Traylor Talk: Blessed To Receive Open Date Provides Moment For UTSA To Refresh Perspective

For UTSA coach Jeff Traylor, a key focus during the open week is evaluation. With less emphasis on game planning, the Roadrunners can reflect on their performance, identifying strengths to emphasize and weaknesses to address. This time also allows for a reassessment of the team’s mindset and approach. Are they consumers, ready to give up, or gardeners, committed to nurturing their growth?

Towards the week’s end, Traylor finds some quiet time in the UTSA football office for organization and tidying up. Although Saturday presented a rare opportunity to disconnect from college football, he was soon drawn back in by thrilling upsets, notably Vanderbilt’s 40-35 victory over No. 1 Alabama.

When asked how he adjusted his schedule during the open date last weekend, Traylor explained the focus on self-reflection, assessing what the team has excelled at and where they need improvement. Monday is dedicated to this evaluation process across the whole department, with a focus on recruiting now managed by dedicated personnel. Following Monday, the week shifts to preparing for Rice, with specific strategies discussed each day.

Traylor emphasizes the importance of perspective. With the team at 2-3, coaches and players must decide whether to adopt a consumer mindset, ready to discard what isn’t working, or a gardener’s mindset, focused on nurturing their development. He describes the consumer mindset as one of blame and negativity, while the gardener’s mindset encourages growth and trust in the process.

On Fridays, with everyone out recruiting, Traylor uses the quiet time to work and organize his office, treating it as a chance for a “spring cleaning.” He made a conscious effort to avoid the office on Saturday and indulged in some personal downtime watching documentaries. However, he found himself drawn back to college football, watching exciting games that rekindled his passion.

Traylor also reflected on how becoming a college coach has impacted his ability to follow college football closely, stating it has created a disconnect from the broader college scene. He finds solace in the NFL, where he can enjoy the games without the constant pressure of college football’s demands, especially since his son Jordan is involved in the league. This offers him a refreshing escape from the day-to-day challenges of coaching.