Dueling Strength & Conditioning Coaches
Two strength coaches unite to share the journeys that shaped their careers. Through candid discussions, they explain a wide range of topics—from daily strategies to the pivotal moments that defined their paths. With a commitment to giving back to the profession, they aim to provide valuable insights, lessons, and inspiration for their fellow coaches.
Coach Savage is entering his fourth season as the Director of Strength and Conditioning for the Ole Miss Football team and his 12th season coaching in the SEC. A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Coach Savage began his coaching journey at his alma mater, Boardman High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Youngstown State University before starting his collegiate coaching career in January 2013 as a Strength and Conditioning Intern at Bowling Green State University. Following a brief four-month stint at Bowling Green, he joined Ohio State University as a Strength and Conditioning Intern in May 2013, where he remained through the football season. In January 2014, Coach Savage transitioned to a Graduate Assistant role at the University of Toledo, where he earned a master’s degree in Recreation Administration. Coach Savage's first full-time position came in May 2014 when he joined Mississippi State University as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach. His dedication and leadership were quickly recognized, and he was promoted to Interim Director of Strength and Conditioning in December 2015 through the team's bowl game. By January 2016, he was elevated to the full-time Director of Strength and Conditioning role for the football team. He served at Mississippi State for over three years, from May 2014 to December 2017. In January 2018, Coach Savage accepted the same role at the University of Florida, where he served until December 2021. Since January 2022, Coach Savage has been an integral part of Coach Lane Kiffin's staff at Ole Miss, continuing to bring his expertise and energy to the Rebels football program. Coach Savage and his wife, Gianna, are proud parents to four children: Lincoln, Steel, Rogue, and Senna.
