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We have a treat for you in episode 3 of Coaching Crossover as we welcome guests from the football and soccer worlds. Brandon Lynch is the Cornerbacks Coach for the Cleveland Browns and a former NFL defensive back. He is joined by Mitch Hildebrandt, a former pro goalkeeper who now works as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Union of the MLS.

Brandon Lynch - Cornerback Coach, Cleveland Browns

Lynch joined the Browns’ coaching staff in 2020 as Assistant Defensive Backs Coach and was promoted to Cornerbacks Coach in 2023. A Super Bowl champion with the Colts and a Grey Cup winner in the CFL, he’s built a strong coaching resume through the college and pro ranks. Known for developing top-level defensive backs, Lynch has helped shape one of the NFL’s rising secondaries in Cleveland. In 2024, he was selected to represent the Browns at the NFL’s Coach Accelerator Program, reflecting his growing influence and potential as a leader in the league.

Mitch Hildebrandt - Assistant Coach, Philadelphia Union

A former USL Goalkeeper of the Year, Hildebrandt gained national attention during FC Cincinnati’s memorable U.S. Open Cup run and later earned an MLS Cup as part of Atlanta United. After retiring in 2019, he transitioned to coaching, beginning as goalkeeping coach for Sporting Kansas City II in 2020 and later joining St. Louis CITY SC’s coaching staff in MLS. In 2025, he took on his role with Philadelphia, bringing high-level experience and a strong goalkeeper development background to the pro game.

Today we will cover communication with players and fellow coaches, their transitions from playing to coaching, and the coaches that have paved the way for them.