

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

Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 28min
The Think Tank - Creating Defensive Structure - Grant Caserta, Mike Fox, Eric Kasperowicz
In this episode of the Think Tank presented by Modern Football Technology, three defensive coaches discuss the importance of creating a structured terminology that is easy for players to learn while providing the necessary tools for effective game planning. Ferris State Linebacker Coach Grant Caserta, SUNY Brockport Defensive Coordinator Mike Fox, and Mars HS (PA) Head Coach Eric Kasperowicz join the Think Tank to share their insight.They explore strategies for adjusting coverage based on offensive formations, the use of wristband systems for communication, and the need to simplify complex defensive calls. The conversation also explores the significance of dictating play through defensive strategies and adapting to various offensive looks, culminating in a discussion on disguising coverage and pre-snap movement. Chapters
Defensive Structure and Terminology
Game Planning Against Top Offenses
Adjusting Coverage Based on Offensive Formations
Wristband Systems and Communication
Simplifying Complex Defensive Calls
Dictating Play with Defensive Strategies
Adapting to Offensive Looks
Disguising Coverage and Pre-Snap Movement
Defensive Structure and Flexibility
Adapting to Offensive Strategies
Empty Set Adjustments
Organizing the Call Sheet
Simplifying Defensive Calls
Offensive Strategies and Adaptability
Defensive Game Planning and Adjustments
Blitzing Techniques and Third Down Strategies
Philosophies on Box vs. Spill Defense
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.Resources from our panelists on CoachTube:Grant Caserta - Championship LB PlayGrant Caserta - Building a Championship LB Drill MenuGrant Caserta - Ferris State Championship Defense - A Unique Twist on the 4-3Mike Fox - Stick CoverageEric Kapserowicz Resources (13 courses) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 16, 2025 • 41min
Student of the Game - Collaboration in Coaching - Pete Sterbick, Head Coach, Colorado School of Mines
Student of the Game - Collaboration in Coaching - Pete Sterbick, Head Coach, Colorado School of MinesIn this episode of Student of the Game, Pete Sterbick shares insights into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of being a student of the game, the need for constant evolution in offensive strategies, and the value of collaboration. He discusses how to effectively game plan, adapt plays, and learn from mistakes, while also providing valuable advice for young coaches on how to connect with their players and enhance their coaching effectiveness.Chapters
The Importance of Being a Student of the Game
Evolving Offensive Strategies
Collaboration and Team Dynamics
Game Planning and Adaptation
Innovative Play Design and Execution
Balancing Creativity and Practicality
Learning from Mistakes and Adjustments
Advice for Young Coaches
Support our Partners:Modern Football TechnologySignature Championship RingsTitan GPS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 15, 2025 • 58min
Sprint-Based Football-The Critical Role of Speed in Success-Dan Quesenberry, S&C Coach, Ravenwood HS(TN)
In this episode of Sprint-Based Football presented by Titan Sensors, Tony Holler interviews Dan Quesenberry from Ravenwood High School (TN), discussing the implementation of sprint-based football training. They explore the evolution of training methods, the importance of speed and strength, and how to create a positive practice environment that attracts athletes. The conversation emphasizes the need for education among players and parents about the benefits of a performance-based approach, redefining what hard work means in athletic training. They explore how speed metrics can indicate athlete health and performance, the role of RPR in injury prevention, and the upcoming Sprint-Based football Clinic. Chapters
Introduction to Sprint-Based Football and Ravenwood High School
Transitioning to Sprint-Based Training
Implementing Speed and Strength Training
Game Speed vs. Practice Speed
Educating Players and Parents
Creating a Positive Practice Environment
Redefining Hard Work in Training
Redefining Hard Work in Coaching
Maximizing Athlete Participation and Enjoyment
The Importance of Speed in Football
Identifying and Developing Elite Athletes
Maintaining Speed and Health Throughout the Season
The Relationship Between Speed and Toughness
Monitoring Health Through Speed Metrics
The Role of RPR in Injury Prevention
Upcoming Sprint-Based Football Clinic
The Evolution of Coaching Practices
The Future of Sprint-Based Football
Resources On CoachTube:Sprint-Based Football BundleFeed the Cats Football BundleTFC Sprint-Based FootballSupport our Partner: Titan GPSFounded and based in Texas, Titan GPS is your key to sprint-based football success. Designed specifically for high school football, Titan tracks the metrics that matter, like top speed, explosive acceleration, and even the powerful 'truck stick'—speed times weight for the ultimate performance insight. Whether it’s optimizing practice, spotlighting players with 3D highlights, or giving recruiters verified in-game stats, Titan delivers. And with no minimums to get started, Titan walks you through every step. Message them on X @titansensor to learn more. Titan GPS—performance measured, potential unlocked.”https://www.titansensor.com/DM Titan:https://x.com/titansensorRegister for the upcoming TFC event in Mobile, Alabama or Nashville, Tennessee:https://store.simplifaster.com/product/sprint-based-football-saraland-al-single-ticket/Connect:https://x.com/pntrackhttps://x.com/wcsrhsstrengthhttps://x.com/CoachKGrabowski Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Think Tank - Creating the Structure - Dan Gonzalez, Josh Herring, Dub Maddox
Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new series, The Think Tank, presented by Modern Football Technology. Think Tank is where top minds in football coaching come together to tackle the game’s biggest challenges and explore innovative strategies. In each episode, we’ll dive deep into key topics like offensive and defensive structure, player development, game-day adjustments, trending schemes and concepts, and more – all with insights you can apply directly to your team.Each week, you’ll hear from three different coaches, bringing their unique perspectives, experiences, and game-changing approaches. Whether you’re a seasoned coach or just starting your journey, Think Tank will challenge your thinking and help you take your coaching to the next level.In this Think Tank episode, coaches Dub Maddox, Dan Gonzalez, and Josh Herring dive into creating an effective offensive structure. They explore integrating new coaches into systems, addressing flaws in passing game designs, and adapting to defensive trends. The discussion highlights strategies like leveraging motion and tempo, clear communication for quarterbacks, and the balance between complexity and execution. With insights on option routes, player flexibility, and identifying strengths, they emphasize maintaining an offensive identity while innovating. This conversation is packed with practical coaching strategies and teaching methods to elevate offensive play and player development.Chapters:
Introduction to Offensive Structure
Integrating New Coaches into Established Systems
Identifying Flaws in Passing Game Design
Adapting to Defensive Trends
Innovative Strategies for Offensive Play
Exploring Motion and Tempo in Offense
Conclusion and Resources for Coaches
Understanding Option Routes in Youth Football
Flexibility in Offensive Positions
Identifying Player Strengths Mid-Season
Balancing Offensive Complexity and Execution
Maintaining Offensive Identity Amidst Change
Innovating While Staying True to Core Principles
The Importance of Common Language in Coaching
Effective Teaching Strategies for Football
Concluding Thoughts on Coaching and Learning
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

Jan 13, 2025 • 30min
Creating Havoc to Get Off the Field - Zach Feltrop, Defensive Coordinator, Valpo
In this conversation, Keith Grabowski and Zach Feltrop discuss the philosophy of 'Havoc' in defensive football, emphasizing its importance in disrupting offenses. They explore the metrics of havoc rate, the significance of pursuit goals, and the training methods that create a culture of effort and teamwork. The discussion also covers game planning strategies and adapting defensive schemes to player strengths.Chapters
Introduction to Havoc Philosophy
Understanding Havoc Rate and Its Importance
Pursuit Goals and Team Buy-In
Training for Pursuit and Effort
Game Planning for Havoc
Techniques and Rules for Defensive Success
Creating Confusion for Offenses
Adjustments and Practice Logistics
Transitioning to FCS and Future Goals
Support our Partners:Modern Football TechnologySignature Championship RingsTitan GPS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 9, 2025 • 43min
Student of the Game - Becoming a Coach - Lane Little, WR Coach, Mt. St. Joseph University
A little over a year ago, I met Caleb Corrill through the Coach and Coordinator Podcast. He was fresh off his final season at Mount St. Joseph, where he did an amazing job putting together a high-powered offense. He progressed from a 27-year-old figuring it out to a confident offensive coordinator. Hansen Ratings named him the D3 Offensive Coordinator of the Year, and over his six seasons as the offensive coordinator at Mount St Joe, the Lions have averaged 41.45 points per game and just over 460 yards per contest. The offense has shattered the record books at the Mount.What I enjoyed most about Caleb was his approach to learning the game. He was willing to talk to anyone at any level and learn. This characteristic led to the idea behind this new series, “Student of the Game.” Caleb will be with us throughout the off-season. His first six episodes of the series are focused on learning, researching, and developing at this time of year. You will enjoy his guests and the growth mindset permeating this series. Thank you to Caleb for the time and detail he put into this. He’s even thoughtfully selected the music for the episode, which he told me “is my vibe.” So hang loose and learn some ball. Here’s the first episode of Student of the Game.In this episode of the Student of the Game, Caleb Corrill interviews Lane Little, the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Mount St. Joseph University. They discuss Lane's journey from an intern to a full-time coaching position, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, involvement in various roles, and the significance of self-scouting and off-season preparation. Lane shares insights on implementing new ideas and drills, evolving the coaching system, and offers advice for aspiring coaches.Chapters
The Journey
Growth Through Involvement
The Importance of Continuous Learning
Self-Scouting and Offseason Preparation
Implementing New Ideas and Drills
Evolving the System
Advice for Aspiring Coaches
Support our Partners:Modern Football TechnologySignature Championship RingsTitan GPS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 8, 2025 • 57min
Sprint-Based Football - The Godfather II - Garrett Mueller, Head Coach, Stewartville HS (MN)
Garrett Mueller, the back-to-back state champion head coach at Stewartville HS (MN), reveals his innovative sprint-based training methods. He discusses the evolution from traditional coaching to a focus on speed, shorter practices, and technology integration. Mueller emphasizes the importance of metrics like the 'truck stick' to evaluate player performance and the need to manage practice loads to prevent injuries. He also highlights the positive culture of coaching and cross-sport benefits for young athletes, showcasing the community impact of his successful program.

Jan 7, 2025 • 39min
Rosters Don’t Win Games, Execution Does - AJ Smith, OC, San Antonio Brahmas
In this episode of the Coach and Coordinator podcast, AJ Smith, the offensive coordinator of the San Antonio Brahmas, discusses the transition from one football season to the next. He emphasizes the importance of analyzing data from the previous season, evaluating roster changes, and adjusting the playbook accordingly. The conversation also touches on the impact of the transfer portal in college football, the significance of finding the right fit between players and plays, and the role of analytics in player development. AJ shares insights on the importance of timing and rhythm in offensive execution, streamlining practice plans, and focusing on basic training plays to enhance game strategy.Chapters
Preparing for the Next Season
The Impact of the Transfer Portal on College Football
Narrowing Down the Playbook
The Importance of Timing and Rhythm in Offense
Basic Training Plays and Game Strategy
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

Jan 6, 2025 • 33min
Be a Healthier Coach in 2025 - Pratik Patel, former NFL Coach
Pratik Patel, a former NFL coach and expert in performance nutrition, shares his insights on optimizing health for coaches. He emphasizes the importance of self-assessment and setting realistic health goals as the new year approaches. The discussion highlights body composition testing, the role of nutrition tailored to individual needs, and the significance of exercise for longevity. Patel advocates for simplicity in health practices, encouraging manageable routines over complex trends to promote long-term well-being. Coaches are inspired to prioritize their health as they transition into a new season.

Jan 5, 2025 • 29min
Best of 2024 - Personal and Professional Growth - PJ Fleck, Head Coach, Minnesota
We wrap up our rundown of our best and favorite episodes of 2024 with a segment of Lauren’s First and Goal Spring Series with Minnesota Head Coach PJ Fleck.Coach Fleck offers plenty of insight into his Row the Boat philosophy. The entire conversation is available on CoachTube on Lauren’s First and Goal channel. The link is in the description.Episode:In this insightful segment from Lauren’s First and Goal Spring Series, Keith Grabowski and Coach P.J. Fleck from Minnesota focus on personal and professional development. The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the philosophy behind "Row the Boat," a powerful mantra that embodies resilience and unity. Discover the heartfelt origins of this motto and how it shapes the culture of Coach Fleck's team. Gain valuable perspectives on coaching, leadership, and personal growth as Coach Fleck shares his wisdom on navigating challenges, building a strong team culture, and continually striving for excellence. Join us on this engaging journey into the mind of a coach dedicated to empowering his players and creating a positive impact beyond the field.Show Notes
Coach P. J. Fleck on Row the Boat
Symbolism of Row the Boat
The power of the oar in life
Importance of sacrifice in achieving goals
Building big boats for collective success
The significance of the compass in life direction
Focus areas for aspiring elite coaches
Letting go of control for professional growth
Continuous improvement and personal development
Winning Edge
Follow PJ Fleck on Twitter/X @Coach_Fleck.Lauren’s First and Goal on CoachTubeThe 10% Tool Kit:Explore these pages for helpful tips, a winning edge, and special promotions for Coach and Coordinator Podcast listeners. Sign up for the Weekly Tip Sheet:Be sure to sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Every Tuesday morning, we email out our Weekly Tip Sheet Newsletter – the best ideas from recent Coach and Coordinator Podcast episodes, as well as additional coaching development resources and recommendations sourced specifically for the 10% Coach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


