This story appears in FCA Magazine’s November/December 2015 issue. Subscribe today!

Family: Wife – Linda Daughters – Melissa and Jacquelyn (three grandchildren)
Coaching Career:
• Belfry High School: Head Coach (1984-current)
• Prestonsburg High School: Head Coach (1975-83) Accomplishments:
• USA Today’s Best High School Football Coach (2013)
• 3-Time Louisville Courier-Journal Coach of the Year
• 7-Time Kentucky Class AA or Class AAA Coach of the Year

“I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.” – Psalm 32:8

Filling in as a Little League baseball coach at just 13 years old, Philip Haywood kept permanent residency in the coach’s seat. He soon established a solid base that built the crux of his philosophy dealing with athletes’ hearts on and off the field. Now, years later, the humble coach has the most wins in Kentucky high school football history, the majority of them coming at Belfry High School over the past three decades. Haywood continually drives toward self-improvement in his calling while leaning on God to guide him through all stages of life.

FCA: What’s special about coaching football?

PH: In the coaching profession, people are called. You’re working with young people and have a chance to influence lives. I had an understanding of that at a young age—that this game can make a difference.

My coaching staff and I have always strived to consistently do things well. You can get your players to play hard, always execute and do the little things right. And if you get them to believe in themselves and what you’re trying to do, you’ll have a pretty fair amount of success.

FCA: How have you seen your faith stretched in your 40-plus years of coaching?

PH: In only my second year as a head coach, a young man was paralyzed. For a young guy to have something like that happen … how are you getting through that? I asked myself, “Was it worth it to continue and take a chance on this happening again?” That was one of my biggest early tests in coaching, to get over those mental hurdles to continue, but it etched in my mind how important it is to teach our young men the right things.

FCA: How are you constantly developing yourself as a coach and believer?

PH: I’ll go to coaching clinics and think, “These people know more than I do.” We’ve had some success, but I always feel you’ve got to work harder to stay a step ahead. I’ve always believed in keeping your priorities straight: God first, family second, your program and career third. We don’t need to get so caught up in winning that we forget what’s really important in athletics, and that’s to teach our guys about values, character traits and the spiritual side of life.

I most appreciate when former players stop by and share about what playing has meant to them. The process is what’s important. It’s about the growth you have going from individuals at the beginning of the year into a team, and the bond and love that develops between players and coaches.

FCA: What do you think is vital to the development of your athletes?

PH: We always talk about athletes playing with heart. Well, what is your heart? It’s basically just a muscle. So what are you really talking about? You’re talking about their spirit, and if that’s true, you’re going to have to talk about some spiritual matters.

In 1985 we started an FCA Huddle at Belfry, and we’ve had it ever since. I’ve seen a lot of kids develop leadership characteristics because they were encouraged to get up and speak or share their gifts for Christ in front of others. A lot of people have given their lives to Christ through FCA-type activities.

FCA: What’s your journey with God been like?

PH: I feel confident God’s hand is directing my life. There were times I certainly needed God’s help, strength and power to get me through some tough phases. At some point we all get knocked down flat. But that’s when, if you’ve got a great relationship with the Lord, you’re in good hands. Even when you get knocked down, you know where to reach. I’ve been very fortunate to not only have a good relationship with Him, but so many people praying for me. I just feel very blessed and fortunate. Belfry’s a special school. I’ve had a lot of people help me out along the way.

FCA Staff Quote:

“Coach Haywood is one of our solid leaders here leading the Belfry High FCA. He’s the winningest coach in the state of Kentucky and has had success, but he’s remained faithful. He’s a living witness for Christ.”

-Steele Harmon
Eastern Kentucky FCA Area Representative

-FCA-

–This article appears in the November/December 2015 issue of FCA Magazine. To view the issue digitally, click here: November/December 2015 FCA Mag Digital 

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Photos courtesy of Best Portraits and Charles Bertram, Lexington Herald-Leader