By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
Darryl Gant, known to his players as Coach Red, has been providing his positive guidance and coaching since returning back to the sidelines in 2006. Currently part of the Renton Rangers program as the head coach of the 12U team, Gant has his team playing well as they picked up a 33-6 win against Heir this past weekend.
Starting off as an assistant when his coaching journey began in 1992, Gant just happened to be at the right place at the right time — the football field — when he was offered an opportunity to join a coaching staff. In just one year, he found himself being a head coach in a moment that he describes as “not knowing what to do.”
Despite that feeling, Gant knew what he had to be towards his players if he wanted them to be successful on and off the field.
“As a coach our job is to teach these players not only to be good humans but to give back to their communities the same,” said Gant. “Our job is to teach values such as sportsmanship and being a part of a team, respecting their parents and home life, and being supportive.”
“Parents should be able to trust you with their child, and making sure their child is getting something out of the experiences with you,” Gant continued.
Following these philosophies learned from his little league coach, Gant understands that although his title is coach, he is required to be much more than that. It means being able to lead by example, hold players and himself accountable, and help these experiences be enjoyable. Which is why his message to his players is fairly simple.
“I want them to have fun and enjoy life, enjoy the experiences you have going on right now, they’re going to last a lifetime. That’s what I want these kids to have, I want them to look back and say I enjoyed my time with him as our coach,” said Gant. “I want to be a coach that somebody gives respect to. I got into coaching for the love of football, I became the head coach in my second year. From that moment it’s been a job of mine.”
Through his 31 years as being a coach, Gant has led teams to more than 10 championship appearances and taking home six trophies, and even with the wins Coach Red is most satisfied with the fact that the players he’s coaching are having fun while playing.
“To give these kids a positive experience, win or lose, I’m going to make this enjoyable,” said Gant. “I like seeing the smiles on their faces. I teach these kids respect and to be better in other ways outside of football. I have no kids who play football. I do this for the love and give the kids I coach a safe space. Giving kids fun outside like I did growing up.”
As time evolves, things change especially within sports from old traditions, plays, and coaching mechanisms. When you’ve been involved in the sport for as long Gant has, you realize staying young and on your players level is key.
In addition to those two attributes, remaining passionate about the youth and following the example that he had growing up triumphs them all which is why Coach Red has managed to be a positive impact around kids for three decades and counting.
“My players keep me young, and on their level at times. They can’t see me do wrong so that helps me focus on doing the right thing, that’s what I’m here for,” said Gant. “I’m just passionate about the youth, it’s been a part of me for my whole life. I had a great coach that kept me outta trouble and kept my mind on being on a team.”
“I just try and tell them to stay out of trouble because football will be taken away from them if they don’t,” added Gant. “That opens the door for me to teach these guys about responsibility.”
