A Chat with Coach Reign: The Heartbeat of Notre Dame's Digital Sidelines
Notre Dame's digital gridiron has a new maestro, Coach Reign, whose passion for the game is matched only by his love for his family and his dedication to his community. We had the pleasure of sitting down with the coach, delving into his journey, his philosophies, and his aspirations for the upcoming season.
Background and Personal Interests
When he's not coaching digital Notre Dame, Coach Reign is a devoted family man and an avid gamer. At 45, he's traded his player gear for the sidelines, becoming both a coach and a proud parent of two daughters. Happily married for 20 years and working from home in finance since 2018, Coach Reign has found a balance between his professional and personal life.
His hobbies? Gaming and dreaming about golf. While his daughters' sports commitments keep him on the move throughout Ohio and the Midwest, he manages to sneak in some gaming time whenever possible. From racing on his rig to Madden leagues, NBA 2K, and a variety of PC games, Coach Reign’s gaming repertoire is impressive. "I'm frequently on from the time they sleep until a bit after midnight," he shares, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his hobbies.
Joining the NDL
Hyper-competitive by nature, Coach Reign's journey into the NDL started with a stint in NCAA ranked lobbies in the mid-2000s. A chance encounter in an online league on LeagueDaddy introduced him to the NDL, and though his initial foray in Season 2 was short-lived, due the sim style rules being a lot and just life, changes in life brought him back, Ready to embrace the league's sim style and rules. "As I changed and life changed, I realized I was ready for the NDL and returned," he says.
Drafting Notre Dame
Why Notre Dame? Notre Dame holds a special place in Coach Reign’s heart. Growing up in Southwest Ohio, he was surrounded by Ohio State and Michigan fans but found his refuge in NBC’s Notre Dame broadcasts. "Every Saturday, I cheered on Lou Holtz and the Irish. My first football number was 42, after Notre Dame LB Michael Stonebreaker, a name that was as cool as it gets for a young Mike."
NDL Experience and Accomplishments
What keeps Coach Reign invested in the NDL is the camaraderie among coaches. "It's the coaches, the brotherhood," he says. The bonds formed over the years transcend the game, encompassing shared stories, friendly debates, and mutual support. His choice of Notre Dame is rooted in childhood memories of cheering for Lou Holtz and the Irish on NBC, a passion that has come full circle.
Reflecting on his coaching career, Coach Reign humbly admits that while he hasn’t always achieved the success he aimed for, he cherishes the journey. "The biggest accomplishment is just the ability to have been consistently able to job hop between a lot of great schools, while hoping that one day Notre Dame would be within reach," he reflects. And now, that dream is a reality.
Rivalries and Matchups
Rivalries are the spice of the game, and for Coach Reign, facing off against dcane7 is a highlight. "He always seemed to steal the victory from me in the NDL, but I got him back pretty good on this last version of Madden!" he quips. He also keeps a sharp eye on other NDLers like doc1424, Niddler, texasfan4444, and fsupenguin, each providing a competitive edge to his journey. With Alabama and Syracuse on the horizon, the season promises thrilling matchups.
Coaching Philosophy and Team Goals
Coach Reign’s expectations for his team are clear: "10 wins. I shouldn’t have signed on the line if I don’t think I can do it." With a talented roster including a well-rounded senior QB, a dynamic running back duo, and a top 5 front 7 defensively, he’s optimistic yet realistic about the challenges ahead. His coaching philosophy emphasizes change of possession, field position, and a balanced offense and defense. "Defensively, I’ll play a very 'bend but don’t break' style, and Offensively, every drive should end in points. I prefer a methodical, controlled approach rather than quick, flashy scores," he explains, with a focus on strategic play-calling and maximizing every opportunity. Strategically, Coach Reign plans to start with a safe, pro-style offense and a 4-2-5 defense, adapting as the season progresses.
Personal Insights
One thing many might not know about Coach Reign is the journey his family has gone through. In a heartfelt revelation, Coach Reign shares a deeply personal story about his family’s journey through surrogacy and the loss they faced along the way. It's a testament to his resilience and the strength of his family bonds.
As for his advice to fellow NDLers, Coach Reign emphasizes the importance of perspective and sportsmanship. "We’re all competitive, but don’t let the outcome of an online game overshadow the opportunity to be part of something amazing like the NDL. Remember that there’s a real person on the other end of the gaming system or Discord. They’ve got real problems too and this hour or so that you’re engaging in NCAA is likely their getaway from real life for the day," he reminds us. "Let's enjoy the game and build lasting friendships."
In closing, Coach Reign expresses his gratitude to the NDL community. "Thanks 6ft for reaching out, for taking on the responsibility of being a Commish and for putting in the effort to add something positive and immersive to the NDL!" And to all his fellow coaches, he wishes good luck—unless they're facing him in a crucial game, of course!
Thank you, Coach Reign, for sharing your story and your insights. Here’s to a fantastic season ahead with Notre Dame!
--- The Full Transcripts of all conversations/ Interviews will be released at a later date.
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