Welcome to the AU Coaches Corner, a weekly feature giving you an inside look into the staff and administration of the Aurora University Athletic Department. This week we feature Don Beebe, Head Coach of the Spartan Football program.

Name:  Don Beebe
Position: Head Football Coach
Years of Service at AU: 1
Alma Mater (Year): Chadron State
When did you first know that you wanted to be a coach/administrator? About 1/2 way through my professional career as a player.
What coach/administrator has had the biggest impact on your life? High School coach Joe Thorgesen and Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy.
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment as a coach/administrator?  I have two.  The first day I met the team which was Dec. 7th 2018 and I saw in their eyes that they just wanted to win.  It still motivates me today.  The second moment was halftime at St. John and seeing that look on their faces of a winner.  I knew then, we had arrived.  We lost a heartbreaker that day, but I knew then it had changed the course of AU football.  
What do you consider to be your most memorable moment as an athlete? I again have two.  The first pass that ever went my way as an NFL player went for a 63-yard TD against the Houston Oilers in the Astrodome. The 2nd moment was winning the Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 1997.  After losing 4 Super Bowls in a row with the Buffalo Bills it was extremely gratifying to final win one. 
If you could have any coach, past or present, as an assistant on your staff for one game, who would it be and why?  I already have him on my staff and that's my high school coach.  Without him I would have never choose to play football and for that I can never repay him.
How would you describe your game day demeanor?  Very calm.  I've learned to enjoy the moment.  They will be gone in a flash, so enjoy it while you can.
What advice would you give your athletes today if they want to become a coach/administrator someday?  I would say there is no better way to impact young lives then through sports.  It teaches so many life lessons.  And never make it about yourself, always make it about the team you coach.
Who is the most famous athlete you've ever met?. I have been blessed to meet many amazing athletes from Walter Payton to Michael Jordan but no one impressed me like Andre the Giant.  He was 7'4 and over 400lbs.  Everything about him was awesome to see in person and up close.  When he shook my hand it felt like he could crush it at any moment.  Kind of like me shaking an infants hand.  He was massive.
If you could coach/manage one professional team for one season, who would it be and why?  The Buffalo Bills.  It would be awesome to win a Super Bowl in Buffalo.  Those fans would go absolutely nuts.  Besides any professional team I would truly desire to coach the 2021 AU Spartans to the first ever National Title.  This would be my ultimate dream.  Especially with these guys.
What are some of your hobbies away from coaching/athletics?  Spending time with my wonderful family fishing.  Hands down my favorite thing to do.
If you weren't coaching/in athletics, what profession would you like to be part of?  ​I'm doing exactly what I've been called to do and what I love to do the most.  So, I have no desire to do anything but this.  

Sprint to the Finish - 
• Favorite food: A good steak
• Favorite TV show or movie:  Dances with wolves
• Favorite hobby: Fishing
• Favorite sports team: Buffalo Bills
• Pet peeve:  People that don't get things done
• Person I most admire: My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
• Person I'd most like to meet:  Same as above
• Rather ride or drive?  Drive
• Salad or dessert:  Salad
• Dream vacation spot:  The farther the north I can get on an awesome fishing lake or Alaska
• Early morning or late-night?  Hands down early morning