An Interview with Vennom
By: Zachary Davis (@assuredfame)
Vennom spent eight seasons as an AD in the CFSL (two with Oregon, two with Michigan, and four with Florida). In that time he won 47 games, which is a number few ADs have ever reached. That is one of the reasons he will be remembered fondly now that he has announced his retirement.
I sat down with Vennom to talk about his AD career, what he will remember most, and what the future may hold.
Question: What are the most memorable moments from your AD career that you will always cherish?
Vennom: I think my most memorable moments were just the moments that I talked with everyone on the team in the locker rooms. Joking around and having a good time with the players on the team made the job more fun. A lot of people might say winning big games, etc., but you can’t do all that without engaging with your team, getting to know them, and enjoying their presence. I wanted to have a culture where people enjoyed playing for me and didn’t want to transfer whether we won a lot or not. I think I accomplished that.
Q: How do you think the AD landscape has evolved since you began your career?
Vennom: Since I started coaching back in Season 11… things have changed quite a bit. The level of these ADs grows every season, and with it comes new ideas and new rules. Innovation is at an all-time high, and I’m excited for the future of the league because all of these ADs are great at their jobs and only looking to improve.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring ADs/ coaches who are just starting in their careers?
Vennom: Advice I’d give to aspiring ADs or coaches is to put the time in and ask questions. If you’re going to sim, learn what to do and what to look for, and then ask questions whether it’s to your AD or coaches. Ask other ADs and coaches for their perspectives as well. I think with the ADs we have in the league now, the world of possibilities is wide open. They’re all willing to help each other get better, so don’t let that go to waste. Absorb all the knowledge you can, because not only will you be better for it, but you’ll have a higher chance of becoming a top coach or becoming an AD. If you just want to recruit the same can be said. You should learn how others are recruiting. Whether it’s voice calls, or using AI, the landscape has changed. Information and connections will get you a long way, and you can never have too many.
Q: Are there any particular players or teams that you’ve coached that have left a lasting impact on you? If so, why?
Vennom: My favorite team will always be Florida. Building up from the ground up and having most of the players I recruited stay with me from Seasons 16-19 was awesome and I appreciate all of them for helping me make Florida what it became my four seasons there.
Honestly, I’m going to shout out my other two teams as well. At Michigan, we had my most active team for sure with everyone getting hyped and involved when it came to games and post-game activities. That’s a locker room that helped me to define my AD career as well. It gave me basically what I’m known for in the league with my high-powered offenses. People started wanting to play for me, and I was really happy about that.
Oregon was my first team in the league. We were all bought in on Frosty’s vision, and when I took over I wanted to continue that success. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, but I learned a lot in my young career regardless and I think it helped me become a better AD because of the struggles I had early. I appreciate everything I’ve been through with every single player that’s played for me and believed in me.
Q: Looking back on your career, is there anything you would have done differently, or any regrets you have?
Vennom: I think you can always look back and wish you did something differently, but I feel like I made a positive impact on the teams I was AD for. Had some great teams over the seasons, and went out with a bang. Not much more I could ask for. Wish I won the Championship when I was close a few times, but I did my best. Being a minute away from a championship and not winning isn’t the ideal ending for me, but I did give it my all.
Q: Awesome! Any other statements you’d like to add?
Vennom: Who knows, maybe someday you’ll see AD Vennom again.
Vennom not only positively impacted his team, but the league as a whole. He will be missed as an AD, but he will still be around to talk trash in league chat. Best of luck on the next chapter in the league, Vennom.
