Coach Bell elaborates on his mottoCoach Bell finally speaks at USF
Article By: Coach Larry Bell: A Mission to "Win the Day" with South Florida Bulls
As the 2025 season quickly approaches, the South Florida Bulls are ready for a fresh start under the leadership of new Head Coach Larry Bell. In an exclusive interview, we sat down with Coach Bell to discuss his journey, his coaching philosophy, and what’s driving him as he takes on the challenge of transforming USF football.
Leaving Sam Houston: A Bold Move
When asked about his departure from Sam Houston State last year, Coach Bell didn’t hesitate. “Sam Houston will always be a special place, but for me to do the things that I needed to do as a coach, it was time to go elsewhere,” he said bluntly. His move to South Florida was fueled by a desire to push beyond the limitations of his previous situation.
We pressed him further, asking what he learned during his time at Sam Houston. His answer was clear and direct: “Pretty clear, the media is biased and they will do whatever they can to keep the small guys down and their favorites in play. That is a big reason I made the move. I have a few names circled in my office, and I am coming after them.” His confidence was evident, and it was clear that his new chapter with the Bulls was personal not out of resentment, but out of a need to prove himself.
“Win the Day” Philosophy
Coach Bell’s mantra is simple but powerful: “Win the Day.” He smiled ear to ear when he said it, and it’s easy to see why. The phrase represents more than just a slogan, it’s a mindset. As Coach Bell explained, “You can’t control tomorrow, you can’t change yesterday, but by golly, you can make damn sure you give today the best rip at winning that you can.”
This mentality, according to Bell, was shaped early in his career by his time working with legendary basketball coach Pat Summitt. Bell worked under Summitt during his college years, where he witnessed firsthand the power of hard work, discipline, and unyielding commitment. “I witnessed those come to life every day around here,” Bell said, referencing Summitt’s relentless work ethic. “She was going to outwork her staff, her players, any basketball coach in America.”
It’s clear that Summitt’s influence left a lasting impression on Bell, and it’s something he’s instilling in his players at USF. Three phrases now adorn the walls of the Bulls’ locker room:
Winners are not born, they are self-made.
Teamwork is what makes common people capable of uncommon results.
Hard work breeds self-respect.
These guiding principles reflect Bell’s commitment to not only developing skilled athletes but shaping individuals who understand the importance of effort, discipline, and working together toward a common goal.
No Regrets, No Second-Guessing
As Coach Bell spoke about his approach to coaching, it was evident that his philosophy goes beyond just football. It’s about life and character. “When I lay my head down at night, no regrets, no what if’s, no second guessing,” Bell explained. “In my mind, I can hear [Pat Summitt] saying, ‘It is what it is, but it will be what you make it.’”
For Bell, making the most of each day is not just a coaching principle, it’s a way of life. And he’s instilling that mindset in his players, making sure they understand that no matter what challenges they face, it’s all about how they respond.
The Path to Success: Winning Each Day
But what does “winning the day” actually look like on the field? Coach Bell’s answer was clear: improvement. Each day is an opportunity to get better. “Each day we are going to get better as a football team, we are going to tighten our execution, we are going to expand on our discipline, and we are going to learn about the importance of the man next to you,” he explained.
By focusing on those three areas: execution, discipline, and teamwork. Bell believes that his team can reach their goals. “If we can do those three things at a high level, then our goals are obtainable,” he said.
For Coach Bell, the ultimate goal isn’t just about winning games. It’s about teaching his players to rise to the occasion, no matter the situation. He emphasized, “In the moment, when life is looking down the barrel at you, you respond! You respond because you’ve put the work in. You respond because no matter how hard it punches, you can punch back harder.”
Bell’s message to his players is clear: “We only get so many trips around the sun, why not make every one of them better than the one before?”
A Strong, Focused Mission
As the interview concluded, Coach Bell left us with one final reminder: “Win the Day.” It was a fitting ending to a conversation that revealed not only his passion for football but his unwavering commitment to shaping young men who will rise above adversity and give their best every single day.
Walking away, it was impossible not to sense the seriousness of Bell’s mission. He’s not just building a football program at USF; he’s building a culture—one rooted in hard work, discipline, and unshakable determination. With such a strong foundation, the Bulls are in good hands. It’s clear that Coach Bell is on a mission, and he’s ready to make a splash in the challenging American Athletic Conference.
The 2025 season is sure to be one to watch, as Coach Bell and his Bulls look to prove that with the right mindset and work ethic, anything is possible.
Good luck to Coach Bell and the Bulls as they embark on this exciting new chapter.
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