Louisiana Football: Interview with Green Oaks New Head Coach Terrence Isaac Sr.

 Written by Charlie Beuttel

 Twitter: @charlie_cds3

In 2014 Green Oaks High School, located in Shreveport (LA), was looking for a new head coach. One of the applicants was Terrence Isaac Sr. who was coaching in Cedar Hill, Texas. Unfortunately the program decided to go in a different direction and Coach Isaac was not offered the job. Then after a dismal 1-9 season in 2016 the Giants once again started a coaching search. In December, Coach Isaac was named the head coach to lead the program going forward.

Coach Isaac is originally from Cleveland (OH) and grew up in the projects. Growing up all he wanted to do was get out and live his dream of playing and coaching football. After high school, he attended Vermillion College in Minnesota where he played wide receiver and was named a NJCAA All-American. Then after he completed his collegiate career at Midwestern State in Wichita Falls (TX), Isaac received an invite to the Dallas Cowboys training camp in 2001. From 2001-04, Coach Isaac spent time playing Arena Football with Evansville and San Jose before receiving an invite to the Kansas City Chiefs training camp in 2004. Due to an Achilles injury, he was not able perform well in the camp and decided to get into coaching.

Coach Isaac has always felt that he could make the biggest impact at the high school level because he wanted to help and mold those young men for the future. From 2005 to 2013, Coach Isaac had numerous jobs at the high school level in the Dallas area including positions at Cedar Hill, T.W. Browne, Covenant, and Green Hill in Addison (TX). His lone position at the college level was as a defensive coordinator for Vermilion Community College.

In 2014 Coach Isaac was hired by A Plus Academy to become their head coach and offensive coordinator. After winning their conference during the 2014 season, Coach Isaac was runner-up for Coach of the Year. In 2015 he led his squad to a second straight conference title and a state championship by finishing 9-4 and averaging 41.5 points and 612.3 yards per game. In his last season at the helm in 2016, the Knights lost a lot of their seniors but still managed to win four games. During his tenure at A Plus Academy Coach Isaac was 17-17.

It is now time for Coach Isaac to use his offensive mind and great coaching skills to re-energize a Green Oaks program that has only won 12 games over the last four seasons.

In an exclusive interview I sat down with Coach Terrence Isaac Sr. to talk about his playing and coaching career and his new job of leading this Green Oaks Giants’ program into the future.

Interview

How did your move to Shreveport come about?

“I interviewed with Green Oaks before 2014 season. I met Principal Alexander and knew it would be a good fit. He’s a great leader and motivator. I was disappointed when I found they were going into a different direction. This past December I got another shot to interview and got the job. We have to change some things and when everyone buys in you will see a great product.”

What is your philosophy on coaching?

“I believe in grades first. You can be the best athlete but if you don’t have grades it doesn’t mean anything. I want to see my players develop in life. In my first meeting, I told my team no cussing and we will show respect to everyone especially women. I want to build the whole player not just the football player. I dig in my players social media, we have to protect our brand.”

How did you come up with your philosophy? Have you met with coordinators from colleges or the NFL?

“When I grew up I was taught by old school guys about respect. I’ve taken a little bit from every coach that I’ve played for. To build my philosophy I took something from all of them. Every time there is a clinic I try and go. I try and just stay involved in clinics because there is always something you can pick up. You always have to evolve in football.”

What is your greatest strength in coaching?

“My ability to lead young men. I’m an offensive guy and enjoy coaching the wide receivers. I will also be the offensive coordinator at Green Oaks.”

What is your process of evaluating your players?

“We try to evaluate the whole player. We go out and check classrooms. We tell players to sit in front of classes. Without grades nothing matters. There are great players but what will separate everyone is the grades. I would take a player with great grades and is an average player over a talented player who is a knuckle head in the classroom.”

What are some of the offseason workouts that you have implemented since you’ve taken over the program?

“Weights. We haven’t touched a football yet. We have to get stronger. We expect great things from our guys. We have to be conditioned and be ready strength wise. Spring ball starts May 1. We get 10 days so we’ll just focus on practicing then. We’ll also get into 7-on-7 leagues this summer.”

How do you break down opposing teams and relay those keys to your players?

“Film study, we will constantly watch film every day. There is always something you can pick up.”

Why is watching film so important to you?

“Film don’t lie. When you see yourself on film you can correct mistakes and it’s always a way to get better and improve.”

How does Green Oaks look going into the season?

“I’ve never had this much talent. There is talent everywhere and that’s what makes it so exciting. “

Do you feel any pressure heading into your first season as the Giants new head coach?

“No, because it’s football. I’ve been in football for forever. It’s a great tool to teach life lessons.”

What do you think are some of the strengths of your team?

“My quarterback, John McIlwain, he’s just awesome. He’s shown leadership and has some qualities that you can’t coach including that “it” factor. Also, our receivers are fast, can catch, and are great route runners.”

Who is your favorite coach of all-time?

“The one coach, Phil Cullum, who got me into football and I still keep in contact with him. He coached me in Little League in Cleveland. Our team was the Pal 7 Panthers. He would pick me up and drive me to practice. He’s still a great role model. The Cleveland Browns built a stadium in the projects and dedicated it to him. He recently had heart surgery but he’s doing well.”

What is one of your favorite quotes that you try to relay to your team?

“I can, I will, I must by Eric Thomas. That’s something we say to our guys.

Thank you for your time Coach and good luck in your first season at Green Oaks.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Terrence Isaac Sr.; Coach Isaac with one of his players

Photo credit: Terrence Isaac Sr.; Coach Isaac

Photo credit: Terrence Isaac Sr.; A Team Photo from one of his seasons at A Plus Academy