Before the Whistle

Before the Whistle: The Big Blueprint

Maddy continues her examination of the elements of a good NFL coach by looking at one of the most influential and successful coaches of all time, Bill Parcells. Parcells made the playoffs with 4 different teams without being viewed as a "genius" or "guru." What was it about the Big Tuna that made him the true modern blueprint of the NFL head coach.

Before the Whistle: Restoring the Roar

In this continuation of Maddy's examination of the art of coaching, she talks with Detroit Lions reporter Jeremy Reisman about Lions coach and Sean Payton protege' Dan Campbell.

Before the Whistle: The Ambush Effect

Former Saints head coach Sean Payton had both a professional and personal impact on Maddy Hudak's career. As part of her ongoing examination of the elements that go into building great coaches, she takes closer look at one of the defining moments of his career...Ambush.

Before the Whistle: It’s About People

Having success in sports, business, or life requires the ability to cultivate relationships. Maddy welcomes David Grubb, host of Hard in the Paint and CEO of HITP Sports Media, as they discuss their relationship to each other, the games they cover, and how much influence a leader who understands how to build them can have on a team.

Before the Whistle: Coaching Case Studies - Dan Campbell

Fans and followers of football spend plenty of time breaking down every action and decision made on game day. But what about the skills we don't see? What does it take to create a culture and connect with 53 to 100 players week in and week out. Maddy starts to explore the makeup of great coaching by analyzing the up and coming Matt Campbell.

Before the Whistle: A Tiger’s Tales

In her weekly Friday conversation, Maddy talks with former LSU Tigers great and current ESPN radio broadcaster Jacob Hester. The two discuss Hester's path from the playing field to sideline reporting and the radio booth, and the importance of relationship-building to success in their careers and life.

Before the Whistle: Insult and Injury

They say the best ability is availability, but fans can sometimes associate a player's injuries and recovery from them as personal failing. Does the way we handle injuries work to the best benefit of the players, and is it helping or hurting the game?

Before the Whistle: Mike’d Up: Passion for Preparation

Maddy interviews football analyst and WWL Radio host Mike Detillier. Detillier discusses his legendary career, gives his perspective on scouting the game, and the combination of art and science that it takes to build a winning franchise.

Before the Whistle: Football...I Promise

Over the last couple of episodes, Maddy has fully intended to talk about actual football. Conversations simply got in the way. But in this episode, Maddy gets to discuss her experiences at Saints camp watching OTAs and what she's looking forward to checking out as the team starts mini-camp this week.

Before the Whistle: How to Build A Better Athlete

Strength & Conditioning coaches have a reputation for being...different. Tulane's Kurt Hester is exceptional, but no exception. He titled his book, Rants of a Strength & Conditioning Madman, chronicling his more than a quarter century as one of the very best in the business. Hester returned to his alma mater in 2022, and the Wave had one of the best seasons in program history. On this episode, Maddy and Kurt discuss the methods to his madness in getting the very best out of each athlete he coaches.