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Podcast Episode

38. Coach Talk: Utah OC Kevin McGiven on Why Adaptability Is Everything in College Football

Athlete Country Club··1 August 2026·55 min

About this episode

Kevin McGiven, Offensive Coordinator for the Utah Utes, joins Athlete Country Club to discuss why adaptability has become one of the most important skills in modern college sports. McGiven shares insights from decades of coaching experience, breaking down how quarterbacks must learn to process the game faster, adapt to new offensive systems, and navigate the constant changes that come with today’s transfer portal era. The conversation covers quarterback development, football IQ, learning different coaching “languages,” surviving coaching changes, and what separates quarterbacks who can simply throw the ball from those who can truly command an offense. Former Division 1 quarterback Marcus McMaryion also reflects on his journey playing under McGiven at Oregon State before transferring to Fresno State, where he became one of the most successful quarterbacks in program history. Together, they discuss the mental side of playing quarterback, preparation, processing speed, leadership, recruiting, and why the players who last the longest are often the most adaptable. Instagram: https://instagram.com/athletecountryclub TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@athletecountryclub YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleteCountryClubBusiness Inquiries: info@athletecountryclub.com