Paul Simmons built Harding into a Division II National Champion by making the scoreboard secondary. The purpose is to honor God and build the best culture in college football.
KEY LEARNINGS:
1. Purpose First, Scoreboard Second
- Harding’s purpose: “Honor God” – everything flows from that
- Goal every season: build the best culture in college football
- Work ethic, loyalty, humility, gratitude, service are controllable
- “We can’t always control winning, but we can control behaviors that honor God” – Paul Simmons
2. Culture is Visible Behavior
- How players speak to teammates, show up for class, encourage others
- How they respond to adversity reveals the truth of your culture
- “Culture is visible in every action-how you work, speak, encourage, and lead” – Paul Simmons
3. Practice Everything
- Script and rehearse greetings, eye contact, gratitude, classroom conduct
- Nothing is left to chance – every interaction is an opportunity to live your values
- “We practice everything-even how to greet a stranger in the hallway” – Paul Simmons
4. Recruit for Fit Over Flash
- Character, loyalty, humility, competitiveness, love for the game
- Red flags: arrogance, entitlement, parent-led decisions
- Ask: “Is he a 10/10 competitor? Would it surprise you if he quit?”
5. Expectation Changes Lives
- Coach Ronnie Huckeba to Paul Simmons: “You can be as good as anyone who’s been here”
- Speak belief into young people until they believe it themselves
- “Tell them who they can be until they agree” – Paul Simmons
6. The Portal is a Culture Report Card
- High transfer portal numbers signal culture problems
- Loyalty and connection keep players; entitlement and ego push them out
THE IMPACT: Simmons' system works because purpose outlasts motivation. When the mission is bigger than wins, adversity doesn't shake the foundation. Starting 0-3 didn't break Harding because their identity was tied to honoring God, not the scoreboard.
MAKING IT REAL:
- Write your non-negotiable purpose where everyone sees it. Reference it in every meeting, practice, and decision.
- Script the behaviors you expect
- Ask recruiting questions: “Does he love to play? Is he a 10/10 competitor? Would it surprise you if he quit?” If coaches hesitate, pass.
