As the 2025 football season approaches, excitement is building in Chickasha, where longtime head coach Joe Molder returns for his 13th year at the helm of the Fighting Chicks. With over a decade of leadership, Molder has become a staple of the program, guiding players with a steady hand and a passion for growth on and off the field. VYPE wanted to get to know Coach Molder a little better.
VYPE: What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Molder: What I enjoy most about coaching is watching kids achieve goals they never thought were possible. Helping them understand that commitment and hard work not only lead to success on the field but also provide life skills they can carry with them forever. That’s what makes it all worth it to me. Seeing their growth, confidence, and belief in themselves is the most rewarding part of the job.
VYPE: What caused you to get into coaching?
Molder: I took an unconventional path to coaching. Before stepping onto the field, I spent eight years working in banking. But deep down, I always knew I wanted to coach. The impact my coaches had on my life and the lives of my teammates inspired me to pursue a career where I could have that same kind of influence.
VYPE: What have been some of the highlights of your coaching career?
Molder: The biggest highlights of my coaching career are the moments when former players reach out to share how I positively impacted their lives. Hearing from young men who may have struggled early on but have gone on to build successful careers and develop strong commitments to their responsibilities as adults means more to me than any win or championship. Knowing that I played a role in helping them grow not just as athletes, but as people, is what I’m most proud of.
VYPE: Who are some coaches that have impacted or influenced you or your career?
Molder: Coach Tim Reynolds, the head coach at Chickasha when I was a kid, greatly influenced me with his ability to motivate players to reach their full potential. Coach Tom Cobble, my high school coach, also played a key role. He gave me my first opportunity in coaching. His ability to adapt his approach to connect with different types of players taught me the importance of meeting each athlete where they are. Coach Yohance Brown instilled in me the mindset to “respect all and fear none.” Coach Matt Surber showed me how to approach life with a competitive spirit and never back down from a challenge. Coach Travis Oakley emphasized the importance of coaching with intensity but leading with love. Coach Jerry Bray gave me my first opportunity as a defensive coordinator. He helped me understand how to keep the game fun and enjoyable, even during difficult times. Each of these men has helped shape the coach I am today and I’m grateful for their lasting influence on my journey.
VYPE: Who are some college or professional coaches that you look up to if any?
Molder: It’s easy to point to legendary names like Coach Nick Saban, Coach Bill Belichick, and Coach Bob Stoops because of the impact they’ve had on the game. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for what they’ve accomplished. However, if I’m being honest, my experiences in high school football have had a far greater influence on me as a coach. The coaches I’ve worked with and learned from at that level have shaped my philosophy and approach to the game more than any professional figure ever could. Their day-to-day impact on players and communities is what truly inspires me.
