Q&A: Former NFL QB Kordell Stewart on becoming a high school OC

Teddy Bridgewater. Carson Palmer. Phillip Rivers. Tim and Matt Hasslebeck. What do all these former NFL quarterbacks have in common?

They’re all currently coaching high school football and last week, another former starting NFL signal caller joined the ranks as a coach.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Kordell Stewart, dubbed as “Slash” back during his playing days, has recently joined the South Forsyth War Eagles (Georgia) coaching staff as a volunteer offensive coordinator under head coach James Thomson.

Stewart has a bevy of accolades from his playing days starting at John Ehret High School (Louisiana) and after it, including being inducted into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. During his time with the Steelers from 1995-2002, Stewart led Pittsburgh to the AFC Championship Game in 2001 and earned a Pro Bowl nod that season.

Now Stewart is tasked with assisting Thomson on helping turnaround a South Forsyth football program that has won three games in the last two years. The former University of Colorado star has already hit the ground running and already seen improvement in his short time with the team already.

On3 caught up with Stewart Tuesday evening to talk about him coaching up the War Eagles’ offense and what people can expect with him on the staff dialing up the plays offensively.

On3: How did this partnership come about with you becoming South Forsyth’s offensive coordinator?

Kordell Stewart: I met coach Thomson like three or four years ago and we were at a coaching clinic. I think he saw I was over at North Atlanta doing some coaching work. I remember being in the meeting room at North Atlanta and really liking what (Thomson) was doing offensively. With all the motions and how they ran their offense, I thought they did a nice job. I had our own coaches asking me if I didn’t like what we were doing and was like nah, we have a great offense. But I said (that offense) is special. I think he was at Tucker and then he went to USF. (Thomson) had texted me about my son. He then leaves USF and het gets the opportunity at South Forsyth and asked me ‘Hey Kordell, what do you think about joining me as a play caller?’ I said I’d join as a volunteer coach. I ended up coming to the conclusion like, what the heck, I love the game. It’s a safe space for me and doing things that I know. It’s really been fun.

On3: What are some things folks can expect out of the South Forsyth offense this fall?

Kordell Stewart: It’s going to be exciting. It’s to be exotic. It is going to make defenses have to think. Defenses always have different calls. I think what you’ll see from us offensively, we will be moving different then what people have seen.

On3: Who do you feel like inspired you the most when it comes to coaching?

Kordell Stewart: I would say a combination of all of (the coaches Stewart has played for). Chan Gailey was the best. Les Steckel was my quarterbacks coach in 1992. Coach (Bill) Cowher, Mike Mularkey to Ray Sherman, they all have something to do with what I’m doing. I try to mix all of that in along with a little tough love. This is the harsh reality in the last two years, you’ve only won three games. Think of it this way, if I’m speaking to you, when I do say something to you, it resonates with you. I am really am conscious of what I say, it’s intentional with the players. It’s about the what, how and why. If you can get the what and how and get to understand the why, you can really make things happen. If you can’t get the what and the how, we’re in big trouble. If you teach them the right way, the more joy you get from teaching them.

On3: Have you gotten a chance to talk with coach Bill Cowher or any other coaches you played under about this opportunity?

Kordell Stewart: I’ve just allowed it to be what it is. I’m sure if I needed to talk to (Bill Cowher), I could. My high school coach Billy North said to send him the clip from the first time when I throw my cap on the ground. (North) has just been trying to get me prepared for the headaches. There is headaches, but they are healthy headaches. Those who I thought would be excited for me and this opportunity are the ones I’ve reached out to.

On3: Do you feel like with the wave of former NFL quarterbacks joining the coaching ranks kind of gave you the itch to try and coach?

Kordell Stewart: Sure. I think seeing it over time, subconsciously you say, yeah that’s cool. In watching the guys like Teddy Bridgewater to Trent Dilfer and others. It’s a great space and a lot of the kids need it. The kids are appreciative of it where I’m at. It gives you the indicators to say yeah, let’s try that. Its been a blast to see the kids develop and ask the right questions.

On3: What are your goals for the team this upcoming season?

Kordell Stewart: We just want to get better every day. Coach (Thomson) and coach Beau to all the coaches on the staff. Everyone, just wanting to see these kids have the confidence that they can do it. There’s a lot of insecurities there. You just got to help them psychologically and continue to say ‘We’re good, we’re good.’ For me, I sincerely want the kids to do a little better job from the last couple years for them, not for me. It just creates that environment that permeates throughout the community. It’s not about me. It’s about the kids and all the hard work they put in.