Season 2: Episode 89: Coaching as a Career- Sitting Down with Bobby Ruff, Head Coach for the Liberty Red Devils

When people think of sports, they almost always think of playing as the only way to do it.

But it’s not.

I dated a girl once whose career dream was being an accountant for her favorite NFL team.

My 9yo son’s flag football coaches are high school varsity football players who dream of coaching as a career.

And my 15yo son, who also coaches a youth flag football team, is currently playing football for my guest Bobby Ruff, the head football coach at Liberty High School in SC.

If you’ve ever thought about coaching as a career or are just interested in the inside scoop on high school football, you gotta check this one out.

Bobby Ruff is a young man who’s already hit the pinnacle of his profession and found out exactly where he wants to be, and it wasn’t at that pinnacle.

A little background on Coach Ruff-

Coach Ruff brings a strong background in defensive leadership, player development, and program-building, with experience spanning high school and collegiate football. Most recently, he has served as Assistant Inside Linebackers Coach at Liberty University, including as part of the Flames’ coaching staff during the 2023 Fiesta Bowl against Oregon, where he has worked closely with defensive personnel, game planning, film breakdown, and recruiting at the Division I level.

Prior to his time at Liberty University, Coach Ruff served as Defensive Coordinator at Easley High School, where the program developed one of the most statistically successful defenses in the state, recorded its first playoff appearance and first winning season in 15 years, and developed multiple All-State players. His coaching experience also includes several roles at The Citadel, where he worked with linebackers, safeties, defensive line, and tight ends, contributing to nationally ranked rushing and defensive units.

“Coach Ruff is exactly the type of leader we were searching for,” said Johnny Garrett, principal of Liberty High School. “His experience, energy, and commitment to developing young men both on and off the field make him an excellent fit for Liberty High School and our community.”

Coach Ruff is a native of Charleston, South Carolina, and a graduate of Charleston Southern University, where he earned a degree in Public Relations and was a three-year starting linebacker, team captain, and All-Big South selection. His coaching philosophy emphasizes accountability, relationships, and creating a positive culture that supports academic success, character development, and competitive excellence.