In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast presented by CoachTube, Coach Ken Krause shares his journey of rebuilding high school football programs at West Allis Central and Muskego. He dives into the strategies behind creating a winning culture, including building a strong coaching staff, developing player leadership through a leadership council, and engaging the community. Coach Krause emphasizes the power of belief, unity, and continuous improvement in sustaining success. He also reflects on balancing the demands of a high-achieving program with family life, redefining success beyond the scoreboard by focusing on the lasting impact coaches have on their players.
About Coach Ken Krause
Ken Krause, the head football coach at Muskego High School, is entering his 28th season as a head coach and his 17th leading the Warriors. Under his leadership, Muskego has become a powerhouse program, winning seven Classic Eight Conference titles, making seven state quarterfinal appearances, and capturing back-to-back state championships in 2018 and 2019. Krause’s teams have earned 26 playoff wins, a 41-game winning streak—the eighth longest in Wisconsin history—and national recognition with a No. 23 USA Today ranking in 2019.
A Wisconsin High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame inductee and a past Wisconsin Coach of the Year (by the Packers, WFCA, AP, and USA Today), Krause has built a consistent winner, averaging 35 points per game offensively and sending 59 players on to college football, including 14 to Division I programs. Beyond coaching, Krause teaches special education at Muskego and is a proud husband and father of four sons, all Muskego alumni.
Chapters
Introduction to Ken Krause
Turning Around West Allis Central
Changing the Mindset of a Losing Team
Establishing a Leadership Council
Transitioning to Muskegon High School
Implementing Change at Muskegon
The Role of Coaches in the Turnaround
Building Staff Unity and Culture
Transforming Community Engagement through Football
Defining Success: Growth and Impact
Managing Expectations and Staying Focused
Balancing Family and Coaching Life
