Football is evolving fast, and the coaches who keep pace are the ones who control what they can and win the little details. Ted Rath, Director of Sports Performance for the New Orleans Saints, reflects on over 15 years in the National Football League (NFL). He explains how training times, availability, and sheer athleticism have shifted with the game's expansion. Rath makes the case for gaining a well-rounded experience by coaching different sports, seeking knowledge, and being patient on your path. He also shares his linear progression approach to sport science that keeps new tools actionable and avoids technology overload. With players now arriving more educated and invested in their data, creating understanding and buy-in remains essential. Rath reveals that his coaching philosophy and culture starts with “leading yourself,” emphasizing ownership and helping others. Apply his perspective to protect availability, dial in the little details, and integrate sport science with purpose.

Reach out to Ted on Instagram: @tedrathstrengthcoach | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs

Catch Ted’s session, “The Future of Training in Professional Football,” at the 2026 NSCA National Conference in New Orleans, July 8–11. Sign up early and save at NSCA.com/NSCACon.

Show Notes

“We work together. That's the greatest thing about team sports. We're in this together and we're competing for the same things and we're trying to help each other get better. But that also goes down to families. We work incredibly long hours, as you know, it's stressful. There are times where it's hard. It's extremely hard. You're going to face adversity. You're going to have ups, you're going to have downs, you're going to have great years. You're going to have very trying years. But all that also reflects upon your family and the people that you choose to surround yourself with.” 5:00

“I always tell the younger coaches that I'm talking to or asking me similar questions. Gain a well-rounded experience and what does that mean? Go see coaches with different philosophical approaches. Go see different sports like we talked about earlier. Go learn wherever you can go. Work with golf athletes and rotational athletes. Go. Just go seek knowledge wherever you can and try to make that as well-rounded as possible. And then don't rush it.” 9:20

“The only wrong step is not taking a step. So, I try to operate with a level of urgency. If you take the wrong step, that's okay. Just learn from it. Don't make that same mistake again.” 11:20