11/25/2025
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬’ 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 - 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐞𝐟𝐟 𝐂𝐢𝐦𝐚, 𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡
In Episode 61 of Coaches at Crown Brew Getting Coffee — presented by the Swinford Media Group and sponsored by Adrenaline Fundraising, Marion Plumbing, and Swinford Wedding Photography and Videography — host Kerry Martin sits down with three of Southern Illinois’ most influential assistant football coaches: Jeff Cima, Jason LeGrand, and Kevin Helfrich. Together, they bring nearly a century of experience, steady leadership, and behind-the-scenes excellence that has shaped programs across the region.
From West Frankfort to Murphysboro to Carbondale and Carterville, these coaches have devoted their lives to teaching the game the right way, developing young men, and upholding the standards that make high school football special. Their journeys span multiple schools, eras, and systems — but they share one common thread: a relentless commitment to the craft of coaching.
Jeff Cima’s path began in the West Frankfort JFL program his father helped build, eventually leading him through coaching stops at Chester, Mount Vernon, Carterville, Columbia, Marion, and McCracken County. Known for his intensity, humor, and high expectations, Cima has long served as the “battery” of the coaching room — a dependable, technically sound defensive coach who brings energy every single day.
Jason LeGrand, a Murphysboro Red Devil for life, returned home after working across the country and began coaching in 1996. Nearly 30 years later, he remains the backbone of the Red Devils’ defensive identity. LeGrand’s story is one of transformation — a young athlete whose coaches helped change his life, now passing those same lessons on through discipline, accountability, and unwavering loyalty to his hometown program.
Kevin Helfrich adds more than three decades of offensive line expertise, shaped by a childhood spent in both Illinois and football-rich Alabama. After starring at Sneed High School and playing baseball at John A. Logan, Helfrich built a respected coaching career at Carbondale and Carterville. Soft-spoken but detail-driven, he’s a technician of the trenches — a coach who teaches purpose, precision, and toughness with a calm, steady presence.
In this episode, Kerry and the coaching trio dive deep into the art of being an assistant coach: the importance of trust from the head coach, the pride of running your own position room, and the behind-the-scenes work that makes success possible. They discuss the evolution of high school football, the lessons that shaped their careers, the challenges young coaches face today, and the significance of finding the right mentors — and being one.
The conversation also takes a meaningful turn when the coaches talk about the importance of “ringing the bell” — showing up for your community, giving back, and finding purpose beyond the field. Listeners who want to learn more or get involved can visit: https://www.registertoring.com/.
It’s a conversation about loyalty, consistency, gratitude, and the passion required to pour into others — a masterclass in coaching from men who have spent their lives doing it the right way.
Watch or listen now on these platforms:
🔗 YouTube: youtu.be/z9_3J9EFJiw
🔗 Spotify: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coachesatcrownbrew
🔗 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coaches-at-crown-brew-getting-coffee/id1709412544
🔗 Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/podcasts/b6ea26f0-09d9-4998-976a-1edd9d053da4
Click the links above to listen or watch now, and be sure to subscribe for more amazing episodes to come!
