Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Every coach talks about “The Process,” but few can define it—let alone build it. In this episode, Keith Grabowski introduces a new blueprint rooted in Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement that transformed global manufacturing. Drawing on personal stories from his early career in an automotive factory, Keith explores how Kaizen’s principles—total quality control, system thinking, and empowered people—can reshape how coaches build, lead, and develop their programs. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start improving, this is where your process begins. Dig into the episode & apply to your coaching with our AI Companion: Coach and Coordinator AI - Kaizen Episode Companion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Coach and Coordinator, Keith Grabowski is joined by Jay Paterno for an honest conversation about the rapidly changing landscape of college football. They break down how the rise of NIL and the transfer portal is reshaping recruiting, player retention, and the day-to-day reality of coaching. Paterno shares deep insights into why emotional intelligence has become essential for today’s coaches, impacting everything from team cohesion to player development and culture building. The discussion also explores the emotional strain coaches face, both personally and within their families, as expectations and pressures continue to climb. Together, they examine honesty in recruiting, the influence of money on the sport, and why mental health must become a priority for every program. Looking ahead, Keith and Jay reflect on what the future of college football may require and why there is still hope in the next generation of coaches who remain committed to leading with integrity and purpose. Chapters: The Evolving Landscape of College Football The Pressure of the Transfer Portal and NIL Emotional Intelligence in Coaching Building a Culture of Honesty and Accountability The Emotional Toll of Coaching The Impact of Money in Coaching Navigating Societal Issues in Sports The Future of College Football Hope for the Next Generation of Coaches Introduction to Coaching Insights Promoting Coach Paterno's Book and Resources Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: ⁠@CoachKGrabowski⁠ Jay Paterno: ⁠@JayPaterno Check out Coach Paterno's book: Blitzed! The All-Out Pressure of College Football's New Era Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Coach and Coordinator Podcast, we sit down with Jason Eck to explore the real-life balance between coaching, family, leadership and the evolving world of youth sports. Eck reflects on the importance of family alignment in every coaching decision from career moves to the daily demands of the season and how being present at home strengthens his effectiveness on the field. He discusses why making youth sports enjoyable is essential for long-term development, and how positive role models shape athletes far beyond the game. Eck also shares strategies for involving family in the coaching process, maintaining connection during stressful stretches, and building a coaching philosophy rooted in service and purpose. Throughout the conversation, he opens up about the lessons learned across his career, the impact of coaching on personal relationships, and the legacy he hopes to leave as both a coach and a father. This episode offers a grounded and inspiring look at what it truly means to lead with intention and with family at the center. Chapters Introduction to Coaching Philosophy Balancing Family and Coaching Life The Role of a Coach's Wife Raising a Family in Coaching Navigating Career Moves and Family Decisions Balancing Family and Coaching Responsibilities Navigating Job Changes and Family Dynamics Maintaining Connection During the Season Lessons from Struggles in Family and Coaching Creating a Legacy Through Coaching Introduction to Jason Eck's Journey Leadership and Culture in Coaching Utilizing the Culture OS Companion Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: ⁠@CoachKGrabowski Jason Eck: @Coach_Eck 🌐 coachandcoordinator.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Keith pulls together short teaching moments from Andy Reid, Bob Wylie, Dante Scarnecchia, and Jon Gruden to highlight the coaching wisdom that shaped generations of offensive line coaches. These clips go beyond technique—they reveal how great coaches think, prepare, teach, and adapt. Keith breaks down each lesson and shows how these ideas connect to the learning environment inside the Mushroom Society, including new tools, partner integrations, and the AI Mentors built from COOL Clinic presentations. If you’re looking for practical guidance and a deeper way to grow your offensive line unit, this episode is a strong place to start. Join the Mushroom Society at: mushroom-society.com Use the Mushroom Society AI Mentor for free here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s Game Planning Tips, Coach Keith Grabowski shares three playoff-critical concepts that tighten your game plan and sharpen your team’s edge when every possession matters. Andrew Sowder opens the episode with a clear approach to situational football—how to build and use a complete situational chart, when to make two-point decisions, how to practice post-touchdown mechanics, and why your two-point menu must be ready before the season’s biggest moments. Siddiq Haynes, Defensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator at UTSA, breaks down his QB Window Evaluation—a four-window system for studying sack locations, scramble tendencies, completion patterns, and where the quarterback is most vulnerable. It’s a simple, repeatable way to target your pass-rush plan instead of guessing. Garrett McLaughlin, Defensive Line Coach and Special Teams Coordinator at Columbia, closes the episode with a framework for quantifying hidden yardage. He explains how he grades punt net, kickoff start lines, explosives, and sting punts so players finally see the kicking game through the same lens as offense and defense. Presented by Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation: Supporting pediatric brain tumor research and families impacted by cancer through football. Learn more or get involved at laurensfirstandgoal.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of National Coach of the Week, presented by Modern Football Technology, Keith Grabowski sits down with Eric Kjar, head coach of Utah powerhouse Corner Canyon HS, fresh off another state championship. This year’s title marks six championships in the last eight seasons, a run that has firmly established Corner Canyon as one of the premier high school football programs in America. Ranked among the top teams in the nation, Coach Kjar’s Chargers continue to raise the standard through elite practice habits, consistent accountability, and a culture of toughness that shows up every Friday night. In this conversation, Coach Kjar shares how his staff responded to early-season adversity, how they refined their practice structure, and how their players elevated their performance when it mattered most. It’s a detailed look inside one of the country’s most successful programs and what it takes to compete at a national level year after year. Chapters Returning Champion: Six Titles in Eight Years Staff, Support, and the Power of Teamwork Competing Nationally and Early Adversity The Turning Point: Practice Standards and Accountability Raising Effort Across the Entire Roster The Importance of Measurable Standards Accountability Systems That Work You Can’t Scheme Toughness: Winning the Rematch Becoming a National Program Preparing for the ESPN Showcase Game Game Details and Broadcast Information Closing Thoughts and Gratitude Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Eric Kjar: @KjarEric Modern Football Technology: @modernFB Ready to gain an edge on game night? Modern Football Technology helps coaches make smarter real-time decisions with in-game analytics. It’s simple to get started, and you can be up and running by Friday night. Book a demo today and see the difference this week: ⁠https://www.modernfootball.com/demo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Kight is back on the show, and this time we get into something most coaches talk about but rarely build: a staff and team that can actually tell each other the truth. We look at why honesty fades during the grind of a season, how communication can get sideways in a staff room, and what leaders can do to fix it. BK walks through the standards he uses with the teams he works with and explains why being able to take the truth matters more than how cleanly it’s delivered. He gives real examples and simple steps any coach can start using right away. If you want your program to communicate better, reduce hidden tension, and handle challenging moments with more confidence, this episode will point you in the right direction. Chapters Introduction and Catching Up with Brian Kight The Importance of Daily Discipline Embracing Change in Coaching Doesn't Matter, Get Better Mindset The Culture of Truth-Telling in Coaching Establishing Standards for Communication Building Trust and Courage in Conversations The Importance of Reflection and Feedback Using AI as a Thought Partner Understanding Cause and Effect in Coaching The Role of Truth in Team Dynamics Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Brian Kight: @TBrianKight Sign-up for BK's Daily Discipline: https://www.dailydiscipline.com/ BK's website: https://www.tbriankight.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s Game Planning Tips, Coach Keith Grabowski brings you three coaches with practical, teachable ideas you can use immediately in your game plan. Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation presents Game Planning Tips. On offense, Jason Mangone, Head Coach at Brockport, shows how to attack an odd front with a downhill inside zone plan. He explains box identification, numbering linebackers, handling movement, and preparing for the three pressures you must block to run the ball with confidence. On defense, Kevin Doherty, Defensive Coordinator at Georgetown, breaks down the Hoya Five-Star Plan — a clear, disciplined framework built on vision, standards, daily fundamentals, and the traits that define elite defensive play. On special teams, Dan Swanstrom, Head Coach at Cornell, covers the special situations that decide games: fair-catch and straddle rules, blocked punt scenarios, momentum plays, hands-team responsibilities, and end-of-game decisions every team must be ready for. Supporting pediatric brain tumor research and families affected by cancer through football. Learn more or register for this year’s clinics at laurensfirstandgoal.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Hansen Ratings D3 Coach and Coordinators of the Week, presented by Tully, hosts Logan and John bring together three powerful coaching conversations that highlight the heart, craft, and leadership behind Division III football. The episode opens with Mary Hardin-Baylor OC Stephen Lee, who reflects on the mentors and experiences that shaped both his coaching identity and his “Frankenstein-type offense.” Lee shares how figures such as Vance Gibson, Phil Fuller, Don Cartho, and Pete Fredenberg influenced his approach, and why mentorship and personal growth remain cornerstones of his career. Next, Carthage DC Adam Weber discusses the challenge of simplifying defensive schemes while still maximizing player performance. Weber explains how flexibility and adapting to player strengths helped his unit “play really fast,” offering a grounded perspective on the evolving demands of modern defensive coaching. Finally, Geneva Head Coach Geno DeMarco dives into the deeper responsibilities of leadership, transparency, accountability, and the courage to face challenges head-on. DeMarco highlights the importance of open communication among staff, creating supportive environments, and taking responsibility when adversity strikes. Across offense, defense, and program leadership, this episode provides a multi-angle look at coaching philosophy, team dynamics, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence at the Division III level. Chapters Introduction by Logan and John; overview of the three featured coaches. Stephen Lee discusses his early coaching influences and foundational mentors. Lee breaks down his “Frankenstein type offense” and how his philosophy evolved over time. Insights from Lee on mentorship, growth, and the coaches who molded his career. Adam Weber explains the challenge of simplifying defensive schemes for player success. Weber talks about adapting strategies, collaborating with other coaches, and improving defensive speed. Weber reflects on player dynamics, flexibility in coaching, and continuous adjustment. Geno DeMarco introduces his leadership approach and the value of transparency among coaches. DeMarco discusses facing challenges, taking responsibility, and building trust within staff. Closing reflections from DeMarco on culture, accountability, and the future of coaching. Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski John Snell: @jsnellbwfb Logan Hansen: @LogHanRatings Stephen Lee: @coach_slee Adam Weber: @ACWEB33 Geno DeMarco: @genodemarcoHFC Presented by Tully — the perfect tool for high school and Division III programs. Tully helps coaches track readiness, performance, and player development so teams can stay strong and confident deep into the season. Learn more at tully.app Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, Keith Grabowski reflects on a powerful idea he discovered only recently when his son shared Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act. What began as a conversation about hitting and baseball opened the door to a much larger truth about coaching and the offseason. Every winter and spring, coaches get flooded with ideas. Clinics, articles, cut-ups, and social feeds offer endless “solutions” and new ways to install, practice, and teach. Instead of clarity, the volume often leads to confusion. Keith breaks down the Rubin excerpt that stopped him in his tracks and explains how the principles of creativity apply directly to football coaching. He shares the lessons he learned over years of trial and error and why philosophy—not information—is the real filter that allows coaches to grow without becoming overwhelmed. You’ll leave this episode with a clear, practical way to approach the offseason, evaluate new ideas, and build a system grounded in what you believe, not what everyone else is doing. If you want to start the offseason with purpose, this episode will help you cut through the noise and create with clarity. See the video version on Spotify or at coachandcoordinator.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices