In this episode we talk about Coach Tony Aker's journey from playing football at UWSP to coaching at UWSP. His time as an offensive coordinator at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Being named the head coach at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. Leading a program during COVID. Coaching FCS football.00:59Growing Up in Indiana and Early Influences02:24Playing Career and Transition into Coaching07:16Transitioning from Point to Eau Claire and Carroll11:40Building Relationships and Overcoming Program Challenges14:41Pivoting to Eau Claire and Transition to Carroll31:01Growth as a Coach and Leadership Lessons38:56First Year at Lawrence During COVID45:54Dealing with Program Challenges and Resilience58:21Reflections on Coaching During Difficult Times01:11:33Current Role at Dayton and Future OutlookMake sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!Follow us on Twitter - https://x.com/firedcoachespodFired Coaches Podcast will give you perspective of what it is like to lose a coaching position at the college level. Episodes will contain the trials and tribulations that coaches went through and give insight on what matters most.