James R. Laughlin
Cookeville,Tennessee
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of Football Operations
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Blacksburg, VA
03.2025 - Current
- Coordinated the Hokie Ball 7-on-7 and Big Man Challenge; oversaw logistics for the camp that welcomed over 1,000 prospects to campus in a single day.
- Orchestrated the 2025 Virginia Tech Football Women's Clinic; community engagement event that brought over 200 ladies to campus.
- Collaborated with the Director of Football Operations in all aspects of team travel, including but not limited to banquet event orders, travel roster organization, team transportation, and team meals.
- Oversaw facility upgrades and maintenance.
Director of Football Operations
Tennessee Tech University
Cookeville, TN
08.2021 - 03.2025
- Managed the daily functions of the Tennessee Tech Football Program, including overseeing the operating budget, team travel budget, recruiting budget, equipment budget, purchasing, and scheduling.
- Coordinated team travel and meals; oversaw hotel contracts, banquet event orders, charter bus bids, charter flight coordination with FBOs, as well as occasional team, pre-game, and post-game meals.
- Boosted operating budget from $600,000 to $1.7 million via strategic fundraising improvements.
- Spearheaded fundraising activities which contributed to the overall operating budget, collective, and facility upgrades.
- Orchestrated game-day logistics involving team transportation, pre-game meetings with officials, coaches, and other gameday personnel, and maintained schedule adherence for players and staff.
- Oversaw 20-member football support staff effectively.
- Managed cross-departmental interaction and calendar arrangements on TeamWorks hub.
- Ensured active roster accuracy and compliance via ARMs.
- Directed the development, planning, and implementation of summer prospect camps; created the camp's LLC.
- Effectively organized and executed all recruiting visits, which include both official and unofficial visits, PWO day, and Junior Day, creating a first-class experience for prospective student-athletes and their families.
- Oversaw the matriculation of all incoming student-athletes.
- Evaluated transcripts to confirm eligibility standards under NCAA regulations.
- Organized player engagement activities to include: community service and securing employment upon graduation
- Acted as a liaison between the Football Program and all other on-campus constituents: Admissions, Athletic Department, Business Office, Campus Police, Compliance, Dining Services, Facilities, Financial Aid, Health Services, Housing, Human Resources, and IT.
Outside Sales Manager
DVSport, Inc.
Pittsburgh, PA
02.2020 - 07.2021
- DVSport, Inc. It is the world's leader in instant replay technology.
- Created and executed innovative sales strategies.
- Sustained effective relationships with statewide high school football coaches.
- Facilitated clients with the installation of new products.
- Tested products extensively to ensure functionality and client satisfaction.
Assistant Football Coach/Head Freshman Basketball Coach
T.L. Hanna High School
Anderson, SC
05.2019 - 02.2020
- Coached 2019 5A All State Linebacker in South Carolina.
- Assisted with all phases of Special Teams.
- Coordinated team travel and meals.
Graduate Assistant Football Coach
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC
08.2016 - 05.2019
- Coached the Corners and Outside Linebackers in a 3-4 Multiple Defense under Defensive Coordinators Travis Cunningham and Chris Grimes.
- Coached 2018 1st Team Big South Conference Defensive Back.
- Coached 2016 Big South Defensive Freshman of the Year.
- Organized film study and position specific drill work
- Conducted opponent scout and film breakdown..
- Assisted with all phases of Special Teams.
- Created and organized entire recruiting database.
- Assumed Video Coordinator role in the Spring of 2019.
Education
MBA -
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC05-2019
Marketing
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN05-2016
Skills
- Computer: DVSport, XOS, TeamWorks, Arms Software, JumpForward, Microsoft Office
- Leadership
- Time management
- Effective problem solver
- Punctual and Trustworthy
Timeline
Assistant Director of Football Operations
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
03.2025 - Current
Director of Football Operations
Tennessee Tech University
08.2021 - 03.2025
Outside Sales Manager
DVSport, Inc.
02.2020 - 07.2021
Assistant Football Coach/Head Freshman Basketball Coach
T.L. Hanna High School
05.2019 - 02.2020
Graduate Assistant Football Coach
Gardner-Webb University
08.2016 - 05.2019
MBA -
Gardner-Webb University
Marketing
Tennessee Technological University