I was the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the DC Defenders and the St. Louis Battlehawks in the relaunched XFL from 2022-2023. During this time as Head Coach for both teams, I led simultaneous strength training programs that resulted in highly successful seasons for both teams, a championship game appearance by the Defenders and the direct strength and conditioning development of several players that made NFL rosters post season.

From 2016-2020, I was the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons.  My unique integrative approach has helped many NFL players reach the top of their game.  This system utilized activation methods, biomechanical analysis, various strength means, speed development, and sport-specific movement refinement. I believe passionately in using analytics to support the solid foundational strength and conditioning methods built on in the gym. In 2019, Weiss and Paarz Medical Malpractice Attorneys did a 5-year analysis of NFL injuries from 2014 through the 2018 seasons.  According to their analysis, the Falcons were the least injured team in the NFL during that time period. I was the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for 3 of those 5 years, in which “Total Games Lost” decreased by 10% and “Injured Reserve” decreased by 12%, respectfully.

Prior to my time in the NFL, I served as a Performance Coach with the 75th Ranger Regiment 1st Battalion based in Savannah, Georgia.  I worked with a tight knit team that included Performance Coaches, Physical Therapists, and a Mental Performance Coach to prepare rangers prior to and post deployment.  My primary responsibility was to “bridge” physical therapy to performance with soldiers who were coming back from injury.  Additionally, I created a regeneration manual for rangers on deployment. 

From 2007- 2015 I worked as a Football Strength and Conditioning Coach at NCAA Division I Power 5 schools including the University of Florida (2012-2015), The University of Texas (2008-2012) and Iowa State University (2007-2008).   During this time my responsibilities included developing in season and out of season programming for all football student-athletes, rehabbing athletes coming back from injury, camps training activities and supporting recruiting efforts through presentations and events. Although I primarily worked with football during this time, I also coached and consulted with student-athletes in Track and Field, Soccer, Volleyball, Wrestling, Basketball, Powerlifting, and MMA.  During this time period, I developed a patent pending device called A.R.M. System, which helps quarterbacks decrease response time and targets biomechanical efficiency when throwing.  I later adapted this device for law enforcement and military personnel.

From 2002- 2007, I worked at John Carroll University, my alma mater.   I held several roles throughout my tenure at JCU, including Head Performance Coach for football and wrestling, Defensive Line Coach, Graduate Assistant, and part-time Professor in the School of Education and Allied Studies. I started my coaching career in 2001 at my high school alma mater, Mentor Lake Catholic High School.  In my first year as the Defensive Line Coach, Lake Catholic won the 2001 OHSAA Division III State Championship. 

I am a proud Willowick, Ohio (east side of Cleveland) native and was an All-America Defensive Lineman and Team Captain for John Carroll University in my senior year. I was a three sport athlete (football, wrestling, track and field) at Mentor Lake Catholic High School and earned All-State recognition as a football player in my senior year.    

I have a passion for helping individuals achieve great things through the training process.  My holistic approach utilizes methods and techniques beyond classic strength and conditioning. Throughout my career, I have done several clinic presentations throughout the United States with coaches, athletes and active duty military. 

I am married to my loving and dedicated wife Christine. Together we are blessed to have our son DC (3). We currently reside in Winter Garden, FL. 

EDUCATION

M.S. Exercise Science: Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention - California University of Pennsylvania

M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling - John Carroll University

B.A. Education - John Carroll University

 CERTIFICATIONS

NSCA Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach Emeritus

NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist

NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist

American Heart Association: Heart Saver CPR/AED

Reflexive Performance Reset Certification

Painless Dry Needling Foundation & Advanced