Matt Mammone
April 9, 2021
Mike Landers
The Marauder football team has a new head coach in Mike Landers, former head football coach at Mount Ida College in Newton. As an unprecedented second fall season is underway, the Mirror caught up with Landers for a Q&A session.
Mirror: Where are you from, originally?
Landers: Brockton.
M: Where did you go to high school?
L: Brockton High School.
M: Where did you go to college? What was your major?
L: I started my college career at Georgia Tech, where I was a starter as a true freshman walk-on on the football team. I majored in engineering. After a career ending injury, I transferred home to Bridgewater State and graduated with a degree in communications. While I was completing my degree, I was also coaching at Stonehill College.
M: What inspired you to become a coach?
L: After I got injured and could no longer play, I came back home to Brockton. I was stuck in a rut and hanging out. My Dad recognized that I was traveling down a bad path and suggested that I volunteer to coach at Stonehill College. I knew after the first practice that this was what I was supposed to do with my life.
M: What do you like most about coaching?
L: Being part of a process that builds relationships based on trust and love and experiencing the progression of building that culture.
M: What sets you apart from other coaches?
L: My love for the game and the players I have the opportunity to coach, combined with my football education based on analytics.
M: What is your best coaching memory?
L: It is not so much about the memories but rather about the relationships.
M: What is the most important aspect of coaching in your mind?
L: Building culture.
M: Thoughts on coming in during a shortened season?
L: There are many challenges coming into a shortened season coupled with Covid restrictions. The goal has always been to get better everyday and see how far we could progress.
M: How do you feel about the future of the program?
L: The program is going to be young over the next two years. The key to the success of the program will be the leadership from the now sophomore and junior class and the progression of a big and talented freshman group.
M: What do you like most about Dedham, so far?
L: The kids!
M: What are your hobbies (other than football)?
L: Spending my free time with my family and friends.
M: Favorite movie?
L: It's a toss up between The Departed and Pulp Fiction.
M: Favorite Boston sports team?
L: Red Sox.
M: Favorite athlete of all-time?
L: Bo Jackson.
M: Favorite coach of all-time?
L: My dad.
M: Will Tom Brady win another Super Bowl?
L: If he is going to, this would be the year.
M: How do you take your coffee?
L: Regular (cream and sugar) with a couple of ice cubes.
M: Dunks or Starbucks?
L: Dunks.
M: Finally, what is your favorite quote?
L: "Life is not a dress rehearsal."
Meet the Writer!
Matt Mammone, Class of 2021, is a first-year sports reporter for the Dedham Mirror. He plays football for the Dedham Marauders and was junior captain of the wrestling team. When he's not competing, Matt enjoys watching sports and hanging out with friends.
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