

Coach and Coordinator Podcast
Keith Grabowski
Keith Grabowski interviews the most knowledgeable head coaches, coordinators, and position coaches from professional, college, and high school football. Keith and his guests discuss the philosophy, concepts, schemes, and strategies that they have learned throughout their careers. Each show includes a specific idea that can be applied to help coaches at every level find the winning edge.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 9, 2024 • 25min
Add a Wrinkle with Six Back Offense - Joe Matheson, Offensive Coordinator - UW-River Falls
On Today’s Episode of The Season, Joe Matheson, the innovative offensive coordinator at the University of Wisconsin River Falls, joins us. Known for his "Top Gun Offense," Joe introduced us to his latest creation, the "Six Back Offense," inspired by Michael Lombardi's insights, which strategically utilizes all eligibles in the offense as ball carriers, insert blockers, or RPO attachments. The key to this concept is making subtle adjustments to existing plays while involving various players in different roles to outsmart defenses without completely reinventing offensive strategies. We discuss cross-training players to seamlessly integrate the modified plays into practice routines and game plans. Chapters
Implementing the Six Back Offense
Utilizing Players Strategically
Creating Match-ups in Exotic Formations
Involvement of Other Players
Integrating Skills Training in Practice
Developing Trick Plays
Importance of Skill Repetition
Scripting Team Periods
Play Calling Strategy and Implementation
Winning Edge
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Sep 5, 2024 • 27min
Champions - Get More Out of Your Scout Team - Bob Gecewich, Head Coach, Perry HS (OH)
In this episode of our Champion Series presented by Signature Championship Rings, we focus on in-season player development, particularly for younger athletes. We are joined by Bob Gecewich, head coach of Ohio state champion Perry High School. We discuss strategies for supporting scout players while easing the workload on experienced players. Coach Gecewich shares his philosophy on treating scout players as key contributors and the importance of involving varsity coaches with JV and freshman teams. We highlight the significance of celebration and recognition for younger players and the logistical strategies that facilitate focused development.Chapters
Developing Young Players
Coaching Scout Teams
Logistics of Player Development
Celebrating Scout Team Success
Maintaining Effort and Accountability
Rewarding Hard Work on Scout Team
Simulating Unique Offenses
Winning Edge
Related:Get More Out of Your Scout Team - Standards for PracticeThank you for supporting our partners: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 www.signaturechampions.com/podcast.The 10% Tool Kit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 4, 2024 • 23min
National Coach of the Week - Patrick Walsh, Head Coach, Serra HS (CA)
We are back for another episode of our 2024 National Coach of the Week Series presented by Modern Football Technology.Since taking over as head coach of Serra High School's football program in 2001 at just 26, Patrick Walsh has transformed the Padres into a powerhouse. With 196 wins, he is the school’s all-time winningest coach. Under his leadership, Serra has captured numerous championships, including a 2017 CIF State title and six appearances in the California State Championship in the past seven years. Named California State Coach of the Year in 2020/2021, Walsh has been a driving force leading Serra to 10 WCAL championships and countless school records. This past week, Coach Walsh led the Padres to a dramatic 22-21win over #23 in the nation Folsom High School. He joins us on the podcast to share his coaching philosophy of continual improvement over winning. He introduces an objective grading system for player performance and how this system informs practice preparation and incorporates analytics for real-time decision-making during games. Chapters
Grading System Overview
Utilizing Drone Technology
Building Trust Through Teaching
Establishing Goal Systems
Embracing Data and Analytics
Winning Edge
About Modern Football TechnologyBattle-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 www.teammofo.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

Sep 3, 2024 • 23min
In-Season Development of the Linebacker - AJ Cooper, Linebackers Coach, Arizona State
In this episode of the Coach and Coordinator Podcast presented by Vertical Raise, A.J. Cooper, Arizona State's linebackers coach, shares insights on in-season defensive strategies. He highlights the importance of assessing team strengths and adapting to opponents' tactics while maintaining a balance in practice structure. He discusses effective practice load management to protect player well-being, outlines his weekly plan to optimize practice, and stresses the value of developing depth within the linebacker position. Chapters
Defense Strategies for In-Season
Building on Strengths
Adjusting Practice Structures
Balancing Physical and Mental Workloads
Preparing the Next Man Up
Winning Edge
Be sure to checkout our partner Vertical Raise. Elevate your program's Online Fundraising to new heights. Use Vertical Raise’s online fundraising system and raise more money in less time:Get in Touch with Your Vertical Raise Fundraising Coachhttps://verticalraise.com
Multiple fundraising solutions to fit all your program needs
Leverage best-in-class technology, texting & email deliverability.
An in-person local fundraising coach walks your team through every step of the process.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 2, 2024 • 22min
The 100-Hour Teaching Progression - Colin Duling, Offensive Coordinator, Bethel University
In this episode, Colin, the new offensive coordinator at Bethel University, shares his coaching strategies for game week, emphasizing the "100-hour teaching progression." This method ensures players receive multiple touchpoints on the game plan before kickoff. Coach Duling discusses the use of a mobile app for easy access to plays, structured practices, and the importance of film review to enhance player understanding. Key to his approach is the Friday collaborative test, which fosters peer learning among quarterbacks. Chapters
Teaching Progression for Game Week
Tuesday Touch Points
Wednesday Review and Adjustments
Friday Preparation Techniques
Feedback and Results from Players
Winning Edge
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Aug 29, 2024 • 22min
Champions - Simplicity and Smart Adjustments - Michael Diggins, Defensive Coordinator, Centennial HS (MN)
Centennial High School defensive coordinator Michael Diggins joins us in this in-season episode of our Champions Series presented by Signature Championship Rings. Centennial won their first Minnesota state championship in 2023. We discuss the importance of player development, simplicity in play calling, and collaborative film study for effective learning. Coach Diggins highlights the role of special teams in developing younger players, adaptability in the depth chart, and the need for effective communication during games. Chapters:
Developing Young Talent
Importance of Self-Scouting
Adjustments and Communication Challenges
Managing Two-Way Players
Thank you for supporting our partners: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 www.signaturechampions.com/podcast.The 10% Tool Kit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 28, 2024 • 19min
National Coach of the Week, Kyle Schmitt, Head Coach, Archbishop Spalding HS (MD)
Kyle Schmitt, head coach of Archbishop Spalding High School, is our Coach and Coordinator Podcast Coach of the Week, presented by Modern Football Technology. Coach Schmitt is in his fifth year at Spalding and holds a record of 32-4 with back-t-back MIAA state championships in 2023 and 2024. He was named the Baltimore Ravens High School Coach of the Year in 2022. Coach Schmitt joined us this past December in our Champions Series. He joins us to discuss his team’s big win against a perennial Ohio powerhouse Archbishop Hoban, a team with five state championships and three state runners-up since 2015. Spalding handed them their first week one loss in seven years. Coach Schmitt highlights the role of team culture, offseason preparation, and logistical organization in achieving success on game day. He shares strategies like film analysis, his coaching style's evolution, and analytics's role in game-day management. Chapters:
Introduction and Coach of the Week Announcement
Team Culture and Preparation for the Big Game
Challenges of Travel and Focus on Football
Week of Preparation and Mental Readiness
Game Management and Special Teams Impact
Importance of Possessing the Football
Self-Reflection and Adjustments as a Head Coach
Delegating Play Calling and Focus on Game Management
Incorporating Analytics into Coaching
Using TV Copies for Game Management Insights
Closing Remarks and Congratulations
Winning Edge
Champions Series with Coach Schmitt:“Design it and Step Back”About Modern Football TechnologyBattle-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 www.teammofo.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

Aug 27, 2024 • 24min
Finding Your True Identity on Defense - Blake Harrell, Defensive Coordinator, East Carolina
In this episode of the Coaching Coordinator Podcast, Blake Harrell, the defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach at East Carolina, discusses the evolution of a team's identity during the early stages of the season. Coach Harrell highlights the importance of flexibility and adjusting strategies to align with the team's strengths and weaknesses. He shares insights on East Carolina's transition to a three-down defense in 2021, emphasizing the need to tailor game plans to player skills. The conversation covers leveraging analytics, player feedback, and building depth in the team. Harrell also touches on practice strategies to enhance communication and preparedness, stressing the significance of player rotations and building confidence for adapting to challenges throughout the season.Chapters
Finding Our True Identity
Analyzing Early Season Evaluations
Making Effective Defensive Pivots
Developing the Next Man Up
Managing Player Workload and Depth
Implementing Smart Defensive Rotations
Winning Edge
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Aug 26, 2024 • 19min
Establishing an Identity and Explosives - Terence Archer, Offensive Coordinator, Delaware
Terence Archer joined the staff at Delaware in December 2021 and was promoted to offensive coordinator before the 2024 season. During his time at Delaware, Archer played a big role in the team's consecutive playoff appearances and in developing the passing offense, which ranked 22nd nationally in 2023. Before Delaware, Archer spent eight seasons at Sam Houston, where he helped the team to a national championship and multiple Southland Conference titles.On today’s episode of our Season Series, we focus on early season preparation and establishing an identity based on the personnel strengths of the offense. We talk about keys to developing identity and explosiveness in the offense.Chapters:
Preparing in Season- Early
Establish who we are
Finding out who personnel is and what we are good at
First couple weeks to guys
Plan to be successful
Base established early and often
Keys - ball security
Creating explosives - explosive play in a drive % of TD way up
Get the ball to the best players
Be sure to check out our partner Vertical Raise. Elevate your program's Online Fundraising to new heights Use Vertical Raise’s online fundraising system and raise more money in less time:Get in Touch with Your Vertical Raise Fundraising Coachhttps://verticalraise.com
Multiple fundraising solutions to fit all your program needs
Leverage best-in-class technology, texting & email deliverability.
An in-person local fundraising coach walks your team through every step of the process.
The 10% Tool Kit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 22, 2024 • 26min
Champions- Limit Stress to Maximize Success - Seth Parr, Head Coach, Anna HS (TX)
Seth Parr, the head football coach at Anna High School, has rapidly transformed the Coyotes into a powerhouse since he arrived in 2021. Initially unfamiliar with Anna, Parr was drawn to the town by the potential he saw during his first visit, and his intuition proved correct. Coming off a challenging 3-7 season, Parr led the Coyotes to a 7-3 record in his first year, laying the foundation for even greater success. By 2022, Anna achieved an unbeaten regular season and a deep playoff run, and in 2023, Parr guided the team to a historic 15-1 season, culminating in a dominant 26-0 victory in the Class 4A Division I state championship. Under Parr's leadership, the Coyotes have embraced a winning culture and are set to continue their ascent as they move into Class 5A.In this episode of the Champion Series presented by Signature Championship Rings, Coach Parr shares insights on effective preseason training for football. He emphasizes starting early with a "chunk and chew" approach to enhance player learning and confidence. Coach Parr highlights the importance of balancing physical training and mental preparedness during fall camp, as well as delegating responsibilities on Game Day to maintain focus. He advocates for self-care practices to ensure mental clarity, asserting that thorough preparation leads to reduced stress and success on Game Day. His strategies provide valuable guidance for coaches in the 2024 season.Chapters
Season Preparation Strategies
Game Day Readiness
Personal Preparation for Coaches
Thank you for supporting our partners: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 www.signaturechampions.com/podcast.The 10% Tool Kit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices