Occupation: Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Baseball Coach at LSU
Wife: Erika Jordan
Children: Jaxson, 9, and Lillian, 7
Hobbies: Being at home with family, fishing, watching movies
Being an assistant coach has taught Josh Jordan a lot more than just baseball; it has also taught him about how he can be the best father for his children. As a coach, he has learned important values that he can bring home to his family and all about the perfect way to parent (hint: there is no perfect way!). As a dad with a busy coaching schedule, Josh ensures he is fully present in each moment he gets with his wife and kids, whether that be during dinnertime or at their favorite place, the beach. He also tries his hardest to be the cool dad, though he knows that may not last long. No matter what he does or what jokes he cracks, Josh makes sure to be patient, and he encourages young parents to do the same.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
JOSH: I’m an early riser because I feel like it’s important for me to be present when I am home, so I wake up around 4 a.m. I typically try to do office/admin stuff from 4:15-6:30, then my wife and kids are up at 6:30. I start the day with them, the kids depart for school around 7:15, and I go to Alex Box Stadium. I’m there until I head home at night, normally on any regular day, if we don’t have a game, I’m home around 6:30. Then, I have two hours to help the kids wrap up the day and be present for dinner. From there I start taking and making recruiting calls for prospective student athletes from 8:30-10. After that I go to bed and do it all over again the next day.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE JOYS AND CHALLENGES OF RAISING YOUR CHILDREN?
JOSH: The joys are when we do have time together, but the biggest joy is watching them grow up and see what a great job my wife has done. Because of my job as a coach, I feel like she’s basically a single mom and like there’s not enough time for me to do what I need to do and be there for them. Anything our kids do well, my wife deserves the credit, not me.
My son is playing baseball, and my daughter just started playing softball. I enjoy watching them do sports, though there is a lot of pressure as a coach’s kid. I always joke and say, “I don’t care what they do, as long as it doesn’t land them in jail!” So, we don’t push athletics in our families because I want them to genuinely enjoy whatever they are participating in.
As far as challenges go, it’s hard missing certain things like baseball and softball games and school field trips. That being said, I think my personal challenge is that when I am home I make myself be present and not be on my phone or taking a call.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A DAD?
JOSH: My wife always says I’m the fun one. She has the responsibility of being the one that’s there full time, so she often bears the burden of disciplining, but that doesn’t mean I don’t discipline them when I have to. I do think I am a loving dad, and I make sure they know I love them, and that just because I’m not there all the time doesn’t mean I love them any less.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO AS A FAMILY?
JOSH: When there are no obligations with sports, we really love beach trips. We take trips when we can because it’s a great way for everyone to disconnect.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A DAD?
JOSH: I joke and say that I have an audience, and by that I mean that I enjoy having fun with my kids because as a coach you feel like a lot of times you’re always an authoritative figure. I spend more time being silly and younger with my kids versus with our players, who are never going to think I’m cool. I still have a shot with being cool to my kids, but once they become teenagers I’m sure that’s going to change.
WHAT HAS PARENTHOOD TAUGHT YOU?
JOSH: Patience! As a young coach with my own schedule, I could dictate my day with routines, but when you start having kids you learn quickly that you need to be adjustable despite your schedule. I’m more patient now that I have kids than I was as a young coach and young adult. When I got into coaching, I wasn’t that patient as a coach.
Parenthood has also taught me empathy, which helps me with our players because you start to understand that’s someone’s son. You coach them hard and want them to perfect their craft, but at the same time there is a level of empathy so you understand there is a different way to go about times when they don’t do well.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU HOPE TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN?
JOSH: Again, patience and empathy. I think there is a lack of empathy in our society and a lack of patience with others. It doesn’t mean we always have to agree; thoughts, feelings, and beliefs can evolve over time, but I hope I can model those things for my children and see them in myself. I always try to react well when things don’t go well, and I’m always mindful of those situations because my children are getting to that age where they understand when something is wrong. I want to teach them that, when things don’t go well in their life, they should have a strong face and be confident in what they are doing still.
HOW DO YOU TACKLE ANY CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS A DAD?
JOSH: I slow down. Inherently, I am an emotional person, so with any challenges that come up I try to take a deep breath and say, “okay, what is the situation, and will it matter tomorrow at this time?” That mindset helps you pick your battles and understand how to react to situations. It also teaches your children that things may not go the way you want them to, but you have to slow down and figure it out.
WHAT IS A PARENTING MYTH YOU WANT TO DEBUNK?
JOSH: There is no perfect parenting model. I’m fortunate to have a coach’s perspective of this because on our roster we have a diverse group of individuals. You look at the roster and realize there is no perfect parenting style because they all come from different backgrounds. I’m quick to tell young coaches that you know your children better than anyone else, so trust your instincts. God blessed us with maternal and paternal instincts. You have to trust those instincts and understand you will make a mistake. I tell our players that we aren’t striving for perfection, but we are striving for excellence. If you take that approach to parenting, you’ll find yourself in a positive situation more often than not.
WHAT PERSONALITY TRAIT OF YOURS DO YOUR CHILDREN ALSO HAVE?
JOSH: It’s different for each one! My son has my silliness and sense of humor, and my daughter has my temper. She’s pretty strong willed, too, which I’m excited about as a girl dad.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS?
JOSH: My advice is you’re not going to do this perfectly, and understand that a lot of what I do as a parent is something I learned from other parents as a coach. Our players are a reflection of their parents. Parenting plays a role in recruiting as well, as we consider how the young man will be as a 21 or 22 year old. I’m always quick to point out the parents have done a good job with our players every time we are complimented on how they handle themselves. That’s why I’m always thinking about how I have to grow as a parent; parents have to evolve, grow, and adapt and be lifelong learners just like their children.
Quick Q&A
My favorite TV show is…Friends.
My favorite dessert is…ice cream.
My favorite food is…barbeque.
My favorite holiday is…July 4th.
My guilty pleasure is…soft drinks.
The first thing I do when I wake up is…make coffee.
I’m always laughing at…Twitter.
My dream travel spot is…Hawaii.
