NFL head coaches are a small fraternity. Considering there are only 31 other people in the world who currently have their job, there is a need to be a tight-knit group. Moreover, being a head coach at the highest level of the sport requires the amalgamation of many jobs.
First, they need the ability to communicate on whatever side of the ball they are better versed in. Next, the installation of game plans must cross their desk before the team sees it. Lastly, they need the ability to inspire and motivate their players. A league insider discusses how one man has become the go-to advisor for many coaches.
Peter Schrager Discusses Relationship Between Head Coaches and One Advisor
In many respects, the old-school approach to the NFL still exists. However, over time, new methods become commonplace. ESPN NFL insider Peter Schrager recently discussed the work of a motivational speaker.
“Liam (Coen, Jaguars head coach) works with a guy named Jon Gordon,” Schrager said. “He’s a motivational speaker. He’s also a guy who’s a connector and is a man of faith. Kevin O’Connell, Sean McVay… all these guys. It’s almost like he’s their Svengali, if you will.”
For context, a “Svengali” is a mastermind who influences others, a term taken from the 1894 book Trilby by George du Maurier. In essence, Schrager believes Gordon is motivating the coaches to become better leaders and communicators.
Schrager added, “They go to him in the offseason, ‘Hey, I want to put together my thoughts, my visions,’ and he puts together, basically, what is your vision board for your team, when you come in to him, you tell him what we want to be, how do we want to, and Liam spent a lot of time with John Gordon.”
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Returning to the “Svengali” reference, Schrager reaffirmed it, saying, “Svengali, a shaman, if you will.”
After getting recognized by Schrager, Gordon shared his response on X and said, “My phone started blowing up! Athletes, coaches, and business leaders are sending me pictures from the @PatMcAfeeShow on ESPN, saying Pat and @pschrager are talking about me right now. What!? How!?”
“I didn’t watch the segment until later that night,” he added. “Turns out they were wondering what’s it like to coach the coaches and who’s the guy that does it. I’m not going to lie. It was cool that they were sharing what I’ve been doing for 20 years, mostly behind the scenes, helping public leaders with meaningful private conversations.”
Gordon continued, “I can’t share what is said during those meetings but I can share the methodology and process behind them. Pat said he wants to get me on the show and I would definitely join him to share how it all works!”
My phone started blowing up!
Athletes, coaches, business leaders sending me pictures from the @PatMcAfeeShow on espn saying Pat and @pschrager are talking about me right now. What!? How!?
I didn’t watch the segment until later that night. Turns out they were wondering what’s… pic.twitter.com/u2x5LtVKkU
— Jon Gordon (@JonGordon11) August 2, 2026
According to his X profile, the fast-food chain In-N-Out and the computer manufacturer Dell are among his clients.
In his first year at the helm of the Jaguars, Coen led Jacksonville to a 13-4 record, boasting a strong offense that averaged 27.9 points per game. According to PFN’s Offense Impact Metric, the Jaguars’ offense posted an impact score of 78.7, ranking 10th in the league last year.
In four seasons in Minnesota, O’Connell sports a record of 43-25 and is considered one of the best head coaches in the NFL.
Meanwhile, McVay will enter his 10th NFL season as head coach, with a record of 92-57. That includes two Super Bowl appearances and one championship victory. How Gordon’s words inspire the coaches this season remains to be seen.
