Shatel: From Bordeaux, France to Nebraska, Dana Holgorsen’s Mission Is to Always Learn More
Dana Holgorsen, the head football coach at the University of Houston, has always approached the game with an unrelenting desire to learn and evolve. As a coach with a diverse background that spans across multiple programs and regions, Holgorsen’s journey is as much about personal growth as it is about winning games.
Holgorsen’s career path is anything but traditional. It spans different levels of college football and takes him from the football fields of the United States to the coaching circuits in Bordeaux, France, where his mission of continual improvement began to shape his philosophy. Through these various experiences, Holgorsen developed a deep understanding of the game, learning not only from his successes but also from his challenges and the people he met along the way.
From Bordeaux, France to Nebraska: A Unique Journey
Holgorsen’s international experience in Bordeaux, France, is a testament to his commitment to expanding his football knowledge. Coaching abroad, especially in a place where American football isn’t the dominant sport, forced him to think differently about the game. While coaching in France, he was exposed to new coaching methods, player perspectives, and strategies that were not as common in the American football culture he had grown up in.
“Being in a foreign country really opened my eyes to the differences in the way the game can be taught,” Holgorsen said in a recent interview. “It challenged me to think beyond the conventional methods that I was used to. It was a valuable learning experience and helped shape my coaching style.”
After his time abroad, Holgorsen returned to the United States, where his career truly began to take off. He landed in Nebraska, first as a coach and later as the offensive coordinator, where he honed his skills in a more traditional American football environment. Nebraska’s storied football program provided him with a platform to work with some of the best players and coaches in the nation, which further deepened his understanding of the game.
Holgorsen’s Philosophy: Always Learn More
Holgorsen’s philosophy as a coach revolves around a core belief: the game is always evolving, and so should the coach. No matter how much success he’s had or how many challenges he’s overcome, Holgorsen has always strived to learn more. Whether it’s improving his playcalling, studying new trends in offense, or understanding how to motivate his players, he is constantly looking for ways to grow.
In an era where football is increasingly reliant on advanced analytics, Holgorsen has embraced technology and data, understanding that these tools can give teams an edge. At the same time, he continues to value the importance of leadership and building strong relationships with his players, something he learned early in his coaching career.
“I’ve always believed that the key to success is learning—whether it’s learning from my players, my staff, or from watching the game itself,” Holgorsen said. “There’s no finish line in coaching. The game never stays the same, so neither can I.”
Impact at Houston and the Future
Now at the helm of the University of Houston’s football program, Holgorsen brings this ever-evolving mindset with him. His offensive innovations and ability to recruit top talent have already made an impact, and his team’s performance on the field reflects his continuous learning approach.
As Holgorsen looks ahead, he remains dedicated to expanding his knowledge. With his experience in places like Bordeaux and Nebraska, along with his extensive background in college football, he is uniquely positioned to guide the University of Houston toward success. His mission, however, remains simple—never stop learning, because as Holgorsen has proven throughout his career, there is always more to discover, both in football and in life.
From Bordeaux to Nebraska to Houston, Dana Holgorsen’s journey exemplifies how embracing learning, evolving, and adapting is the true key to success, both on the field and beyond.
