Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Exploring the evolution of defensive strategies in football due to Run-Pass Options (RPOs). Emphasis on covering receivers over fitting the run, limiting explosive plays, and controlling the game's tempo. Insights on matchups, numbers, leveraging, and adapting defensive tactics to modern trends.

We are excited to kickoff our new series "Culture OS" with our guest host Rob Pomazak, Head Coach at St. Charles North High School in Illinois.Coach Pomazak has been a guest on the podcast multiple times, and we always enjoy his insight into building a program by design. In this series, he will interview coaches from all levels to gain insight into how they build the operating system that runs the culture of their programs.Coach Pomazak has outlined the mission, vision, and purpose for this series:Mission: Deliver helpful content for coaches in all phases of their journey. Vision: Help as many coaches as possible to develop their program systems. Purpose: Provide service to the profession.Whether you are new to the head coaching seat, a seasoned veteran head coach, an aspiring head coach, or just an assistant looking to be the best assistant you can be, this series is full of insight into how successful coaches build their Culture OS.Thank you for supporting our partners:Learn More about Playbook Clinics:Playbook Clinics is a new coaching clinic series, reimagined from the ground up. Playbook organizes a Convening Panel of coaches in the region, asks them what they want to talk about, and who they want to hear from. Check them out at www.playbookclinics.com, get your staff registered, and use the code “Keith” to save $50. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we hit mid-February and start to see a little more sun and milder weather, utilizing field work in our strength and conditioning program begins to prepare our team to get back onto the field and develop some general skills that will translate on the field.Scott Leech is the Strength & Conditioning Coach at Rhode Island. In his presentation from the 2023 Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic, he shared his philosophy and approach to utilizing field work to prepare his team.In this segment, he explains why it’s important to incorporate this type of work into your offseason program and how it works with the skill of acceleration, which he feels can only be developed in this type of work.This entire presentation is available as part of the 2023 Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic Premium Pass right now. The pass gives you your ticket to the 2024 clinic and a year of replays, plus access to all the 2023 presentations right up to the kickoff of this year's clinic on February 29. Get your pass, or bring your whole staff and save.Secure Your 2024 Lauren's First and Goal Passes:2024 Lauren’s First and Goal Premium Access2024 Lauren’s First and Goal Premium Staff AccessThank you for supporting our partners:Learn More about Playbook Clinics:Playbook Clinics is a new coaching clinic series, reimagined from the ground up. Playbook organizes a Convening Panel of coaches in the region, asks them what they want to talk about, and who they want to hear from. Check them out at www.playbookclinics.com, get your staff registered, and use the code “Keith” to save $50. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Keith Grabowski gives three simple ways you can teach your team members to be vocal leaders. This focus on vocal leadership will increase energy, build trust, and push team members to be unselfish and invest in others.Be sure to attend the D3 Top 25 Virtual Clinic presented by Coach and Coordinator:https://d3football.coachesclinic.com/Thank you for supporting our partners:Learn More about Playbook Clinics:Playbook Clinics is a new coaching clinic series, reimagined from the ground up. Playbook organizes a Convening Panel of coaches in the region, asks them what they want to talk about, and who they want to hear from. Check them out at www.playbookclinics.com, get your staff registered, and use the code “Keith” to save $50. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the archives, we revisit The Leadership Ladder, first presented at a clinic by Gregg Brandon, then the head coach at Bowling Green State University, most recently the head coach at the Colorado School of Mines. It simplifies the levels of leadership and is a helpful tool for your team in the offseason.Show Notes: Learning from Gregg Brandon A Tool to Share with Players Starting with a Coach-Driven Offseason Overview of the Five Levels Level One: Seniority Level Two: Selfish Level Three: Unselfish Level Four: Self-Sacrifice Level Five: High Investment in Others The Offseason Starts with More of an Individual Focus and More Coach-Driven Coaches Need to Model Positive Leadership Utilize the Leadership Ladder to Have Conversations with Players Positive Individuals and How to Deal with Those Who Are Not Aligned Transition to Player-Driven by Creating Opportunities 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 Playbook Clinics:Playbook Clinics is a new coaching clinic series, reimagined from the ground up. Playbook organizes a Convening Panel of coaches in the region, asks them what they want to talk about, and who they want to hear from. Check them out at www.playbookclinics.com, get your staff registered, and use the code “Keith” to save $50. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vince DiGaetano, assistant coach at Fordham University, shares his deep knowledge of tackling systems and player development. He breaks down the evolution of tackling techniques in light of safety regulations, emphasizing the importance of psychological readiness. DiGaetano outlines a comprehensive tackling system that integrates trust, technique, and cognitive processing. He highlights key drills and concepts like 'seek, strike, and strain,' and stresses the need for players to maintain focus in high-pressure situations while balancing skill development with safety.

Caleb Corrill is the offensive coordinator at Mount St. Joseph University. He’s entering his seventh season as OC after serving as the Mount quarterbacks coach from 2015 to 2016.In Corrill's six seasons as the offensive coordinator, 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.The Lions under Corrill boasted one of the nation's top offensive units in 2023. They finished third in total offense, averaging 552.5 yards per game, and second in scoring offense, averaging 55.4 points per game, both of which were new MSJ records.Offensively, they were as balanced as any team in the country, finishing ninth nationally in passing offense (324.9 ypg) and 17th in rushing offense (227.5 ypg). Under the tutelage of Corrill, MSJ quarterback Josh Taylor finished as the nation's leader in passing touchdowns (46) and was a semifinalist for the Gagliardi Trophy.Coach Corrill's unit has been a big reason for the Lions' recent run of success, including a 19-3 record, back-to-back HCAC Titles, and back-to-back playoff appearances over the past two seasons. Coach Corrill was recognized by Hansen Ratings as the 2023 Offensive Coordinator of the Year for his efforts.In this episode, Coach Corrill digs into his approach to learning and evolving as a coach, teaching and building relationships, and some of the components that make the Lions' offense one of the best in the country, including their option routes, the RPO, and condensed sets.Show Notes: Philosophy of Learning Methods for Organizing Your Learning Being a Great Teacher of the Game Building Relationships Features Important to Their Offense Post-Snap Route Adjustments Indicators on "Choice" Routes Structures Around Option Routes RAM Reads The Role and Utilization of the RPO Protect Numbers at the POA Choice Concept Condensed Set Advantages Sustaining Success Follow Caleb Corrill on Twitter/X @CalebCorrill.Coaches Mentioned in This Episode: Jim Tressel Josh Herring Dan Gonzalez Elliot Wratten Jason Phillips Brent Dearmon Joe Moorhead Andrew Coverdale Joe Gerbino Nick Davis To register for the D3 Top 25 Clinic, visit https://d3football.coachesclinic.com.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 Playbook Clinics:Playbook Clinics is a new coaching clinic series, reimagined from the ground up. Playbook organizes a Convening Panel of coaches in the region, asks them what they want to talk about, and who they want to hear from. Check them out at www.playbookclinics.com, get your staff registered, and use the code “Keith” to save $50. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you best serve the school or institution you are at? How does serving create a synergistic effect with buy-in? What can we do to create more leaders? How do we find a better balance in this profession?Those are all questions we dive into with Bill George, retired head coach of the US Coast Guard Academy.Coach George spent 21 seasons as the head football coach at the US Coast Guard Academy, where he used football as a vehicle to help build leaders. He recently wrote a book titled Home Fields: Coast Guard Academy Football Coach Recounts the Unfulfilled Lives of World War II. In this episode, Coach George digs into a number of topics from his book, the importance of understanding the people being served, and how to mold more and better leaders.Show Notes: Key to Longevity Understanding the People Being Served What Are the Goals of These People? Football Is a Vehicle Always Taking a Positive Approach Setting and Keeping the Bar High Give People More Leadership Roles Synergistic Effect on Buy-In Making Players Communicate In-Person Main Idea Behind Home Fields Ideas on a Better Way for Sundays and Mondays Balance in the Coaching Profession More more information on Home Fields, visit https://homefieldsbook.com.To register for the D3 Top 25 Clinic, visit https://d3football.coachesclinic.com.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 Playbook Clinics:Playbook Clinics is a new coaching clinic series, reimagined from the ground up. Playbook organizes a Convening Panel of coaches in the region, asks them what they want to talk about, and who they want to hear from. Check them out at www.playbookclinics.com, get your staff registered, and use the code “Keith” to save $50. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a defensive coordinator, Cody Baethke's success at Coe College is a testament to his dedication to crafting a well-rounded and effective defensive strategy. For his efforts, he was recognized by Hansen Ratings as the #4 Defensive Coordinator of the Year for 2023, and the DCOY in his region.In this episode, Coach Baethke shares insights into his coaching philosophy and approach to building a successful defense, which includes placing value on creating TFLs. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and continuous learning as key elements in his defensive strategy.Show Notes: Background and Coaching Philosophy Core Beliefs on Defense Simplifying Defensive Techniques Creating Havoc with Stand-Up Defensive Lineman Attributes of the Hybrid Defensive Player Philosophy Behind Creating Tackles for Loss Importance of Tackles for Loss on Defense Training Linebackers for Tracking and Tackling Techniques for Cloud Coverage and Inserting Safeties Follow Cody Baethke on Twitter/X @CodyBaethke.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 Playbook Clinics:Playbook Clinics is a new coaching clinic series, reimagined from the ground up. Playbook organizes a Convening Panel of coaches in the region, asks them what they want to talk about, and who they want to hear from. Check them out at www.playbookclinics.com, get your staff registered, and use the code “Keith” to save $50. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Clinic Series episode is a Lauren's First and Goal segment from Eastern Washington Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach Jimmy Chapin. No matter what position you coach, the model Coach Chapin provides can be applied to building your unit and position culture.Success often hinges on a team's ability to create a strong, cohesive culture. This is especially true when it comes to developing successful quarterbacks. At Eastern Washington, the coaching staff places a significant emphasis on cultivating a culture that fosters growth, resilience, and a collective mindset among their players. The quarterback position is seen as a leadership role that requires not only skill and talent but also a deep understanding of the team's culture and values.The culture at Eastern Washington is built on the foundation of collective identity and systematic group behavior. Coach Chapin emphasizes the importance of players embracing their roles within the team and understanding that individual expectations are tied to the collective unit. This approach fosters a sustainable model of excellence that maximizes individual potential while also contributing to the team's success. It is clear that the coaching staff at Eastern Washington prioritizes creating an environment where players are encouraged to embrace the team's values and work towards a common goal.In addition, Coach Chapin also delves into pass game organization in this episode and gives an example while sharing the basics of their stop light progression.Show Notes: Introduction and Background The Importance of Culture Individual Expectations and Team Culture The Impact of Culture on Team Performance Coaching Philosophy and Player Buy-In Coach's Role in Player Development Key Principles for Coaches Problem Solving and Constructive Conflict Efficiency and Intentionality in Coaching Professionalism and Collective Success Follow Jim Chapin on Twitter/X @CoachChapin.Secure Your 2024 Lauren's First and Goal Passes:Premium Individual:Lauren’s First and Goal 2024 Premium AccessPremium Staff: Lauren’s First and Goal 2024 STAFF Premium AccessIf you purchase the Lauren’s First and Goal Premium Pass, available for both individuals and staffs, you will get immediate access to this presentation from Coach Chapin, as well as the other 120 from 2023. You have access to those until the clinic begins on February 29th. The pass includes your ticket to the 2024 Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic plus year long access to all of the presentations from this year.Thank you for supporting our partners:Learn More about Playbook Clinics:Playbook Clinics is a new coaching clinic series, reimagined from the ground up. Playbook organizes a Convening Panel of coaches in the region, asks them what they want to talk about, and who they want to hear from. Check them out at www.playbookclinics.com, get your staff registered, and use the code “Keith” to save $50. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices