Coach Bobby Kennedy is Montana's 38th head football coach - he joins The Preferred Walk-On Show to talk about the opportunity to lead the Montana Grizzlies football program, the mentors who shaped his coaching philosophy, his front-row seat at the 2005 USC-Texas national championship, and why the Brawl of the Wild is unlike any rivalry in college football.
From Joe Glenn in Missoula to Mack Brown at Texas to Lou Tepper at Illinois, Kennedy's coaching tree runs through some of the most influential figures in the sport. He opens up about mental toughness, presence, and detail - and delivers honest advice to the walk-ons and under-recruited players chasing the dream.
In the opening conversation of our 2026 Summer Interview Series, Coach Kennedy discusses:
Why community and relationships are the engine of Montana football
Lessons from Joe Glenn, Mack Brown, and Lou Tepper that still shape his approach
Behind the scenes at the 2005 National Championship at the Rose Bowl
The leadership principle Kennedy teaches above all others: be present, be detailed
The electric game day atmosphere at Washington-Grizzly Stadium
The truth about the Brawl of the Wild from someone who's lived it
Real talk for walk-ons and under-recruited athletes
The Grizzly Quarterback Club and how the community fuels Montana football
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 — Welcome and intro: Coach Bobby Kennedy's journey in college football
02:44 — Community and relationships at the heart of Montana coaching culture
04:41 — Early influences that shaped Kennedy's coaching philosophy
05:47 — Mentorship under Coach Joe Glenn
07:58 — Lessons from Mack Brown and Lou Tepper
11:28 — Inside the 2005 USC vs. Texas National Championship
14:33 — The Rose Bowl and the weight of iconic venues 16:23 — Kennedy's core leadership lesson: be present, be detailed
18:32 — Game day inside Washington-Grizzly Stadium 20:02 — The pride and passion of the Brawl of the Wild 21:54 — Advice for young athletes and walk-ons chasing the dream
23:00 — Enjoying the journey and enjoying the ride
26:54 — Supporting Montana football: the Quarterback Club and community
29:06 — Closing thoughts
The Preferred Walk-On is the people's college football show. Hosted by Seth Saunders, with James Kehm joining as featured co-host, the show covers college football's full Division I landscape: every Power Four conference, every Group of Six matchup, and every corner of the FCS. Walk-On grit. All-American tape.
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