Jeff Lebby aims for his Mississippi State program to embody qualities of enjoyment, resilience, competitiveness, and responsibility.
In his debut appearance at the 2024 SEC Media Days, Mississippi State football head coach Jeff Lebby outlined his vision for establishing a strong cultural foundation in Starkville. He emphasized the importance of clarity in expectations for his team and fostering a mindset that can sustain success over the long term.
Lebby highlighted four core values that form the bedrock of Mississippi State’s culture: enjoying the process, toughness, competitiveness, and accountability. He stressed the significance of players having fun despite the challenges of college football, aiming for them to have a fulfilling experience both on and off the field.
“We’ve emphasized four key principles within our program. We talk about having fun, displaying toughness, maintaining competitiveness, and practicing accountability,” Lebby explained, underscoring how these values are integrated into daily team activities.
Despite acknowledging the inherent difficulties of their rigorous schedule, which includes workouts, practices, academic commitments, and games, Lebby emphasized the importance of enjoyment in the players’ journey.
“We have young adults here who need to savor their college experience. It’s going to be tough, but I want everyone in our program to find joy in their efforts,” Lebby emphasized.
While advocating for a joyful approach, Lebby also stressed the importance of resilience and physical and mental toughness in preparing for the challenges ahead, noting the demanding nature of the SEC.
“Toughness is paramount. This conference thrives on grit and determination,” he stated, highlighting the need for resilience to thrive in competitive environments.
Furthermore, Lebby emphasized the significance of fostering a competitive spirit within the team, simulating game-like situations in all facets of their preparation to excel in the demanding SEC landscape.
“We aim to cultivate a competitive edge in every aspect of our program. This league demands it,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the intense competition they will face.
Finally, Lebby emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and mutual accountability among players and staff to uphold the team’s standards and achieve collective success.
“A culture of accountability is crucial, ensuring everyone is committed to each other’s success,” he affirmed.
Lebby concluded with optimism about building a winning culture at Mississippi State, recognizing the need for a fresh approach following the 2023 season.
