<p>In this episode of the Contacts coaching podcast, we sit down with Tyler Whitley, the head football coach at Taft School and Associate Athletic Director. Tyler shares his journey from growing up in Torrington, Connecticut, to becoming a multi-sport athlete in high school, and eventually finding his passion in coaching. He discusses the challenges and rewards of juggling multiple roles at a boarding school, his approach to building an inclusive team culture, and how he navigates the complexities of recruiting in the age of NIL and the transfer portal. Tune in to hear valuable insights on managing expectations, trusting your assistants, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest</p><p>00:32 Coach Whitley&#39;s Background and Journey</p><p>04:36 Boarding School Experience and Accessibility</p><p>10:14 Challenges and Realizations as a New Head Coach</p><p>14:22 Creating a Culture of Inclusivity and Service</p><p>17:40 Game Schedules and League Details</p><p>20:40 The Rise of Northeast Football</p><p>21:02 Evaluating Talent Without Crossover Play</p><p>21:32 Transitioning to Athletic Administration</p><p>23:26 Learning from Other Coaches</p><p>27:51 The Value of Diverse Perspectives</p><p>30:06 Challenging Personal Beliefs</p><p>35:26 Balancing Coaching and Family</p><p>37:32 Adapting to Modern Recruiting Challenges</p><p>40:55 Final Thoughts and Tools for Success</p>