When Alex Golesh took over as the head coach of the University of South Florida (USF) football program, he faced a significant challenge. Inheriting a team that had only won four games in the previous three years, Golesh recognized the need for a complete cultural transformation. His solution? A process-driven approach that emphasizes daily excellence, trust, and accountability.
Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing: Players First
For Golesh, the core of his coaching philosophy remains unchanged from his early days as a high school coach: it’s all about the players. He explains, “Every decision I make is about the kids first.” By maintaining this focus, Golesh navigates the distractions of modern college football—ego, notoriety, and external pressures—and ensures his program prioritizes player development on and off the field.
Golesh’s commitment to his players extends beyond wins and losses. The moments he treasures most are not the victories but the personal milestones shared by his former players, such as wedding invitations and announcements of growing families. This player-first mindset forms the foundation of his culture at USF.
Transitioning to Head Coach
Moving from offensive coordinator at Tennessee to head coach at USF was a transformative experience for Golesh. Suddenly, every decision he made carried weight, affecting not just his players but also the 62 staff members and their families. Golesh acknowledged the gravity of this responsibility, saying, “Every hire matters. Every person you bring into the program affects the entirety of the program.”
This perspective has shaped his leadership style. He emphasizes humility and trust, creating a culture where collaboration thrives. “The only way you can have trust is if you can show vulnerability as a leader,” Golesh shares. By building a team of trusted staff members who align with his vision, he ensures the program operates cohesively.
Process Over Results
At the core of Golesh’s philosophy is the belief that success stems from a relentless focus on the process rather than the results. “If you make it all about wins and losses, it’s going to be short-lived,” he explains. Instead, Golesh emphasizes developing a process-driven culture where every aspect of the program—training, nutrition, academics, and recruiting—is designed to create opportunities for success.
Golesh’s mantra, “Be who you say you are,” encapsulates his approach. It’s not just about setting lofty goals; it’s about living up to the standards required to achieve them. For example, if USF aims to have the fastest offense in college football, the program’s processes—from practice routines to weight room protocols—must align with that goal.
Establishing and Evaluating Standards
Golesh is not a fan of goal-setting; instead, he focuses on establishing and raising standards. For him, elite performance is non-negotiable, and he applies this principle to every department, from sports medicine to recruiting. “If we can’t be elite in an area, we need to find someone who will hold that standard,” he asserts.
This philosophy extends to recruiting, where Golesh emphasizes the importance of process over outcomes. Whether a recruit commits or not, the focus remains on executing an elite recruiting process—building relationships, engaging with players’ support systems, and maintaining consistent communication.
Celebrating Success While Aiming Higher
One of the challenges Golesh faces is balancing the celebration of progress with the drive for continuous improvement. He tactfully navigates this by rewarding behaviors that align with the program’s elite standards while identifying areas for growth. “Our job is to take players where they don’t think they can take themselves,” he says, a principle he applies equally to his staff.
Building and Sustaining Success
Golesh understands that building and sustaining success are equally challenging but for different reasons. Building success requires establishing new processes and systems, while sustaining it involves combating complacency and managing external expectations. For Golesh, the solution to both lies in his unwavering commitment to the process. “If you enjoy the process and the journey more than the end result, you can feel fulfilled in either way,” he reflects.
The Road Ahead for USF
As Golesh completed his second year at USF, his focus remains on refining the processes established in year one. With a vision of competing for a national championship, Golesh aims to elevate every aspect of the program to elite status. His leadership, grounded in trust, humility, and a relentless commitment to the process, sets the stage for a cultural transformation at USF.
Golesh’s journey is a highlights the power of a process-driven culture. By prioritizing player development, establishing clear standards, and maintaining a long-term perspective, he is building a program that embodies excellence—one day, one process at a time.
Related
Coach Golesh joined host Rob Pomazak on the CultureOS Series. Entire CultureOS Series here.
