Mike Thiessen enters his 19th season at Air Force in 2025, where he has spent his entire coaching career. He currently holds the position of Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach. Over the years, he has also coached Wide Receivers at Air Force. Thiessen is a former student-athlete at the Air Force Academy, having played both football and baseball.
In this video, Coach Thiessen outlines the Air Force program philosophy, emphasizing the importance of Building Toughness and Leadership, Practice and Game Preparation, and Key Focus Areas. He also walks through the weekly practice drills.
Building Toughness and Leadership
For the Air Force football program, toughness and leadership aren’t just traits but the foundation of success. Coach Thiessen emphasizes:
Recruiting the Right Athletes
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Captains and Weight Room Warriors: Recruiting players who demonstrate natural leadership and relentless work ethics.
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Multi-Sport Athletes: Athletes with diverse skill sets and competitive experiences.
Academy Development Process
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Admissions and basic training establish discipline and resilience.
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Freshman athletes gain experience alongside seasoned juniors and seniors.
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The Air Force Prep School plays a pivotal role in long-term athlete development.
Fall Camp and Toughness Building
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Creating a challenging environment during camp to simulate adversity.
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Using the recruitment interview process to identify an athlete’s mental toughness and drive.
Practice and Game Preparation
Coach Thiessen breaks down the Air Force’s approach to preparing for success on the field:
Fall Camp and Spring Ball
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Full Playbook Install: Begin day one to enable better retention through repetition.
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Repetition-Focused Drills: Muscle memory is key to executing plays under pressure.
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Game-Specific Focus: Weeks two through four concentrate on situational game planning.
Weekly Practice Schedule
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Monday (Helmets): Focus on inside drills and pass protection.
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Tuesday (Pads): Include half-line drills and full inside work.
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Wednesday (Shells): Rotational drills and game-specific situations.
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Thursday (Helmets): End-of-game scenarios and second-half preparations.
Key Focus Areas
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Understanding Team Identity: Know what makes your team unique and how to leverage its strengths.
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Top Play Execution: Repeated, focused practice builds confidence and readiness.
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Simulating Game Situations: From red-zone plays to 2-point conversions, practice every scenario to ensure success under pressure.
The American Football Coaches Association was founded to ensure that every football coach receives the finest professional development support and resources available. We bring relevant topics and current advancements directly to your desktop. We are committed to football coaching education and helping you reach and exceed your goals for success with our Professional Development Series. Along with industry networking, membership provides a forum for you to find Professional Football Coaching Jobs nationwide. By joining the AFCA you have full access to a group of like-minded, well-respected individuals in the coaching profession.
The American Football Coaches Association was founded to ensure that every football coach receives the finest professional development support and resources available. We bring relevant topics and current advancements directly to your desktop. We are committed to football coaching education and helping you reach and exceed your goals for success with our Professional Development Series. Along with industry networking, membership provides a forum for you to find Professional Football Coaching Jobs nationwide. By joining the AFCA you have full access to a group of like-minded, well-respected individuals in the coaching profession.
The American Football Coaches Association was founded to ensure that every football coach receives the finest professional development support and resources available. We bring relevant topics and current advancements directly to your desktop. We are committed to football coaching education and helping you reach and exceed your goals for success with our Professional Development Series. Along with industry networking, membership provides a forum for you to find Professional Football Coaching Jobs nationwide. By joining the AFCA you have full access to a group of like-minded, well-respected individuals in the coaching profession.
The American Football Coaches Association was founded to ensure that every football coach receives the finest professional development support and resources available. We bring relevant topics and current advancements directly to your desktop. We are committed to football coaching education and helping you reach and exceed your goals for success with our Professional Development Series. Along with industry networking, membership provides a forum for you to find Professional Football Coaching Jobs nationwide. By joining the AFCA you have full access to a group of like-minded, well-respected individuals in the coaching profession.
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The American Football Coaches Association was founded to ensure that every football coach receives the finest professional development support and resources available. We bring relevant topics and current advancements directly to your desktop. We are committed to football coaching education and helping you reach and exceed your goals for success with our Professional Development Series. Along with industry networking, membership provides a forum for you to find Professional Football Coaching Jobs nationwide. By joining the AFCA you have full access to a group of like-minded, well-respected individuals in the coaching profession.
