Coach and Coordinator Podcast

On this Best of 2025 episode of the Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit a conversation that delivered applicable ideas for coaches looking to make practice more competitive and intentional. In this episode of Your Call, host Keith Grabowski sits down with Patrick Daberkow, head coach at Concordia University–Nebraska and co-founder of the Headset App, to break down the Dog Ball scoring system. Coach Daberkow explains how he built, tested, and refined a practice competition model designed to reward the right behaviors, keep scores tight, and avoid runaway periods. The discussion details how offensive, defensive, and special teams plays are incorporated into the scoring system, and why decision-making pressure in practice must mirror what players face on game day. The conversation also highlights how clear, efficient communication allows competition systems like Dog Ball to operate at full speed. Patrick shares how tools like the Headset App simplify practice and game-day communication, lower cost barriers, and help staffs rehearse real game-day mechanics throughout the week. This Best of 2025 selection is paired with a Coach and Coordinator AI Companion built from this episode with Patrick Daberkow, designed to help coaches think through and create their own practice scoring systems using the same principles. For staffs looking to increase engagement, sharpen decision-making, and build competitive habits that translate to gameday, this episode is an essential listen. Coach and Coordinator AI - Dog Ball Scoring Chapters Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025 The Purpose Behind Dog Ball Scoring Designing Competition Without Runaway Scores Rewarding Process Over Results Offensive and Defensive Scoring Mechanics Integrating Special Teams into Competition Decision-Making Under Practice Pressure Communication as the Engine of Competition Using the Headset App in Practice Building a Scoring System That Fits Your Program Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Patrick Daberkow: @PatrickDaberkow Learn More About Our Partner: The Headset App, Sideline Communication at a Fraction of the Cost. Join the growing number of coaches making the switch and take your game-day decision-making to the next level.Download the Headset App and start coaching smarter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best of 2025 of Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the most foundational conversations of the year from The Passing Lab. This discussion directly challenges how coaches think about the modern passing game. This episode explores the decline of traditional quick game concepts and the rise of hybrid answers, RPOs, motion, and spacing as defenses continue to evolve. Instead of chasing trends, the conversation focuses on structure, designing a system to solve problems, and giving quarterbacks real, executable answers against modern defensive pressure. Host Josh Herring breaks down how effective passing operations are built through intentional teaching, and systems grounded in core concepts with Caleb Corrill. The coaches examine how motion can simplify reads, create leverage, and support quarterback decision-making, while highlighting that innovation only matters if it can be taught and executed consistently. This Best of 2025 episode is paired with the Passing Lab Companion — an AI learning tool built entirely from three years of Passing Lab conversations — designed to help coaches apply these ideas to their own offensive systems, personnel, and weekly planning. For coaches looking to teach the passing game with purpose and prepare quarterbacks for today’s defensive landscape, this episode remains an essential listen. Coach & Coordinator AI – Passing Lab Companion Chapters Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025 The Current State of the Passing Game The Decline of Traditional Quick Game Hybrid Quick Game Solutions Motion as a Teaching Tool Spacing and Structure in the Pass Game Adapting to Modern Defensive Schemes Building a Coherent Passing System Teaching Quarterbacks Real Answers Applying Passing Lab Concepts Across Levels Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Josh Herring: @joshherring1 Caleb Corrill: @CalebCorrill Win more games with Modern Football Technology! Utilize position analytics like the QB Development Tool and In-game analytics to enhance your attack. Book a demo with Modern Football Technology today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best of 2025 of Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the most actionable conversations of the year from the Defensive Think Tank series. As offenses continue to stress defenses with tempo, formation variation, and option concepts, this episode focuses on how strong defensive systems are built to solve problems through structure, communication, and clear decision-making. In this discussion, Eric Kasperowicz, head coach at Mars High School, Grant Caserta, linebackers coach at three-time national champion Ferris State, and Mike Fox, defensive coordinator at SUNY Brockport, break down how effective defenses move beyond chasing schemes and instead rely on shared language and organized structure. The coaches explore game planning against elite players, simplifying calls, organizing call sheets, and empowering players to make checks on the field. The conversation also dives into coverage adjustments, pressure strategies, handling empty and unbalanced formations, and the importance of disguising intent without sacrificing execution. Across every topic, the message is consistent: defensive success depends on transparency that holds up when the game speeds up. This Best of 2025 episode is paired with the Coach and Coordinator AI Defensive Design and Structure Companion, a reflective learning tool built directly from this conversation to help coaches apply these principles to their own defensive systems, teaching process, and communication structure. For coaches looking to build defenses that play faster, communicate better, and execute with confidence, this episode remains an essential listen. Coach and Coordinator AI Defensive Design and Structure Companion Chapters Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025 Defensive Structure and Shared Language Communication as a Defensive Advantage Game Planning Against Elite Offenses Simplifying Calls Without Losing Control Wristbands and On-Field Communication Pressure and Coverage Adjustment Philosophy Handling Empty and Unbalanced Formations Organizing the Call Sheet for Game Day Building Defensive Systems That Hold Up Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Grant Caserta: @GrantCaserta Mike Fox: @coachmfox1 Eric Kasperowicz: @CoachKasper Learn More About Our Partner: Modern Football Technology Battle-tested, Modern Football’s platform provides real-time self-scout and opponent tendencies while eliminating manual tagging into HUDL, DV Sport, and XOS. Trusted by teams at every level, see how top coaches leverage this platform for in-game decision-making and play-calling success. To book a demo, visit https://www.modernfootball.com/demo Mention Coach and Coordinator Podcast or use the coupon code CC10 when signing up for a demo to receive 10% off your first year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best of 2025 of Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the most influential conversations from The Art of Practice series, featuring Scott Strohmeier, head coach at Iowa Western, and Keegan O’Hara, assistant quarterbacks coach at Minnesota. This discussion stood out in 2025 for its clear breakdown of what practice tempo really means, highlighting the outcome of preparation, structure, communication, and consistent teaching. Strohmeier and O’Hara explain how shortening practice time can actually increase quality reps, why every period should feel like a sprint, and how staff alignment is essential for tempo to hold up when pressure increases. The conversation also explores the role of scout teams, procedural efficiency, and controlled chaos in practice, along with how technology like GoRout helps simplify communication and manage tempo without changing how coaches teach. Across every topic, the message is consistent: tempo only works when transparency and structure come first. This Best of 2025 selection is paired with the Coach and Coordinator AI Art of Practice Companion, a practice design and audit tool built directly from these conversations to help coaches evaluate efficiency, communication, and tempo as they plan ahead for the coming season. For any staff looking to improve practice quality without adding more time or complexity, this episode is an essential listen. Coach and Coordinator AI Art of Practice Companion⁠ Chapters Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025 What Tempo Really Means in Practice Structure Before Speed Communication and Staff Alignment Engagement and Sprint Mentality Procedural Efficiency in Practice Scout Team Tempo and Accountability Creating Chaos Without Losing Control Using Technology to Streamline Practice Practice Design That Holds Up Under Pressure Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Scott Strohmeier: @CoachStrohmeier Keegan O'Hara: @CoachKOHara Learn More About Our Partner - GoRout GoRout helps coaches eliminate huddles, increase reps, and maximize efficiency with their game-changing technology. Sign up using code “coordinator” for up to 50% off setup fees at https://gorout.com/podcast/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best of 2025 of Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the most widely applicable conversations of the year, featuring Drew Dallas, head coach of Hutchinson Community College and the 2024 NJCAA Division I National Champions. Coach Dallas breaks down how he has built and sustained a championship-level program in an environment defined by constant roster turnover and limited time with players. The conversation centers on why culture must remain firm under pressure, why standards cannot bend to short timelines, and how transparent teaching allows players to grow quickly without sacrificing identity. He shares how offensive structure can adapt to personnel while still maintaining a clear system, why relationship-building accelerates development, and how honesty creates trust in the junior college setting. Throughout the discussion, Coach Dallas highlights that daily improvement, clear communication, and genuine connection are what allow programs to succeed, even when circumstances change. This Best of 2025 selection is paired with a Coach and Coordinator AI learning companion built directly from this conversation, designed to help coaches reflect on their constraints, evaluate teaching and install decisions, and apply these principles within their own programs. For coaches navigating short timelines, high turnover, or the transfer portal era, this episode remains an essential listen. Coach & Coordinator AI – Drew Dallas Culture Chapters Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025 Building Culture Under Short Timelines Championship Standards at the JUCO Level Teaching Clarity and Player Buy-In Offensive Identity and Flexibility Maximizing Limited Time With Players Relationship Building and Trust Development in the Transfer Portal Era Daily Improvement and Consistency Applying Championship Principles Across Levels Connect on X: Drew Dallas: @CoachDrewDallas Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Best of 2025 episode of the Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the most influential conversations from the Champions Series, one that clearly defines what effective installation and teaching look like at the championship level. Three championship head coaches share how they approach offseason and in-season installs. Rather than emphasizing volume, the discussion centers on building understanding, improving retention, and creating systems in which players can execute under pressure. The coaches break down how organization, player participation, and clear priorities allow installs to carry over from spring and summer into meaningful fall execution. The conversation also explores managing multi-sport athletes, structuring practices efficiently, empowering assistant coaches, and using technology to enhance learning without adding unnecessary noise. Across every topic, a consistent theme emerges: less is more and clear beats complicated. This Best of 2025 selection is paired with the Coach and Coordinator AI Champions Install Companion—a learning and reflection tool built directly from championship-level conversations in the Champions Series. Designed to help coaches refine install philosophy, teaching efficiency, staff alignment, and player retention, this episode remains an essential listen for any staff focused on sustainable success. Coach and Coordinator AI Champions Install Companion⁠ Chapters Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025 Championship Perspectives on Installation Less Is More in Offensive and Defensive Installs Teaching for Retention Under Pressure Offseason Work That Carries Into the Fall Practice Structure and Participation Managing Multi-Sport Athletes Staff Alignment and Ownership Using Technology to Enhance Learning Championship Standards and Accountability Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Mark Spader: @PurplesFootball John Hart: @BHSdogsfootball John Merritt: @JHMerrittJr Learn More about Signature Championship Rings: Signature Championship Rings is a leading designer and supplier of championship rings, serving over 10,000 teams and organizations. With a focus on quality craftsmanship, easy team ordering processes, and affordability, Signature Champions celebrate every champion and their achievements, making their moment last a lifetime. For more information, visit https://signaturechampions.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best of 2025 of Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the most meaningful conversations from the Student of the Game series, featuring Lane Little, wide receivers coach at Mount St. Joseph University. This episode stood out in 2025 for its clear look at how coaching development actually happens. Not through titles or shortcuts, but through consistency, responsibility, and learning inside a real system. Hosted by Caleb Corrill, the conversation traces Coach Little’s path from intern to full-time college coach, exploring what it truly means to be a Student of the Game. They discuss studying with intention, evolving concepts without overloading players, and growing as a coach while serving the needs of the staff and the program. Rather than focusing on quick advancement, this episode emphasizes process, patience, and mastering your current role. It’s a reminder that studying the game only matters when it leads to better teaching and execution, and that long-term growth comes from doing the work long before recognition arrives. This Best of 2025 episode is paired with the Student of the Game AI Companion — a development tool built from real coaching conversations across high school, college, and professional football. For coaches looking to think deeper, connect ideas more clearly, and grow the right way, this is a conversation worth revisiting. Student of the Game AI Companion Chapters Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025 What It Means to Be a Student of the Game Lane Little’s Path From Intern to College Coach Studying the Game With Intention Development Inside a Real System Evolving Concepts Without Overloading Players Serving the Staff and the Program Mastering Your Current Role Patience, Process, and Long-Term Growth The Student of the Game Mindset and AI Companion Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Caleb Corrill: @CalebCorrill Lane Little: @CoachLittle7 Support our Partners: Modern Football Technology Signature Championship Rings Titan Sensors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kurt Hester, a seasoned football preparation coach known for his innovative approach at Louisiana Tech, Tulane, and the University of Houston, passionately discusses rethinking strength and conditioning. He advocates for speed and skill over traditional volume-based training, emphasizing recovery and injury prevention. Kurt also critiques common industry practices, encourages meaningful drills, and shares insights on athlete monitoring. His unique methods and commitment to athlete well-being make for a captivating exploration of modern football preparation.

On this episode of Best of 2025 of Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the most practical conversations of the year, featuring AJ Smith, former UFL and XFL offensive coordinator. As coaches move from the end of one season into the offseason, this episode zeroes in on the hardest questions to answer: what stays, what gets cut, and what truly fits the players you’ll line up with next season. AJ walks through his approach to evaluating personnel honestly, studying the game across levels, and narrowing an offense down to what can be executed at a high level. The conversation emphasizes why effective offenses are built on fit, rhythm, and timing. The answer isn’t adding, it’s removing with purpose so what remains fits together on game day. They also explore how analytics, when used intentionally, can support quarterback evaluation and offensive decision-making without adding unnecessary workload. Throughout the discussion, AJ explains how simplification and clear standards aren’t shortcuts. They’re the reason execution holds up week after week. This Best of 2025 re-air is paired with the Coach and Coordinator AI Companion built exclusively around AJ Smith’s conversations, designed to help coaches apply his decision-making frameworks, execution standards, and analytics-informed thinking within their own programs. For coaches preparing for the offseason and looking to bring clarity into evaluation, teaching, and offensive structure, this episode is an essential listen. Coach and Coordinator AI: AJ Smith Structure & Decision Companion Chapters Preparing for the Next Season Evaluating Roster Changes and Personnel Fit The Impact of the Transfer Portal Cutting the Playbook Without Losing Continuity Offensive Fit and Execution Standards Timing and Rhythm in Offensive Design Simplifying Practice and Teaching Plans Using Analytics for Offensive Clarity Quarterback Evaluation and Decision-Making Applying AJ Smith’s Frameworks with AI Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski AJ Smith: @AustinJamesXFL 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Best of 2025 episode of the Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the year’s most impactful conversations from Alert the Post, featuring Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. The episode stood out for its clear, practical breakdown of how modern NFL offenses create clarity for quarterbacks and skill players amid increasingly complex defensive structures. LaFleur explains how offensive structure — ranging from progression philosophy to run-game efficiency and play-action design helps players process faster, play with confidence, and execute consistently. Rather than emphasizing volume or complexity, the conversation highlights why clarity and shared teaching language matter more than carrying more plays. Hosted by Bobby Peters, the discussion focuses on why concepts work, not just what they look like on the board, making it especially valuable for coaches at every level seeking to translate pro-level ideas into teachable systems. This Best of 2025 re-air also coincides with the release of the Coach and Coordinator AI Alert the Post Decision-Making Companion — a tool built entirely from Alert the Post conversations to help coaches evaluate structure, spacing, leverage, and quarterback decision-making. For coaches pursuing cleaner offense, better communication, and faster decisions, this episode is an essential listening. Coach and Coordinator AI Alert the Post Decision-Making Companion⁠ Chapters Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025 Offensive Clarity in Modern NFL Systems Helping Quarterbacks Play Faster Pure Progression Philosophy Run Game Efficiency and Structure Play-Action Design Against Complex Defenses Teaching Language and Repetition Simplifying Offense Without Losing Efficiency Alert the Post Framework and Decision-Making Technology and AI as Coaching Companions Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Bobby Peters: @b_peters12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices