On this episode of Slot-T Mafia, Coaches Thad Wheeler and Nick Kepa break down their journey transitioning Lafayette High School from the Wing-T to the Slot-T offense, sharing lessons from changing systems, language, and expectations. They explain how they built player buy-in, why coaching alignment mattered as much as scheme, and how professional development visits accelerated their advancement and certainty in the system.

The conversation covers the practical issues of transition: adjusting terminology, rethinking practice tempo, maximizing skill players, and staying patient when early results do not show up on Friday nights. Wheeler and Kepa also discuss how performance standards, self-evaluation, and community coaching resources refined their approach.

This episode shows that moving to the Slot-T is not only about installing plays. It is about developing a coaching philosophy, creating staff cohesion, and building an offense that fits your players. A must-listen for coaches considering a system change or aiming to sharpen how they teach, adapt, and grow within the Slot-T world.

Chapters

Introduction to the Lafayette Slot T Transition
From Wing T to Slot T Philosophy
Aligning the Coaching Staff
Building Player Buy-In
Learning Through Professional Development
Adjusting Language and Practice Structure
Maximizing Skill Players
Speed, Tempo, and Practice Efficiency
Overcoming Challenges During the Transition
Game-Day Adjustments and Evaluation
Using Metrics and Film for Growth
The Future of the Slot T at Lafayette

Connect on X:

Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski

Thad Wheeler: @coachtwheeler

Nick Kepa: @Coach_Kepa

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Slot-T Mafia: Wing-T to Slot-T Transition – Thad Wheeler & Nick Kepa, Lafayette HS (VA)