

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

Mar 25, 2024 • 36min
The Go-Go Offense – Brennan Marion, Offensive Coordinator, UNLV
Brennan Marion, the offensive coordinator at UNLV, joins us to discuss the “Go-Go Offense”. He explores the origins and evolution of the offense, emphasizing its strategic approach to combine the option game with a strong passing attack.Coach Marion highlights the importance of adapting the offense to players' strengths and shares his coaching journey, emphasizing continuous learning and adaptation.Marion introduces the concept of the five Vs in the Go-Go Offense and focuses on team culture, player development, and maximizing talent. We dig into recruiting based on skill set, effective communication, and creating a supportive environment for players. Then we wrap up the conversation by underlining the importance of togetherness, love, and selflessness among players for team success, expressing optimism for the future of the UNLV Rebels.Show Notes:
Introduction to the Go-Go Offense
Transition to Coaching at UNLV
The Five Vs in the Go-Go Offense
Maximizing Skill Sets in High School Football
Recruiting Strategy Shift
Importance of Love for Teammates in Offense
Winning Edge
Additional Episodes with Brennan Marion:Building Your Position RoomCreator of the Go-Go OffenseFollow All We Are Doing:Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter.Thank you for supporting our partners:Learn More about 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 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 21, 2024 • 27min
Champions - A Commitment to Balance - Ben Reaves, Head Coach, Milton HS (GA)
This week’s installment of the Champion Series presented by Signature Championship Rings is with Ben Reeves, the head coach of the State Champions at Milton High School in Georgia. Coach Reeves discusses the importance of celebrating the team's success, emphasizing the fleeting nature of championships and the need to savor each moment. He also explains the "two-position philosophy" employed in the program, where players are trained in two positions to maximize their impact on the field and increase competition within the team. Reeves highlights the benefits of this approach, such as enhancing depth, promoting camaraderie, and ensuring the best players are on the field during crucial moments.Furthermore, Reeves delves into the program's focus on achieving balance throughout the season, aiming to peak in December rather than exerting maximum effort early on. He stresses the significance of managing player workloads to maintain physical, mental, and emotional freshness as the season progresses. Reeves also discusses the importance of continuous learning and professional development for coaches, emphasizing the value of studying successful programs, adopting effective strategies, and adapting them to suit one's coaching style. Show Notes:
Importance of Celebrating Achievements
Prioritizing Memories Over Results
Two-Position Philosophy Explanation
Benefits of Two-Position Philosophy
Challenges and Logistics of Implementing Two-Position Philosophy
Motivating Players for Two Positions
Situational Opportunities for Best 11 Players
Focus on Balance for Peak Performance
Developing as a Coach for Success
Winning Edge
Follow All We Are Doing:Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 20, 2024 • 52min
Culture OS, Brad Spencer, Head Coach, North Central College
In this episode of Culture OS, Brad Spencer, head coach at North Central College, shares his coaching journey emphasizing values like faith, family, and academics. He discusses challenges and successes shaping his coaching style, highlights recruiting local talent, and fostering a supportive team culture. Insights on maintaining high standards, effective communication, and leveraging technology for success are shared, providing actionable insights for coaches aiming to inspire their teams to achieve new heights.After a stellar playing career as a wide receiver for the Cardinals, Brad Spencer joined the North Central College coaching staff as a wide receivers/tight ends coach in 2004. After 11 seasons as the wide receivers coach, Spencer was promoted to assistant head coach and offensive coordinator prior to the 2015 season. In January 2022, he was appointed the 26th head coach in the history of the Cardinals' program.The 2022 season saw the Cardinals post the program's first undefeated season, a 15-0 campaign that resulted in the program's second NCAA Division III National Championship. North Central won the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, 28-21, over the University of Mount Union (Ohio) at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland.Spencer was named the FootballScoop NCAA Division III Coordinator of the Year following the 2019 season, which saw the Cardinals win their first Division III national championship over the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 41-14, in Shenandoah, Texas.Show Notes:
Introduction to Culture OS with Rob Pomizak
Interview with Brad Spencer, Head Coach at North Central College
Recruiting Challenges and Success Stories
Brad's Composure and Coaching Style
Importance of Self-Awareness in Coaching
Internal Drive and Composure as a Tactical Advantage
Gift Wrapping for Success
Fostering Communication and Connection
Insights from Coach Spencer
Gratitude and Growth
Previous Episode with Brad Spencer:Winning Situational FootballSeries Episodes:Culture OS Series KickoffMatt Drinkall. Offensive Line Coach, ArmyKyle Ralph, Head Coach, New Palestine HS (IN)Derek Leonard, Head Coach, Rochester HS (IL)Tony Shiffman, Head Coach, Waterford HS (WI)Episodes with Rob Pomazak:Giving Your Players a Madden Rating to Help DevelopmentWhat I Learned in My First 10 Years as a Head CoachRemote Learning and the Four Quadrant PlanAdjusting and Adapting the Season During Covid The Head Coach and Coordinator DynamicCoach Pomazak’s Resources here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 19, 2024 • 26min
Creating a "Get To" Culture - Sean Saturnio, Special Teams Coordinator, Army West Point
Today's episode is a clinic segment from the 4th Annual Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic featuring Coach Sean Saturnio, special teams coordinator from the United States Military Academy. In this episode, Coach Saturnio shares valuable insights on creating a team culture of excellence, love, and leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience as a high school coach in Hawaii and his current role at West Point, Coach Saturnio provides practical strategies and an inspirational vision for fostering a strong team culture. Coach Saturnio delves into the importance of enthusiasm, competitiveness, discipline, and leadership in building a successful program. Show Notes:
Importance of Creating a Positive Culture
Establishing an Inspirational Vision
The Vision and Identity of Special Teams
Traits of a Successful Special Teams Unit
Enthusiasm, Competitiveness, and Discipline
Relentlessness and Toughness
Building Positive Feedback Loops
The Sauce Team Hui and Peer Coaching
Developing Personal Characteristics for Success
Lauren’s First and Goal Premium Membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 18, 2024 • 32min
Establishing Defensive Identity - Luke Butts, Head Coach, Westminster College (MO)
In today’s Clinic Series episode from the D3 Top 25 Clinic, Luke Butts, former defensive coordinator at Lake Forest and current head coach at Westminster College, shares his expertise on building a strong defensive identity. Coach Butts delves into the key elements of an elite defense, emphasizing the importance of effort, tackling, and takeaways. He shares the strategies and philosophies that have led to success on the field and helped his team focus on creating a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This past season, his defense led all of NCAA Division III in scoring defense, third down percentage, total defense, and passing efficiency defense. This success has led to Coach Butts being named one of five finalists for the 2023 Football Scoop Division III Coordinator award.He covers all of the important aspects of building an identity on defense and how those translated to on-field excellence,We will share our winning edge takeaways after this clinic segment. Links to the D3 Top 25 Clinic replays are in the show notes.Show Notes:
Building a Defensive Identity at Lake Forest
Importance of Culture and Standards
Developing Resilience and Mental Toughness
Creating a Collaborative Coaching Approach
Establishing Effort, Tackling, and Takeaways
Emphasizing Effort: "When the ball is gone, you're gone"
Focus on Effort, Tackling, and Pursuit
Implementing Tackling Techniques
Consistency in Coaching Messages and Standards
Winning Edge
D3football.coachesclinic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 15, 2024 • 33min
Champions: Built By Boyle – Justin Haddix, Head Coach, Boyle County High School (KY)
The journey to championship success is often paved with unique challenges and opportunities for growth. One such inspiring story comes from Boyle County High School in Kentucky, where head coach Justin Haddix led his team to an impressive four-peat state championship in 2023.When Coach Haddix took the reins at Boyle County, he inherited a program with a rich history of success under the guidance of the legendary Chuck Smith. However, rather than simply replicating what was done to accomplish past achievements, Coach Haddix brought his distinctive touch to the program. He emphasized the importance of putting his fingerprint on the team, blending the existing winning culture with his innovative ideas to propel the team to new heights. Coach Haddix navigated the transition smoothly by instilling a sense of ownership and adaptability within the players and staff.A key component of Boyle County's success under Coach Haddix's leadership has been the relentless focus on offseason training and development. Implementing the "Rebel Boot Camp" in the team's weight room sessions not only fostered physical strength but also instilled a sense of camaraderie and competition among the players. Coach Haddix and his staff encouraged players to push their limits, break records, and embrace the grind together by creating a structured and engaging workout environment. The emphasis on competition, teamwork, and continuous improvement in the offseason has been instrumental in shaping Boyle County's winning culture and sustaining its success year after year.Show Notes:
Starting at Boyle County
Building a Young Coaching Staff
Importance of Morning Workouts
Rebel Boot Camp and Training Changes
Building a Strong Culture
Creating Competition in Training
Embracing Social Media and Branding
Building Interest in a New Program
Celebrating Success and Moving Forward
Follow Justin Haddix on Twitter/X @CoachHaddix11.Watch the Built By Boyle Series on YouTube.Follow All We Are Doing:Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 13, 2024 • 37min
Culture OS – Anthony Shiffman, Head Coach, Waterford High School (WI)
In this episode of Culture OS, guest host Rob Pomazak sits down with Tony Shiffman, head coach of Waterford High School in Wisconsin.Coach Shiffman emphasizes the importance of being authentic and confident in one's coaching approach. He highlights that being genuine and passionate about what you do resonates more with players than simply following a set playbook. Authenticity breeds trust and connection – essential elements in building a strong team culture.Coach Shiffman also shares his experiences with finding an equilibrium between coaching responsibilities and family life. By prioritizing family time and setting boundaries, he exemplifies the importance of self-care and nurturing personal relationships outside of the football field.Show Notes:
Building Great Young Men
Initial Meeting and Rapport Building
Program Changes and Buy-In
Leadership Style and Balance
Program Development in the Offseason
Maintaining Program Alignment
Navigating Work-Family Relationship
Advice for Aspiring Coaches
Follow Tony Shiffman on Twitter/X @CoachShiffman.Related Episode:Developing Relationships, Networking, and the Pin and PullAdditional Culture OS Episodes:Derek Leonard, Head Coach, Rochester HS (IL)Kyle Ralph, Head Coach, New Palestine High School (IN)Matt Drinkall, Offensive Line Coach, ArmyRelated Episodes with Rob Pomazak:Giving Your Players a Madden Rating to Help DevelopmentWhat I Learned in My First 10 Years as a Head CoachRemote Learning and the Four Quadrant PlanAdjusting and Adapting the Season During Covid The Head Coach and Coordinator DynamicAdditional Coach Pomazak Resources:Coaching by Design: Complete Guide to Program DevelopmentFollow All We Are Doing:Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 12, 2024 • 43min
A Modern Approach to Play Calling – Jordan Irsik, Defensive Coordinator, Folsom High School (CA)
Explore how technology and analytics are revolutionizing play calling in football with insights from a coach using modern football technology. Learn about balancing technology and human decision-making, utilizing analytics for play-calling decisions, and integrating technology into weekly game planning. Discover the benefits of transitioning technology to defensive coaching and optimizing football play-calling strategy through data-driven decision-making.

Mar 11, 2024 • 37min
Empowering Others to Do Their Best – Jeff Traylor, Head Coach, UTSA
The journey of a coach is often a story of evolution and growth. In this episode, Jeff Traylor, head coach at the University of Texas, San Antonio (UTSA), provides a compelling narrative of his transformation in the game.Transitioning from a high school coach to a college coach, Coach Traylor reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his coaching philosophy. From his early focus on offensive prowess to a more holistic approach encompassing defense, special teams, and player development, his journey exemplifies the continuous learning and adaptation required in the coaching profession.Coach Traylor's emphasis on humility and self-reflection offers valuable insights for coaches at all levels. His willingness to take a step back and embrace new roles, such as serving as a passing game coordinator before assuming head coaching responsibilities, underscores the importance of continuous learning and growth in one's coaching career. His philosophy of empowering assistant coaches and providing them with clear job descriptions and resources highlights the significance of effective leadership in fostering a cohesive and successful coaching staff.Finally, Coach Traylor digs into the "Triangle of Toughness," a foundational principle in his coaching philosophy that encapsulates the core values and culture he instills within his team.Show Notes:
Evolution from High School to College Coaching
Empowering Coordinators and Understanding Assistants
Setting Clear Job Expectations for Staff
Importance of Job Descriptions, Pay Raises, and Time Management
Experience and Humility in Coaching
Using Checklists for Evaluation and Feedback
Overview of the Triangle of Toughness
Managing and Measuring the Triangle of Toughness
Impact of Coaching and Importance of the Game
Follow Jeff Traylor on Twitter/X @CoachTraylor.Additional Coach Traylor Resource:"The Triangle of Toughness"Follow All We Are Doing:Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 7, 2024 • 38min
Champions Series: Strategic Evolution – Chad Johnson, Head Coach, Mission Viejo High School (CA)
Coach Chad Johnson discusses the importance of building authentic relationships, adaptability, and continuous improvement in coaching high school football. The podcast explores strategies for player development, optimizing game plans, and staying ahead of the curve. Topics include creating lasting connections with athletes, enhancing football efficiency with innovative technology, and guiding players through the transition to college sports.