On Assignment | Gridiron Men | 225

I don’t know about y’all, but I hardly ever think of what football players do once their careers come to a close. However, I was not surprised to learn that many of them turn to coaching and shaping football players of the future.

As someone who does not shoot many sports, though I adore sports shooting, I had a great time on this two-fold assignment, attending a Southern University football practice to photograph head coach Stump Mitchell, then heading out to Ascension Christian High School in Gonzales, La. to photograph head coach Brian Kinchen. Both men played in the NFL, and both men are now coaching football after their playing years have waned.

It was fascinating seeing both on the field with their teams, watching their interactions and getting a feel for their coaching styles from afar.

Ex-NFL star Stump Mitchell coaches football at Southern University and works with the team on Tuesday, September 13, 2011. Mitchell came to Baton Rouge in 2010 to coach the Jaguars. (Photo by Erin Parker / 225)

Ex-NFL star Brian Kinchen coaches football at Ascension Christian High School in Gonzales, La. and works with the team on Wednesday, September 14, 2011. Kinchen joined the staff last year and wants to help build the football program at the private school. (Photo by Erin Parker / 225)

To read more about Stump, Brian and other ex-NFLers who have taken up coaching in the Baton Rouge area, check out the story in 225 here.