In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of the Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann welcomes Jarrett Brown, head coach of East Peoria High School boys basketball, for an honest conversation about hitting rock bottom, embracing faith, and transforming his coaching philosophy.

From Chasing Titles to Finding Purpose

Coach Brown's journey began with a relentless pursuit of coaching success, moving from school to school in search of bigger opportunities. However, as he candidly admits, this constant chase stemmed from a deep-seated discontentment.

The Turning Point: Hitting Rock Bottom

Jarrett opens up about a pivotal moment in his life when he realized the emptiness of his pursuits. This "rock bottom" experience served as a catalyst for him to seek a deeper relationship with God and re-evaluate his priorities.

Rebuilding Through Faith

The episode explores how Coach Brown's embrace of faith has fundamentally reshaped his approach to coaching and life. He emphasizes the importance of building trust, fostering open communication, and leading with empathy.

The Core Pillars of Faith-Based Coaching

Jarrett shares the five core pillars that now guide his coaching philosophy:

  1. Servanthood: Putting the needs of others before his own.
  2. Humility: Recognizing his limitations and seeking guidance.
  3. Unity: Fostering a strong sense of team cohesion.
  4. Thankfulness: Cultivating an attitude of gratitude in all circumstances.
  5. Love: Leading with compassion and genuine care for his players.

The "Upside Down" Kingdom

Coach Brown highlights the counter-cultural nature of faith-based leadership, explaining how the Bible emphasizes servanthood, sacrifice, and unconditional love. This "upside down" perspective challenges the conventional notion of success and redefines what it means to be a leader.

The Benefits of a Faith-Centered Approach

The episode explores the tangible benefits of integrating faith into coaching:

  • Character Development: Nurturing integrity, empathy, and resilience in players.
  • Team Unity: Building a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
  • Sustainable Success: Creating a positive and supportive environment that fosters long-term growth for players, both on and off the court.

Conclusion: Transformation Is Possible

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that transformation is possible for anyone, regardless of their circumstances. Coach Jarrett Brown's story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, offering valuable lessons for coaches, athletes, and anyone seeking to live a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

Tune In and Be Inspired

Whether you're a seasoned coach or simply seeking to strengthen your mindset, this episode is packed with motivation and wisdom. Join Coach Matt Thomann and Jarrett Brown as they explore the intersection of faith, leadership, and mental toughness.

Ready to explore your own transformative journey? Contact Coach Thomann today at coachthomann@gmail.com!

Are you ready to forge your mettle?

More From Mental Mettle

Episode 143. Skydiving into Sharks with Travis Thomas: Improv Tools for Athletes and Coaches
In Episode 143 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, Coach Matt Thomann sits down with performance coach, keynote speaker, and author Travis Thomas to explore a surprising idea: improv isn’t just for comedians—it might be one of the most powerful mental performance tools you’re not using yet.​
Episode 141: Shane Fisher USA Bobsled Pilot (Part 2)
Most people see the Olympics as a dream; very few see the invoice that comes with it. In Episode 141 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, “Shane Fisher – USA Bobsled Pilot (Part 2),” we go behind the highlight reels and into the financial and emotional reality of chasing an Olympic dream as a Team USA athlete.​
Episode 142: Zen & Grit: The Mental Game of Nordic Combined with USA Olympian Niklas Malacinski
In Episode 142 of the Mental Mettle Podcast, “Zen & Grit: The Mental Game of Nordic Combined,” we go inside a sport that asks one athlete to master two completely different Olympic events: the precise, millimeter-sensitive “zen” of ski jumping and the brutal, 20–27 minute “grit” of a 10k cross-country race.​
The Mental Pillar of Performance: Why Your Strongest Athletes Still Break Down Under Pressure
Every fourth winter, we celebrate the strongest, fastest, most technically gifted athletes on ice and snow, but the ones who stand out have trained something most people never see: their mind.
Episode 140: Shane Fisher USA Bobsled Pilot (Part 1)
Olympic dreams are usually built on highlight reels and podium shots. In Episode 140 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, “Shane Fisher – USA Bobsled Pilot (Part 1),” you meet the reality behind that picture: an elite athlete grinding in the shadows, building his mind as intentionally as his body, and working to lift up other underfunded Team USA athletes through the American Paragons Foundation.​
Episode 139: The Winning Edge with Morgan (Kane) Brons
Most athletes only learn mental toughness the hard way. In Episode 139 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, “The Winning Edge with Morgan (Kane) Brons,” you get a front-row seat to how one high-level athlete rewired her mindset—and why she’s now committed to helping the next generation do it sooner.​