Heart of a Coach
October 2009

Mike London University of Richmond Head Football Coach

Chosen Attribute: Passion

Dictionary definition: "Any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling."

My definition: "An enthusiastic approach to life and people and the possibilities they have to offer."

Favorite Scripture that deals with passion: Luke 1:37 (NIV) – "For nothing is impossible with God."

Why I chose this passage: "When doors of opportunity have been closed, God has opened windows of blessing in my life. He's defied the odds and done the 'impossible' for me in many ways. First, the odds were against me that I could be a match and a bone marrow donor for my daughter. Then they were against me and our team last season when I was a first-year coach. The odds said we couldn't win the national championship, but we overcame them to take the title."

"Hard work and energy beat talent when talent doesn't work hard."

How passion affects me as a coach: "I will always take a player who plays with passion and energy. In the tough times, you know you are getting their all. Sometimes highly touted players who don't play with passion let you down. Hard work and energy beat talent when talent doesn't work hard."

How I've displayed passion in life: "The Bible says that, if we delight ourselves in the Lord and have a passion for Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts.

"About six years ago I gave my bone marrow to my daughter, Ticynn. The odds of a parent being a match to his or her child are around 10,000 to one, but we matched. She is doing well now, and I feel blessed to have been used to save her life. It has been part of the reason I live with a passion for gratefulness every day."

About the Coach: Alma Mater: University of Richmond Playing Career: • Started at defensive back for Richmond from 1979-82 (1982 Team MVP) • Played one season for the Dallas Cowboys (1983) Coaching Career: • Coached at Richmond, William & Mary, Boston College, Virginia and for the NFL's Houston Texans since starting his career in 1988 • 2008 NCAA FCS Division I National Champions • 2008 AFCA FCS National Coach of the Year • 2008 Black Coaches Association Male Coach of the Year FCA Staff Quote: "Coach London is a leader like Joshua, who told the Israelites to be strong and courageous. He has remained humble and available to help reach others for Christ on campus and in the community, and he has guided others in Christ's love. As incredible as his championship ring is, he knows it will one day tarnish, but his ultimate prize in Heaven will last forever." – Michael Stock, FCA Area Director, Greater Richmond-Capitol Region

--For more stories about faith and sport, visit www.sharingthevictory.com, the official magazine of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. To subscribe to STV, click here. 

Photos courtesy of University of Richmond Media Relations.