickerson, Kevin Fuller, Rashad Greene, Davin Hawkins, David Toussant, a bunch of those guys I’m leaning toward going into next season. Those guys have a year underneath their belt and know the “Lions Way” of doing things. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure they come back here. I don’t want to spend a year developing them and then they go somewhere else. Now if they can go to the (Arena Football League), good and they should; but if they’re not playing in the NFL, AFL, or CFL, then they need to be back here playing and developing. They’re good people and that’s how you build a good chemistry.
Q: Talk about quarterback Casey Kacz’s future. Two championships in his first two years pro, do you expect him to return?
A: Here’s the thing — I want Casey back, but he’s done everything he can do. He was Rookie of the Year (last season), he’s a two-time champion, undefeated season, got two trophies on his resume. What else can he possibly do? If he’s not in the AFL (next season), they don’t know what they’re looking at, to be honest with you. It just amazes me, he’s the best indoor quarterback in the country. He’ll be gone over time. (Former Lions defensive back) Marvin Ross is proof of that. Nobody wanted to take him either, and now he’s probably the best DB in the AFL. Same thing with a guy named Randy Hippeard (former Lions quarterback).
Q: Speaking of the “Lions Way,” is any of that transferable to the “Gators Way” this fall as head football coach at Glenwood?
A: It’s nothing about X’s and O’s, it’s about how you manage people. You build a program, get good people around you; obviously it’s about players as well, but it’s a different culture obviously with pro versus high school. I’ll treat the coaching the same.
Q: Did you think 10 years ago, you’d be married locally, raising a family here, and still at the helm of the Lions?
A: I’m lucky to be married 10 years to (Sarah), that’s the best part. Football’s all good and great. I’ve got a great family and a great life. It’s a great community and really starting to kick in. You try to do the right thing, make a difference, and make this a good place to live. Hopefully we can provide a little entertainment three hours a night in the spring, see some football, and have something to talk about at the water coolers on Monday morning. We’d like to help some players along the way, meet some good people, and help out local businesses like they support us. What else could you ask for?
This story was originally published June 25, 2016 at 5:12 PM with the headline "Lions coach reflects on pressure of perfect season."