Coach and Coordinator Podcast Best of 2025 Sprint-Based Football - John Shaw, Tennessee Titans
On this episode of Best of 2025 from the Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the year’s most eye-opening conversations on speed development and athlete preparation, featuring John Shaw, Assistant for Speed and Performance for the Tennessee Titans, with host Tony Holler.
The episode challenges the assumption that speed peaks early or can’t be developed at the highest levels of football. Shaw explains why speed remains trainable in the NFL, how consistent sprint exposure supports durability, and why intentional decision-making, knowing when to push and when to pull back—is essential to keeping athletes fast and available throughout the season.
The conversation also explores the importance of coach communication, the integration of sports science, and alignment between sprint work and the weight room to drive sustainable performance gains. Shaw reflects on his coaching journey, the value of relationships, and why speed development isn’t a phase or a preseason checkbox, but a year-round commitment directly tied to player health and longevity.
Chapters:
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Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025
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Can Speed Still Be Developed at the NFL Level
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Intentional Training Decisions
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Sprint Exposure and Durability
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Aligning Speed Work With the Weight Room
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Using Data to Guide Performance Decisions
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Developing Speed in Big Players
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Collaboration and Coaching Relationships
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Speed Development Across All Levels
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Building Fast, Available Athletes
Connect on X:
Coach John Shaw- @Coach_J_Shaw
Tony Holler: @pntrack
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