Today’s Best and Favorites of 2024 is an episode with Montell Allen, now the Defensive Coordinator Montana Tech where he helped the Miners to a #8 NAIA finish and a 9-3 record.

I met Montell at the airport on the way back from the AFCA convention in 2024. I was impressed with his approach to the game and enjoyed the conversation which led to this episode on Coach and Coordinator..  

Episode:

Today’s episode is about winning first down on defense, and we are joined by Montell Allen, the defensive coordinator at the University of Chicago. He joined Head Coach Todd Gilchrist, Jr.’s staff in February of 2023, and the Maroons are off to a solid start in Coach Gilchrist’s tenure.

We dig into several ideas, from creating a multiple system while remaining simple so layers can execute, to training hybrid players, and keys to growing in the coaching profession. Be sure to stay tuned to our winning edge takeaways and ideas for implementation following the episode.

Show Notes:

• The importance of P&10
• Creating the mindset to win first down
• “High Five” in practice
• Being able to move from 3 down to 4 down
• Studying Jim Knowles
• The Rush/Leo Position
• Multiplicity through simplicity
• Terminology structure for one-word calls - weather fronts
• How many fronts used
• Bonus fit system for run fits
• Hang-plug-fold system
• Using fronts and dealing with mismatches
• Game planning the fronts
• Training the Rush LB
• Keys to evolution as a coach and progressing through the profession
• Winning Edge

Connect on X:

@CoachKGrabowski

@CoachMAllenFB

Coaches mentioned in this episode:

Todd Gilcrist, Jr. @CoachTGilrest

Jim Knowles @CoachJimKnowles

Darrell Meckley @CoachMeck71 

Mike Kashurba @Coach_MikeKash

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