“The best and most passionate kicking coach I’ve ever seen”
— Phil Bennett, Baylor
From an early morning field under Texas skies to the bright lights of NFL stadiums, Rocky Willingham has walked alongside countless kickers and punters in their journey from hopefuls to champions. Known as one of the premier kicking and punting coaches in the country, Rocky has helped athletes at the high school, collegiate, and NFL levels find their way to greatness. His coaching is rooted in one simple belief: every athlete deserves the chance to be their absolute best, and every skill—no matter how small—deserves absolute attention.
Rocky's journey began with a passion for the details that often go unnoticed, a commitment to perfecting technique, and a love for the rhythm of the game. His career as a coach spans over two decades, from his time as a defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator to becoming a sought-after kicking specialist. His name has become synonymous with success, thanks to his tireless work ethic and ability to transform good players into exceptional ones.
Rocky is more than a coach; he is a mentor who understands that to be great, an athlete needs not just physical training, but mental strength. With a background in kinesiology and sports psychology, he brings a unique perspective to coaching. Rocky graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Kinesiology, with a minor in Sport Psychology. He is also an Advanced Practitioner in Sport Psychology and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). His expertise has turned countless young athletes into award-winners, including multiple Ray Guy Award and Lou Groza Award recipients, and seen several of his protégés reach the pinnacle of their sport—the NFL. Rocky's clients include All-Americans, All-State performers, and top collegiate athletes, many of whom have heard their names called on draft day or taken the field under the NFL's most iconic banners.
Coach Rocky's influence doesn't stop at the practice field. He has served as a consultant to over 50 colleges, including some of the top football programs in the nation. He has worked alongside the Dallas Cowboys during their training camps from 2000 to 2002, providing his expertise to kickers and punters. Additionally, he has run camps for powerhouse Division I programs such as TCU, LSU, Baylor, University of Louisville, University of South Carolina, Oklahoma State University, and more. His consulting efforts have helped shape the success of collegiate athletes at some of the most storied football programs across the country.
Rocky's coaching career also includes a successful tenure as a Special Teams Coordinator at Garland High School from 1994 to 2001, and at Bishop Lynch High School from 1986 to 1994, as well as his time at Eastern New Mexico University and Ruidoso High School. His coaching philosophy centers around developing each player individually, allowing them to showcase their skills and reach their highest potential. This individualized approach has earned him recognition from many of the top football coaches and players across the country.
The results speak for themselves—Rocky's students have gone on to achieve remarkable success. Among his many protégés are award-winning athletes like Randy Bullock, Lou Groza Award Winner in 2011; Matt Fodge, Ray Guy Award Winner in 2008; and Daniel Sepulveda, who claimed the Ray Guy Award in both 2004 and 2006. His coaching has also produced multiple finalists for prestigious awards, including Ryan Mantzel, Ray Guy Award Finalist in 2005, and Josh Lambert, Lou Groza Award Finalist in 2014.
At the heart of Rocky Willingham Kicking Services (RWKS) is a dedication to individual growth. Rocky believes that each athlete has their own journey, their own strengths, and their own potential waiting to be unlocked. The stories of his players are filled with game-winning kicks, moments of brilliance under pressure, and the satisfaction that comes from being prepared—down to the very last detail.
Whether you’re a high school player dreaming of Friday night glory, a college athlete striving for that All-American nod, or a professional pushing for a longer career, Rocky Willingham is ready to guide you there. With Rocky, kicking isn’t just a skill; it’s an art form—one that requires dedication, discipline, and a coach who knows exactly how to get the best out of you.
Join Coach Rocky on the journey to excellence, one kick at a time.