USF Football Coach Alex Golesh Discusses Program Evolution and College Football Transformations

TAMPA, Fla. — Reflecting on his coaching journey that began in 2004 as a graduate assistant at Ohio State University, USF head coach Alex Golesh reflects on the profound changes the sport of college football has undergone in the past two decades.

Two decades ago, the prospect of a 12-team playoff system, the chaos brought about by the transfer portal, and athletes benefiting from Name, Image, and Likelihood (NIL) compensation would have drawn more than a few chuckles. says Golesh. The reality is, college football is far from the same sport it was.

Adaptability as a Key Factor

Understanding the evolving landscape of his field, Coach Golesh believes that success for coaches and programs requires a willingness to adjust and invest significantly. I think where we’ve gotten to is now, for us, the coaches you’re seeing have success are the coaches that are able to adjust. he jokes. The programs you’re seeing have success are the programs that are willing to invest greatly. I think if I would’ve looked at that ‘graduate assistant Alex Golesh’ I would’ve laughed at you.

Impact of the Transfer Portal

The NCAA transfer portal has introduced two free agency periods within the college football season, leading to frequent player changes from one institution to another. Coach Golesh and his team faced the challenge of teaching the new players their team’s standards during his first preseason. His goal now is to ensure that players themselves embody and enforce the expectations, fostering a self-regulated community within the team. This is the spring you’re hoping that it truly becomes player-driven, Golesh explains. That they demand that the way you work, the way you go through your daily process, the way you treat your teammates – that the accountability comes to each other rather than just to myself.

Inspirational Legacy

The recent loss of Golesh’s friend and former USF men’s basketball coach, Amir Abdur-Rahim, in October served as a significant reminder of the importance of kindness and resilience. The basketball coach remained a regular attendee at Bulls football practices and frequently addressed the team with inspiring messages. While Coach Amir is no longer physically present, Golesh says he continues to receive valuable advice from him. I hear ‘Relax’ quite a bit [haha], Golesh冁然是. If there’s anything I learned from him, it’s that you’re never too busy to stop and just smile to somebody or shake an extra hand. I get so wrapped up sometimes in ‘This is the next step. This is the next step. This is the next step.’ So, every time when things get a little crazy I hear ‘Relax, man. Just relax. You’re gonna be just fine.’

Spring Practice and Spring Game Details

The Bulls embark on their spring practice on March 25th, setting the stage for their annual Spring Game on April 26th at Corbett Stadium, scheduled to start at 6 PM.

USF head football coach Alex Golesh on the transfer portal

Coach Golesh’s journey underscores the dynamic nature of coaching in today’s rapidly changing college football landscape. As he looks forward to leading the Bulls into spring practice and beyond, his focus remains on fostering a team built on strong values, accountability, and unity.

Conclusion

The evolution of college football continues to challenge and uncover new opportunities for coaches and players alike. As Alex Golesh returns to the sidelines for the Bulls’ spring practice, he carries with him both the lessons of his past and the wisdom of his mentor, Coach Amir, helping to steer the Bulls towards their goals with both resilience and heart.

We invite you to share your thoughts on the developments in college football and Coach Golesh’s approach to leading the Bulls. Join the conversation, and stay up-to-date with all the latest updates from USF football.