Episode 90: A Faith-Based Coaching Transformation with Jarret Brown

February 17, 2025

Watch on Youtube Listen on Apple Podcasts

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann welcomes Jarrett Brown, head coach of East Peoria High School boys basketball, for an honest conversation about hitting rock bottom, embracing faith, and transforming his coaching philosophy.

From Chasing Titles to Finding Purpose

Coach Brown's journey began with a relentless pursuit of coaching success, moving from school to school in search of bigger opportunities. However, as he candidly admits, this constant chase stemmed from a deep-seated discontentment.

The Turning Point: Hitting Rock Bottom

Jarrett opens up about a pivotal moment in his life when he realized the emptiness of his pursuits. This "rock bottom" experience served as a catalyst for him to seek a deeper relationship with God and re-evaluate his priorities.

Rebuilding Through Faith

The episode explores how Coach Brown's embrace of faith has fundamentally reshaped his approach to coaching and life. He emphasizes the importance of building trust, fostering open communication, and leading with empathy.

The Core Pillars of Faith-Based Coaching

Jarrett shares the five core pillars that now guide his coaching philosophy:

Servanthood: Putting the needs of others before his own.
Humility: Recognizing his limitations and seeking guidance.
Unity: Fostering a strong sense of team cohesion.
Thankfulness: Cultivating an attitude of gratitude in all circumstances.
Love: Leading with compassion and genuine care for his players.

The "Upside Down" Kingdom

Coach Brown highlights the counter-cultural nature of faith-based leadership, explaining how the Bible emphasizes servanthood, sacrifice, and unconditional love. This "upside down" perspective challenges the conventional notion of success and redefines what it means to be a leader.

The Benefits of a Faith-Centered Approach

The episode explores the tangible benefits of integrating faith into coaching:

Character Development: Nurturing integrity, empathy, and resilience in players.
Team Unity: Building a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Sustainable Success: Creating a positive and supportive environment that fosters long-term growth for players, both on and off the court.

Conclusion: Transformation Is Possible

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that transformation is possible for anyone, regardless of their circumstances. Coach Jarrett Brown's story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, offering valuable lessons for coaches, athletes, and anyone seeking to live a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

Tune In and Be Inspired

Whether you're a seasoned coach or simply seeking to strengthen your mindset, this episode is packed with motivation and wisdom. Join Coach Matt Thomann and Jarrett Brown as they explore the intersection of faith, leadership, and mental toughness.

Ready to explore your own transformative journey? Contact Coach Thomann today at coachthomann@gmail.com!

Are you ready to forge your mettle?

More From Mental Mettle

Mental Toughness: More Than Grit — It’s a Toolkit You Can Grow

In the high-pressure world of sports, business, and life, “mental toughness” is a phrase that gets tossed around a lot. But what does it really mean?

Episode 111: Tips for Mastering the Mental Game with Coach Brandon Beery

How do elite athletes and coaches rise above the noise, pressure, and setbacks to achieve peak performance? In Episode 111 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann and fellow mindset coach Brandon Beery break down the science and art of mastering the mental game.

Episode 110: Passion for the Process with Jarrett Brown and Lane Thomann

What does it really mean to “trust the process”? In Episode 110 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann dives deep into this question with basketball player Lane Thomann and Coach Jarrett Brown. Together, they unpack what the “process” truly is, why it matters, and how embracing it can transform athletes and teams from the inside out.

Unlock Peak Performance: The Power of Mental Skills Training for Athletes and Teams

In today’s sports world, the difference between a good athlete and a great one is rarely just about physical ability. The real edge comes from what happens between the ears—mental toughness, focus, and resilience.

Episode 109: JT Welch, playing with confidence and a chip on his shoulder.

In Episode 109 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with JT Welch, a recent Milikin University standout and new assistant coach at Bloomington Central Catholic. JT’s story is a powerful example of how confidence, preparation, and a relentless drive can help you overcome the odds—no matter your size or the challenges in your path.

The Five Pillars of Transformational Coaching: Servanthood, Humility, Ownership, Unity, and Thankfulness

In the world of sports, success is often measured by wins and losses. But for Coach Josh Williams of the Clinton Lady Maroons, true victory comes from building a culture rooted in five essential pillars: servanthood, humility, ownership, unity, and thankfulness.

View all