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Thomas Stallworth: Strength Coach
Thomas Stallworth II, a passionate sports enthusiast, has achieved a significant milestone in his career by becoming the head strength and conditioning coach for the Atlanta Falcons, a team he has cheered for since childhood. His journey from a fan to a key member of the Falcons organization is marked by determination, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.1
Early Influences and Career Beginnings
Growing up in Atlanta, Thomas was surrounded by a family deeply rooted in sports. His father’s love for baseball and his grandfather’s fandom instilled in him a lifelong passion for athletics.
Despite initially considering a career in civil engineering, Thomas’s collegiate football experience at the University of Tennessee steered him towards sports management. Inspired by his mentor, Roderick Moore, Jr., Thomas embarked on a career in strength and conditioning coaching.
Rising Through the Ranks
Thomas’s career trajectory saw him excel at various collegiate programs, including South Carolina State, Fresno State, and Mississippi State.
His tenure at Mississippi State served as a turning point, motivating him to pursue further education to distinguish himself in the competitive field. Despite facing challenges balancing work, family, and education, Thomas remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence.
Personal and Professional Growth
- With the support of his family and fraternity, Thomas completed his Doctor of Psychology with a specialization in sport and performance psychology from UAGC.
- His unwavering determination and perseverance culminated in his appointment as the head strength and conditioning coach for the Atlanta Falcons, fulfilling a childhood dream and solidifying his position as a leader in his field.
- Thomas Stallworth II’s journey from a sports-loving child to a respected coach for the Atlanta Falcons exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and education.
- His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and professionals alike, reminding them that with dedication and hard work, dreams can indeed become a reality.
Thomas Stallworth Named Strength and Conditioning Coach
- The Atlanta Falcons have announced the addition of Thomas Stallworth to their staff as the new strength and conditioning coach. Stallworth brings a wealth of experience, having spent three seasons with the New York Giants as an assistant strength and conditioning coach from 2018 to 2020.
- Prior to his time with the Giants, Stallworth served as the head strength and conditioning coach for the football program at Western Kentucky University in 2017.
- He has also worked at various other universities, including Fresno State, Texas Tech, and North Carolina State, as well as Mississippi State, where he contributed to the team’s success, including a No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press poll in 2014.
- Stallworth’s playing experience as a linebacker at the University of Tennessee, where he was part of the 1998 national championship team, coupled with his educational background in sports management and sports administration, make him a valuable addition to the Falcons’ coaching staff.
Brian Griffin Named Director of Coaching Operations
- The Falcons have also named Brian Griffin as their new director of coaching operations. Griffin comes to Atlanta with a diverse background in athletic administration and development. Most recently, he served as the Director of Football at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he oversaw all aspects of the football program.
- Prior to that, Griffin held positions at St. John’s College High School in Washington, DC, and IMG Performance in Bradenton, Florida, as well as at Under Armour.
- With a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in sports leadership from Duquesne University, and certification as a performance training coach, Griffin brings a strong academic foundation and extensive experience in athletic management to his new role with the Falcons.
Background and Qualifications
- Stallworth, a former collegiate athlete himself, holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management and a master’s degree in sports administration.
- He is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in sport psychology and sports science. Griffin, a standout linebacker during his college years, earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in sports leadership.
- Both Stallworth and Griffin possess the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance the performance and development of Falcons players.
- By adding Stallworth and Griffin to their coaching staff, the Atlanta Falcons demonstrate their commitment to assembling a talented and experienced team capable of achieving success on and off the field.
Performance Evaluation of Atlanta Falcons by NFLPA
Positive Highlights
- Arthur Blank’s Performance: Falcons owner Arthur Blank received high praise with an A- grade, positioning him at No. 9 in the league.
- Training and Nutrition Staff: Atlanta’s training and nutritional/dietician staffs also performed well with A- grades, ranking in the top five in the league.
Areas of Concern
- Locker Room Atmosphere: The Falcons received an F grade for their locker room, ranking No. 29 league-wide.
- Weight Room Conditions: Similarly, Atlanta received an F grade for their weight room, ranking No. 31 in the league.
- Strength Coaches’ Performance: The strength coaches, particularly head strength and conditioning coach Thomas Stallworth, received an F- grade. Stallworth was not retained on the new coaching staff under Raheem Morris.
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Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses
The positive grades reflect well on the organizational leadership and the efforts put into training and nutrition. However, the poor grades in locker room atmosphere, weight room conditions, and strength coaching highlight significant areas of concern within the Falcons organization. It is evident that improvements are needed to foster a more positive and productive environment for players.2
Thomas Stallworth: Coach Experience
Biography
Thomas Stallworth is a football coach in the National Football League (NFL) and has been the strength and conditioning coach for the Atlanta Falcons since 2021. During this time period, the Falcons compiled a 21-30-0 record.
Coaching Record
| Years Coached | Record | Win % | Playoff record | Playoff win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 36-63-0 | 36.36% | 0-0 | 0.00% |
History
| Year | Position | Record | Playoff record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Atlanta Falcons | 7-10-0 | 0-0 |
| 2022 | Atlanta Falcons | 7-10-0 | 0-0 |
| 2021 | Atlanta Falcons | 7-10-0 | 0-0 |
| 2020 | New York Giants | 6-10-0 | 0-0 |
| 2019 | New York Giants | 4-12-0 | 0-0 |
| 2018 | New York Giants | 5-11-0 | 0-0 |
Professional Experience
Thomas Stallworth brings extensive experience in strength and conditioning to his role as the new head football strength and conditioning coach for the Fresno State Bulldog football team, hired by head coach Tim DeRuyter on April 20, 2016.3
Professional Background:
Stallworth has accumulated over a decade of experience in strength and conditioning, with previous positions in various conferences including the ACC, Big 12, and SEC. He most recently served as the associate director of strength and conditioning for the Texas Tech football team.
Previous Coaching Roles:
Prior to his tenure at Texas Tech, Stallworth held leadership positions at South Carolina State and Grambling State, where he led the strength and conditioning programs for nearly eight years. He then transitioned to Power 5 football as an assistant strength coach for Mississippi State in 2012.
Achievements at Mississippi State:
During his time at Mississippi State, Stallworth worked under Dan Mullen and contributed to the team’s success, including their historic 2014 season. This season saw the team achieve a No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press poll and secure their first Orange Bowl berth since 1941, with standout performances from players like Dak Prescott.
Transition to Fresno State:
After three seasons at Mississippi State, Stallworth briefly worked at North Carolina State before joining the Red Raiders football staff in January 2016. He then assumed his current role as head football strength and conditioning coach for the Fresno State Bulldogs.
Education and Affiliations:
Stallworth is committed to furthering his education, currently pursuing a doctorate in sports psychology and sports science at the University of the Rockies. He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee, where he also played football. Additionally, he is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Coaching Experience Summary:
- 2016: Texas Tech – Associate Director of Strength & Conditioning
- 2015-16: North Carolina State – Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
- 2012-15: Mississippi State – Associate Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
- 2008-11: Grambling State – Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
Tyler Thomas and Jayla Stallworth – way to represent Pebblebrook the right way! These two were selected by the Georgia Positive Athlete Organization to speak to the Lindley 6th Grade Academy students. #Grades #Nutrition #Exercise #Leadership #Brook pic.twitter.com/aHYIGaxY2f
— Pebblebrook Football (@BrookSquadFB) December 1, 2017
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Background and Experience
Thomas Stallworth has an extensive background as a strength and conditioning coach, having worked with various NFL franchises such as the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Giants.
He also served as the head strength and conditioning coach at Western Kentucky University and has worked at other universities including Fresno State, Texas Tech, and North Carolina State. Stallworth’s coaching career followed his time as a linebacker at the University of Tennessee.4
Academic Achievements
Stallworth holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in sports administration, and a doctorate in sports psychology and sports science from the University of the Rockies. His academic achievements contribute to his expertise in athlete conditioning.
NFLPA Report Ratings
Despite Stallworth’s experience and education, the Falcons received a low grade in strength and conditioning in the NFLPA report. Stallworth received criticism from players, resulting in the lowest rating for a strength coach in the league. As a result, the Falcons decided not to retain Stallworth for the next NFL season.
Replacement by John Griffin
Following the poor ratings from the NFLPA report, head coach Raheem Morris replaced Stallworth with John Griffin, who previously worked as the associate director of strength and conditioning for the Los Angeles Rams. Griffin’s hiring reflects the Falcons’ commitment to improving their strength and conditioning program after receiving low ratings under Stallworth’s leadership.
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