More Than a Game: The Faith-Driven Leadership of Coach Spencer Danielson
In college football, strategies and physical dominance often take center stage. But at Boise State University, head coach Spencer Danielson has a transformative approach—he infuses a steadfast and outspoken commitment to Christianity. This commitment not only guides Danielson’s personal life but also profoundly shapes his leadership style. Being outspoken about Jesus, “Coach D” has created an environment in which players are finding purpose both on and off the field.
As a shining example of this, Boise State defensive end Ahmed Hassanein gave an emotional “thank you” to Coach Danielson during the press conference following the Bronco’s New Year’s Eve loss to Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl.
“First I want to start off and say, ‘All glory to Jesus Christ,’” said Hassanein. “He’s the true champion.”
Hassanein then looked over at Danielson and said, “Coach D, you changed my life. I did not know God until I got to Boise State.”
Looking back at reporters, Hassanein continued, “And I serve a true champion – Jesus Christ is the only true God. He died [and] rose from the dead three days later. That is the champion that I serve.”
Hassanein then looked back at Danielson and said, “Thank you, Coach D. Like, seriously. You changed my life.”
Watch Hassanein’s comments here:
Another standout example is Ashton Jeanty, Boise State’s star running back and the man who was the people’s choice for the 2024 Heisman Trophy. Jeanty was raised in a Christian home, but faced some personal challenges after moving to Boise. Jeanty recommitted to his faith under Danielson’s mentorship, which Jeanty described as an “ultimate transformation.”
In August of 2024, Danielson baptized Jeanty, highlighting the coach’s role as a mentor beyond football.
Coach Danielson at Boise State
Danielson’s journey with Boise State began in 2017 as a graduate assistant. In the ensuing years he ascended through various coaching roles, ultimately being named head coach in December 2023. Throughout each step of his career, Danielson’s approach to coaching has remained rooted in Biblical principles, and those principles extend beyond the football field.
That’s because for Danielson, coaching doesn’t stop at developing athletes, it’s also about cultivating character, maturity, and spiritual growth. It just so happens that the philosophy of Boise’s head coach seamlessly blends discipline with God’s guiding, and Danielson demonstrates that the pursuit of excellence and faith in Jesus can and should coexist.
Anyone who’s seen Coach Danielson on TV knows he’s not shy about this. Following Boise State’s victory in the Mountain West Conference Championship on December 6, Danielson opened his interview at the trophy presentation with a powerful proclamation: “Jesus deserves all the glory. We serve a champion. He died on the cross, but He rose three days later. That’s the God I serve. Anything is possible.”
Watch Coach Danielson Give Jesus the Glory:
Danielson’s outspoken faith has garnered widespread admiration but has also sparked criticism. Some argue that such statements blur the line between personal beliefs and public roles, especially in a collegiate athletics setting. Critics contend that overt religious declarations might alienate individuals with differing beliefs. Still, despite these objections, Danielson stands firm in his faith, and the impact on his players is undeniable. Many credit him with fostering an environment in which they feel supported in being the best they can possibly be in all aspects of their lives.
Bottom line, in an era where excellence in collegiate athletics is often emphasized over personal growth, Coach Spencer Danielson’s faith-based leadership stands out. It’s a fresh beacon of purpose and integrity. By championing spiritual development alongside athletic excellence, Danielson inspires players to pursue victories both on and off the field, and that can only create better outcomes for their entire lives.
That’s what being a coach is truly about. Hats off to Coach D.
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Daniel Bobinski, Th.D., is an international bestselling author (Creating Passion-Driven Teams), a certified behavioral analyst, and for 35 years he’s been a corporate trainer and executive coach. He also serves as Executive Trainer for the Shofar Global Network, which advocates for business leaders to let God guide their businesses, thus directing people’s attention to the Author and Finisher of our faith. After all, even if we become wealthy, what does it matter if souls are still going to Hell?