In Episode 48 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee, presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Videography, host Kerry Martin sits down with one of the most innovative and impactful minds in the game of football—Coach Tony Franklin. A Princeton, Kentucky native, Franklin has spent more than four decades shaping the sport from the ground up. He began his career as a high school coach across several Kentucky programs before joining the University of Kentucky staff in 1997, where he helped engineer one of the most prolific offenses in the nation. After Kentucky, he launched the Tony Franklin System—an offensive approach that revolutionized football at the high school level and beyond. His clinics, camps, and mentorships empowered hundreds of coaches across the country to transform their programs, many going from cellar-dwellers to state contenders. Franklin went on to serve as offensive coordinator at Troy, Auburn, Cal, Middle Tennessee, and Louisiana Tech, coaching in nine bowl games and mentoring standout quarterbacks—including future No. 1 NFL Draft pick Jared Goff. Along the way, he authored two books, built a nationwide coaching network, and became a trusted advisor to some of the game’s most successful coaches. In this episode, Franklin opens up about the early struggles that led to his entrepreneurial breakthrough, how his system sparked a nationwide movement, and why he believes coaching is about much more than Xs and Os. He shares lessons from the sideline, reflections on leadership, and his pride in seeing the ripple effect of his work in communities across the country. Don’t miss this wide-ranging conversation about resilience, innovation, and the lasting power of mentorship in football and beyond.

Please note: This episode was recorded via Zoom. Due to some transmission issues early on, the audio and video quality may be poor during the beginning of the interview, but it improves significantly as the episode progresses. We appreciate Coach Franklin for taking the time to join us—and our viewers and listeners for your continued support.