Danny Norris likes to model Clemson coach Dabo Swinney’s christianity into his coaching while modeling New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s accountability.

 

“Belichick is a firm believer in doing your job,” The first-year head coach at Gilbert Christian said. “That’s something that we talk about every single day at Gilbert Christian, each player has to do their job. On each play, if 11 guys do their job, we should be successful.”

 

Norris is laying a strong foundation. The Knights are 3-1, winning three games against opponents the team lost to in 2018.

 

Norris’s goal is to build on Gilbert Christian’s program, but not just on the field.

 

After coming over from North Pointe Prep, Norris looks to spread his faith as well as his football knowledge.

 

“I am really strong in my faith,” Norris said. “To be able to work at a Christian school and express my love for Jesus Christ was huge for me. To actually spread the gospel and to speak to these young women and young men on campus about the goodness of God was a huge pull for me.”

 

The first step in building his program is getting the community to buy-in.

 

Norris believes his display of affection toward his players expedites that process.

 

“I think part of (getting the community to buy-in), on my end, I have to make myself available to them and help them with any questions that they have regarding their student-athlete and the program,” Norris said. “Most importantly, I think that I have shown them that I care about their boys, I care about them more than just as athletes. I want to see them succeed in life. I want to see them surrender their life to Jesus Christ, continue to live their life in faith and grow to be a better man while using football as a tool to make that happen.”

 

The Gilbert Christian senior class has made two playoff appearances in three years. The senior leaders know when to keep the team grounded when experiencing early success, Norris said.

 

Senior running back Weston Zierer notices the difference in Norris’s approach.

 

“There is a big difference (between coaching styles),” Zierer said. “Coach Norris seems to have the right mentality and he knows how to bring that mentality to the whole team. I really love it.”

 

With a new style, one Norris believes is the opposite of the former regime, comes a learning curve. Assistant coach Andy Montano believes the team has bought in quickly.

 

“Having a singular mindset for the team is one that brings everybody together right off the bat. After that, it’s being able to work for each other, encourage each other, and help each other. They’ve adapted very well to that.”

 

Gilbert Christian looks to bring the total of revenge victories to four Friday as it hosts River Valley for homecoming.