For TCU’s Cumbie, coaching has become a family-friendly experience
A college football coach often is forced to put family on the back-burner.
TCU co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Sonny Cumbie told the Fort Worth Rotary Club Friday he had to remind his brother that he had no vacation for his sibling’s weekend wedding in the fall.
Even the birth of his 2-year-old son had to fall just right on the calendar.
“That’s why Grey was born on April 3. It’s spring ball,” he said with a laugh.
However, family is the reason Cumbie took the job at TCU, moving his wife and son from West Texas, where he and his wife were born, and leaving a job with Texas Tech, his alma mater.
Patterson assured Cumbie from the begining that his family has the option to spend time with him and the team while he works at the TCU football facilities. He also can take time away from campus on Sunday mornings to go to church with his wife and son.
In turn, the program has become an extended family for the Cumbies
It’s no surprise now to hear Grey walking down the halls of the TCU football offices calling out to “Coach P” for for a hug or high five, Cumbie said.
Throughout Cumbie’s coaching career, teaching quarterbacks proper drops and throws has been great, but he has a more important purpose.
“The off the field is really, that’s our ministry. That’s where our difference can be made,” he said.
It’s as simple as being a father figure to those who might not have any parents at home or making sure each player feels appreciated through the rigors of a college football season.
Take Horned Frog starting quarterback Trevone Boykin, a Heisman Trophy candidate.
“Our relationship is a close one and I tell him we’re still going to be here for him whether he throws 30 touchdowns or 30 interceptions,” Cumbie said.
“The wins and losses are and all that stuff is awesome, but I really do believe if you really care for the individual and if you care for their soul as best as you can that the things that happen on the field will take care of themselves.”
Travis L. Brown can be reached at tbrown7137@gmail.com and on Twitter @Travis_L_Brown.
This story was originally published July 31, 2015 at 8:10 PM with the headline "For TCU’s Cumbie, coaching has become a family-friendly experience."