Jon Sumrall - ATDL

Jon Sumrall’s ATDL (Attitude Discipline and Love) Philosophy
Sumrall’s core coaching mantra is ATDL—four pillars chanted in huddles, flashed on stadium screens, and drilled into every drill. It’s his blueprint for turning teams into winners, blending grit with heart. Here’s the breakdown, straight from his playbook.

Attitude: The “Good” Flip and No-Bad-Vibes Rule
Attitude is everything—life’s only real disability is a bad one. Sumrall preaches reacting to frick-ups (turnovers, injuries, losses) with “Good!”—a nod to Navy SEAL Jocko Willink: If you can say “good,” you’re alive, breathing, and ready to reload. It’s 10% what happens, 90% your response. Builds unbreakable spirit: backups cheer starters, no egos. “Iron sharpens iron”—competition reveals character.

Toughness: Physical, Mental, Emotional Armor
Toughness hits from all angles: gutting out pain in the trenches, staying cool under fire, or bouncing back from heartbreak. Sumrall’s teams lead in defensive scores because they thrive in “controlled violence”—drills that forge relentless competitors. It’s not just hitting hard; it’s the will to keep swinging when you’re gassed. “Anybody afraid of competition? Good luck at life.” Turns underdogs into ranked killers.

Discipline: Accountability and Relentless Routine
Discipline is the glue—hard work, no shortcuts, owning your shite. Sumrall demands precision in prep, execution, and recovery; it’s why his squads rack up conference titles fast. Rooted in accountability: show up daily, grind the process, build habits that win games. “Relentless competitive spirit” isn’t hype—it’s structured fire, from film study to weight room reps. Excuses? Not here.

Love: Family Bonds Over Solo Glory
Love is the X-factor—real care for teammates, coaches, staff. It’s a “football family” where you bleed for each other, support through wins or wounds (like rallying around injured players). Sumrall weaves it in: post-win hugs, standing by guys in tough spots. Tough love, sure—brutal honesty sharpens—but it’s rooted in genuine investment. Builds loyalty that fuels comebacks and cultures that last.