The Culture Shift That Saved Army Football | Army Head Coach Jeff Monken

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Jul 3, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Jeff Monken, Head Coach of the Army Black Knights, shares his inspiring journey revitalizing the Army football program. He discusses the culture shift he implemented, emphasizing leadership that extends beyond the gridiron. Monken delves into the strategic use of analytics, the return to the triple-option offense, and the exceptional qualities of players like quarterback Bryson Daly. He also reflects on overcoming adversity in his coaching career and the vital role of serving and developing young athletes.

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ANECDOTE

Monken's Early Army Vision

Jeff Monken had a vision for the Army football program despite many challenges on arrival.
Institutional support helped align football standards to meet high expectations for success.

INSIGHT

Pride Beyond Wins

Army football's pride is seeing players commission into combat arms at higher rates.
Transforming young men into leaders motivated to serve the nation is the program's most rewarding success.

ANECDOTE

Monken's Path to Army

Monken's coaching journey from Navy to Georgia Southern prepared him for Army's challenges.
An intense interview process led to his hiring at West Point, fulfilling his patriotic desire to serve in his own way.

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In this episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman, Adam sits down with Army Head Coach Jeff Monken, one of the most respected and disciplined leaders in college football. Coach Monken shares the full story of how he took over a struggling Army program in 2014 and built it into a winner, leading them to a historic 12-win season and conference championship.

He talks about the unique challenges of coaching at a service academy, the culture shift he demanded from day one, and why the mission at West Point goes far beyond football. Monken dives deep into how he’s used analytics to gain an edge, why he returned to the triple-option offense, and what makes players like Bryson Daily so special.

He also opens up about adversity in his coaching journey, how he evaluates young coaches, and why serving his players is his greatest responsibility. This is a masterclass in leadership, toughness, and purpose from one of the most principled coaches in the game.

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CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro

1:01 - Year 1 at Army and Week 1

4:01 - 2014–Now: what Coach Monken is most proud of

5:52 - How Coach Monken got the Army job

12:55 - Building leadership at Army

15:55 - Most important decision Coach Monken has made in his life

17:45 - Managing the standard to get into Army & challenge recruiting players

23:25 - Running the triple option offense

31:30 - Bryson Daily

34:19 - Cody Worley (Army Offensive Coordinator)

38:55- What Coach Monken looks for in young coaches

42:15 - How Coach Monken has changed the most as a coach

43:48 - Using data and analytics at Army

50:18 - Current state of NIL / Portal at Army

58:30- Talking to players who are transferring

1:03:08 - Overcoming adversity

1:10:03 - Rapid fire

On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans.

Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports.

Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.