Coach and Coordinator Podcast

On this episode of Best of 2025 of Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the most impactful conversations from The Turnaround series. The episode featuring high school football coach Steve Pyne. Originally aired in January 2025, this conversation stood out for its experience-driven look at what real program turnarounds actually require. Across stops at Wilson High School, Ida B. Wells, Central Catholic, and now Union High School, Coach Pyne shares what it takes to rebuild struggling programs from the ground up. Rather than focusing on schemes or shortcuts, he breaks down the importance of accountability, communication, relationships, and disciplined standards, especially when wins don’t come immediately. Coach Pyne reflects on mistakes from earlier in his career, how his leadership philosophy evolved, and why putting kids first must always come before chasing results. The discussion highlights how setting clear expectations, building trust, and maintaining consistency can transform culture long before it shows up on the scoreboard. This episode also anchors The Turnaround series, which now powers the Coach and Coordinator AI Turnaround Companion — an applied learning tool built from these conversations to help coaches turn insight into action within their own programs. For any coach stepping into a rebuild or navigating the middle of one, this is a conversation worth revisiting, sharing, and applying piece by piece. Coach and Coordinator AI – Turnaround Companion Chapters: Why This Episode Became a Best of 2025 Coach Steve Pyne’s Rebuild Journey Taking Over Struggling Programs Accountability Over Schemes Building Relationships and Trust Establishing Mission, Vision, and Standards Resetting Culture During Transition Learning From Early Leadership Mistakes Communication as a Coaching Skill Putting Kids First During a Rebuild Sustaining Standards Without Immediate Wins Modern Rebuilds and AI as a Coaching Companion Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Steve Pyne: @CoachPyne67 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 impactful conversations of the year. The pilot episode of The Think Tank, first aired in January 2025. This roundtable brings together experienced football coaches to dive deep into offensive strategy and how coaches can make continuous adjustments against always evolving defensive trends, without losing their identity. The discussion explores how building a common language within a program improves communication, teaching efficiency, and on-field execution. The coaches break down offensive structure, protection issues, and personnel usage. Highlighting that great teaching drives player development. Throughout the episode, the panel shares applicable insights on walkthroughs, technology in coaching, and season-to-season reflection as tools for growth. As a foundational Think Tank conversation, this episode set the tone for collective learning, intentional strategy, and authentic dialogue, making it a clear standout and a worthy Best of 2025 selection. Think Tank: Offensive Structure & Teaching AI Companion Chapters Why This Became a Best of 2025 Episode Offensive Structure and Coaching Identity Integrating Coaches and Building a Common Language Diagnosing Passing Game and Protection Issues Adapting to Defensive Trends Innovation Without Losing Identity Teaching Option Routes and Player Understanding Flexibility and Personnel-Driven Adjustments Balancing Complexity and Execution Teaching, Walkthroughs, and Feedback The Think Tank Approach to Learning and Collaboration Modern Football, Technology, and AI as Coaching Companions Keep up with all things from Coach and Coordinator visit https://coachandcoordinator.com or follow @CoachKGrabowski on X 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.modernfootball.com. 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 Coach and Coordinator, Keith Grabowski sits down with Cris Reisert to explore how the Kaizen philosophy can transform coaching, team culture, and player development. Drawing from Reisert’s experience at Tiffin University and Gardner-Webb University, the conversation centers on building programs through Kaizen - continuous improvement, accountability, and shared ownership. Reisert breaks down how metrics, evaluation, and clear standards help teams track growth and reinforce expectations, emphasizing that quality and improvement are everyone’s responsibility. They discuss the importance of feedback and adapting systems to fit the people within the program, not the other way around. This episode highlights how making a big deal out of small wins, reframing mistakes as learning opportunities, and serving others with humility can create a positive, growth-oriented environment. It’s a practical and philosophical discussion for coaches looking to build sustainable success through culture, consistency, and a commitment to getting better every day. Chapters Introduction to Kaizen in Coaching Cris Reisert's Journey with Kaizen Implementing Kaizen in Team Culture Metrics and Evaluation for Continuous Improvement Accountability and Standards in Practice Fostering Collaboration and Feedback Adapting Schemes and Strategies Creating an Inclusive Environment The Importance of Ownership Final Thoughts on Embracing Kaizen Coach and Coordinator AI - Kaizen Companion Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Cris Reisert: @CoachReisert Related on Coach and Coordinator Network: The Kaizen Coaching Blue Print + Kaizen Companion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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