FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith has been on the job for less than six months but, judging from his welcoming persona at a coaches clinic last week, he's made himself right at home.
Smith and his staff hosted a free coaching seminar Friday evening at the Falcons headquarters, welcoming coaches from youth to high school ranks.
More than 150 coaches from across North Georgia attended the event which included tours of the facility, dinner and demonstrations in offensive, defensive and special teams drills.
"This is really neat, said North Gwinnett coach Bob Sphire, who was named Coach of the Year by Georgia Football magazine last season. "I can't help but feel a swell of pride. You get goose bumps."
Sphire, who has compiled a 24-4 record since taking over at North Gwinnett in 2006, said Smith congratulated him on his team's season -- a sign the new Falcons staff is serious about getting involved with the community and opening the doors to improve the sport.
"Tonight is the first time we've done this," said Smith, addressing the crowd as members of the "coaching fraternity." "I don't care what level you coach, we're all football coaches. This whole country is obsessed with the game of football and I'm excited because football is the best game there is."
The coach also stressed the importance of making positive influences on players.
Smith's staff, which boasts 143 years of coaching experience, then took turns presenting some of the drills, concepts and stories that made them successful. Those motivators brought Sphire and his staff to the clinic.
"The camaraderie of the coaching fraternity is what really makes it enjoyable," Sphire said. "There's more to being a successful coach than X's and O's. It's about leadership... (I'm interested) in hearing NFL coaches talk about what it takes to be successful."
