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Inside CdM Football with Coach Hettig

The Sea Kings’ head coach breaks down league realignment, player development, and goals for the 2025 season.

0:00 – Meet Coach Hettig
Corona del Mar Head Coach Kevin Hettig joins the show to talk Sea Kings football, league changes, and what’s ahead for 2025.

0:20 – Agenda Breakdown
Kevin and Moe lay out the topics, starting with Hettig’s thoughts on the new league structure.

0:50 – Sunset League No More
Coach shares his take on the breakup of the Sunset League and the new Bravo League—explaining the geographic downsides but competitive upsides.

2:20 – Which League Fits Best?
Hettig offers his preference and why Bravo brings out the best in teams week after week.

3:30 – Competing Against the Best
The pros and cons of playing a stacked schedule—and how to stay healthy deep into the season.

4:50 – Transfer Rules Today
Coach explains how transfers work, who handles them, and why transparency is key to avoiding penalties.

6:30 – The Culture Impact
Why Hettig believes today’s transfer culture is hurting high school football—and what’s been lost along the way.

7:15 – NIL’s Role in High School Sports
Coach weighs in on how college NIL rules are trickling down—and creating challenges for coaches and programs.

8:10 – Future of NIL & Athlete Compensation
What NIL means for player loyalty, locker rooms, and long-term change.

10:20 – Coaching Roots
Growing up as a coach’s son, Hettig shares the values he learned and how they shape his philosophy today.

10:50 – Player Connection is Everything
Why building relationships and making each player feel valued is at the core of Hettig’s coaching style.

11:40 – Season Expectations
A detailed look at the team’s offseason focus, and why accountability is at the center of their identity.

12:55 – New Strength Coach, New Energy
The addition of Chad Wesley Smith to the program has sparked fresh energy and a focus on power and unity.

13:20 – Chemistry and Buy-In
From team bonding to weight room work, the players are fully embracing the new direction.

17:00 – New Coaching Additions
Coach Brown (QBs), Coach Jeff (DBs), and a new WR coach join the fold—each bringing something unique to the table.

19:00 – Schedule Shakeups
Santa Barbara joins as a home-and-home. Palos Verdes drops off. Green Mountain (Colorado) enters the mix.

21:45 – Battle of the Bay
Hettig talks history, energy, and the potential return to Orange Coast College—home of the rivalry’s biggest moments.

22:30 – The Jack Elliott Character Award
Named after a special community figure, this honor goes to the player who best embodies heart, grit, and character.

24:45 – Community Support & Fundraisers
A look ahead at golf tournaments and ways families are helping sustain the program.

25:50 – Freshman Outlook & Coastal Challenges
High hopes for the lower levels, even with a limited pool of local athletes.

28:50 – Alumni Relationships
The bond between CdM football and its past players runs deep—and continues to inspire today’s team.

30:00 – Final Thoughts
Coach Hettig wraps up with his excitement for the season and what’s next for Sea Kings football.

Special Thanks

Thank you to Coach Kevin Hettig for sharing his insights and vision for CdM Football. And a big shoutout to the players, families, and fans of Sea Kings for keeping the Sunset Rewind community strong.