As new head football coach at the United States Military Academy, Coach Bobby Ross has begun by rebuilding players' confidence in an effort to restore unity and pride to Army football.
Coach Ross is no stranger to championship football programs. His laundry list of achievements includes 15 years coaching at the college level with impressive turnaround seasons at the Citadel, Maryland, and Georgia Tech. In the NFL, he had similar success as an assistant coach with the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach of the Detroit Lions, and head coach of the San Diego Chargers -- where he brought them to their only Super Bowl appearance.
Since taking the helm of the Army program in December 2003, Ross has had the opportunity to restore glory to another football program. Traditionally one of the nation's most prestigious programs, Army suffered a winless season in 2003.
"At West Point, we've won one game in two years," said Ross. "I'd say the confidence was at 1 percent...way low. The first thing you talk to them about is preparation. If you really prepare, you'll gain confidence.
"I approached the team a number of times about entering an exam when they haven't prepared, and they tell me they feel shaky. When they go into an exam prepared, they feel good, and it is no different in a football game. Now, we've already gained self confidence because they see themselves getting better."
After spending almost three years in active duty with the U.S. Army, Ross is well aware of the parallels between the army battlefield and the football gridiron. The life skills learned in both mirror one another.
"[In football] they can learn about self discipline," said Ross. "I think that's huge. They learn getting along with people of all classes, different cultures. All diverse elements have to come together as a team. They learn time management, they learn sacrificing for others. They toughen up individually, mentally, and physically."
Ross began playing football when he was five years old in a playground league at an elementary school. Later, as a quarterback and defensive back at Virginia Military Institute, Ross found a life mentor who helped start him on his coaching journey.
"In college the most influential person was Coach John McKenna," said Ross. "Next to my parents, he was the biggest influence on my life." It was Coach McKenna who allowed Ross the chance to start his coaching career at his old high school and then hired him at VMI for his first college coaching job.
Ross, who has been removed from NCAA football for twelve years, acknowledges the difficulty of time management and working around the academic schedules of his players. "Here [at Army] it's managing time," Ross said. "Now summer is approaching, and I'll have to manage where they are during the summer. I didn't have that at Georgia Tech or Maryland because they had summer school programs."
His wealth of football experience and his military background leave Ross well equipped for his current challenge. His plan to build the program at Army has already begun with spring training. Even before he set foot on the fields at West Point, Ross knew that mentorship and building confidence were cornerstones for re-establishing Army's football program.
"It all starts with surrounding yourself with good people; coaches as well as players," said Ross. "You want people with good experience but you also want people who can relate to the players. You have to communicate and tell people in what direction you want to take the program. You've got to be honest, and be fair."
One book that Ross has read a number of times called You Have to Pay the Price by Earl (Red) Blaik, a renowned football coach from West Point, has influenced Ross's unique coaching regimen. The message of the book, "you have to pay the price for success," rings true for the hard work that lies ahead for Ross, his staff, and his players.