Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Keith Klestinski is the head coach of the 2023 WIAA Division 1 state champion Marquette University High School Hilltoppers. Coach Klestinski, in his fourth season as Marquette's head coach, led the Hilltoppers to a 27-10 victory over previously undefeated Franklin in the title game at Camp Randall Stadium.The win came 54 years after Coach Klestinski's father Ron led the Roncalli Jets to victory over Chippewa Falls McDonnell in the first-ever state football championship game under WIAA.In this episode, Coach Klestinski discusses program efficiency. Marquette High School has the challenge, like many schools, of not having assistants in the building. Coach Klestinski details how they are more efficient and effective in their work as coaches by utilizing technology, virtual coaches, and quality control coaches, as well as how they create a more efficient practice.Follow Keith Klestinski on Twitter/X @CoachKlestinski.Related Resource:Watch Marquette's Force-Alley-Fold Drill mentioned by Coach Klestinski in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoIZfA8acOAAdditional Champions Series Episodes:Kyle Schmitt, Head Coach, Archbishop Spalding (MD)Steve Pyne, Head Coach, Central Catholic High School (OR)Eric Kjar, Head Coach, Corner Canyon High School (UT)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

In today's Clinic Series, we share a segment from the 3rd Annual Lauren's FIrst & Goal Clinic from Joe Susan, Special Assistant to the Head Coach at Rutgers University.Coach Susan has a wealth of experience with 45 years at multiple stops including nine as the head coach of Bucknell. This is his second stop going into year five at Rutgers and 14 years overall there.In this segment, he talks about "This Beautiful Profession" sharing what he's learned along the way that he believes makes a successful coach.The 2024 Lauren’s First and Goal Premium Access is available now for a $20 early bird savings.  The benefit of purchasing this pass now is that you will receive access to all 2023 presentations right up until the 2024 clinic kicks off on February 29th, so your learning does not have to wait until the clinic starts.As always, profits from this clinic go to support Pediatric Brain Tumor Research and Cancer Services.Get your Lauren’s First and Goal 2024 Premium Access ticket now!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 episode is about winning first down on defense, and we are joined by Montell Allen, the defensive coordinator at the University of Chicago. He joined Head Coach Todd Gilchrist, Jr.’s staff in February of 2023, and the Maroons are off to a solid start in Coach Gilchrist’s tenure.We dig into several ideas from creating a multiple system while remaining simple so layers can execute, training hybrid players, and keys to growing in the coaching profession. Be sure to stay tuned to our winning edge takeaways and ideas for implementation following the episode.Show Notes: The importance of P&10 Creating the mindset to win first down “High Five” in practice Being able to move from 3 down to 4 down Studying Jim Knowles The Rush/Leo Position Multiplicity through simplicity Terminology structure for one-word calls - weather fronts How many fronts used Bonus fit system for run fits Hang-plug-fold system Using fronts and dealing with mismatches Game planning the fronts Training the Rush LB Keys to evolution as a coach and progressing through the profession Winning Edge Connect on X:@CoachKGrabowski@CoachMAllenFBCoaches mentioned in this episode:Todd Gilcrist, Jr. @CoachTGilrestJim Knowles @CoachJimKnowlesDarrell Meckley @CoachMeck71 Mike Kashurba @Coach_MikeKashThank 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 from our archives, we revisit a conversation with Chris Gizzi, the Strength & Conditioning Coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, who breaks down his career path and how to train the whole person for both physical and mental hurdles.Coach Gizzi joined the Green Bay staff in 2014 as a strength and conditioning assistant before elevating to his current role in 2019. Prior the Packers, Coach Gizzi worked on the University of North Carolina's staff after a successful playing career. Gizzi was an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos in 1998 before first landing in Green Bay, playing linebacker during the 2000 and 2001 seasons.Coach Gizzi played linebacker at the United States Air Force Academy. He earned back-to-back Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1996 and 1997. In 2019, Gizzi was inducted into the Air Force Athletics Hall of Fame.Show Notes: First Game After 9/11 Playing Career Importance of a Father Figure Factoring in Wrestling Multi-Sport Athletes Getting into Strength and Conditioning Team Culture Training the Whole Person Locking in When You Hit the Field Coach LaFleur Tools for Life 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

In coaching and in life, how you do things is as important as what you do. In Draper, Utah, Eric Kjar has done an incredible job constructing the how and what behind his 4x state champion Corner Canyon Chargers.Corner Canyon finished the 2023 season ranked #13 nationally by MaxPreps. In seven seasons as the CCHS head coach, Eric has a record of 87-7.In this episode, Coach Kjar talks about the approach he’s taken and details behind Corner Canyon’s strength and speed programming, as well as their practice structure. Then we take a look into their high-powered offense, which averaged 47.6 points per game, including a successful screen game that alone produced 1,100 yards in 2023.Show Notes: Develop as a Coach Being Pushed by Assistants Research-Based Weight Room Programming Speed Training Recovery Time Between Sprints Curved Sprints Practice Structure Reps for Backups Screen Game Follow Eric Kjar on Twitter/X @KjarEric.Additional Champions Series Episodes:Garrett Mueller, Head Coach, Stewartville High School (MN)Kyle Schmitt, Head Coach, Archbishop Spalding (MD)Steve Pyne, Head Coach, Central Catholic High School (OR)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

Dealing with parents can often be a challenging aspect of the job. However, it's crucial to recognize the potential benefits of cultivating positive relationships with parents.By changing our mindset, investing time upfront, staying connected with parents throughout the year, and establishing healthy boundaries, coaches can create a more supportive and harmonious environment for both athletes and parents.In this episode, we discuss all of those benefits with JP Nerbun, a coach, consultant, and author of the book The Sports Parent Solution: Proven Strategies for Transforming Parents from Obstacles to Allies.Show Notes: Background and Motivation for Writing the Book Challenges with Parents in Coaching Impact of Changing Approach with Parents Shifting Mindset in Coaching Relationship with Parents Building Relationships with Parents Preseason Parent Meeting Strategies Engaging Parents in Team Experiences Establishing Parent Standards Involving Assistant Coaches in Parent Engagement Follow JP Nerbun on Twitte/X @JpNerbun.Additional JP Nerbun Episode:Creating a Culture SystemOrder Your Copy of The Sports Parent Solution: Proven Strategies for Transforming Parents from Obstacles to Allies.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 episode is from Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic with Wiliam Inge, Co-Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach from the National Runner-Up Washington Huskies.As the game of football continues to evolve, so too must the coaching methods and techniques used to develop players, particularly in positions like linebackers. A transition from the old school to the new school requires a deep understanding of coaching transformation. Coaches must adapt to the changing mindset, training methods, and external influences on players, which are numerous at every level of the game. Embracing technology, including social media, Hudl, YouTube, and email, is crucial for capturing the attention of prospective players and ensuring effective communication and training methods.While Coach Inge goes into how to train today’s linebacker, the ideas he shares apply to coaching any position.Show Notes: Introduction to Linebacker Skills and Drills The Four Laws of Learning Importance of Repetition Phase The Fab Five for Linebackers The Thought Process for Player Alignment Dynamic Warm-Up Exercises Tackling Techniques and Drills In-Space Tackle Practice Against Skilled Athletes Follow William Inge on Twitter/X @WilliamInge1.The 2024 Lauren’s First and Goal Premium Access is available now for a $20 early bird savings. The benefit of purchasing this pass now is that you will receive access to all 2023 presentations right up until the 2024 clinic kicks off on February 29th, so your learning does not have to wait until the clinic starts.As always, profits from this clinic go to support pediatric brain tumor research and cancer services.Get your Lauren’s First and Goal 2024 Premium Access ticket now!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

These last 24 hours seem to signal the end of an era with three coaching icons – Pete Carroll, Bill Belichick, and Nick Saban – stepping away from the sidelines. All three have had a tremendous impact on the game and the coaching profession.Coach Saban stands as a towering figure in the realm of college football. He leaves an indelible impact on both the sport and the coaching profession. His unparalleled success, marked by seven national championships and a consistently high level of performance, has set a benchmark for excellence that aspiring coaches now and in the future will aim to emulate.His meticulous approach to the game, strategic brilliance, and unwavering commitment to building not just exceptional players but also well-rounded individuals has set a standard. Beyond the wins and titles, his influence extends to coaching methodologies, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.Coach and Coordinator Podcast Host Keith Grabowski had the privilege to moderate two question-and-answer sessions with Nick Saban. In this episode, a segment from the 2020 Louisiana Football Coaches Association Virtual Clinic, we focused on some of his coaching philosophy as it relates to player development, discipline, and maintaining a winning culture.Additional Nick Saban Resources:Three Q&A Clinic Sessions with Nick SabanRelated Nick Saban Episode:Q&A with Nick SabanThank 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 segment from the 2023 Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic, Michigan Quarterbacks Coach Kirk Campbell discusses his journey from playing Division II ball to his current position at Michigan.Coach Campbell emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and making connections in the field of sports. He then delves into the process of quarterback development and coverage recognition, highlighting the pre-snap checklist for coverage identification, and the post-snap confirmation process.He then stresses the significance of focusing on the process rather than the prize, echoing the philosophy of Bill Walsh, and emphasizes the need for quarterbacks to understand and react to defensive movements on the field.Show Notes: Importance of Hard Work and Dedication Career Progression and Opportunities Emphasizing Focus on the Process Understanding Coverage Identification Pre-Snap Checklist for Coverage Identification Explaining Linebacker Skew and Safety Rotation Post-Snap Confirmation and Safety Movement Analyzing Boundary Safety Movement Identifying Linebacker Drops The Practice of Coverage Identification on the Field Follow Kirk Campbell on Twitter/X @CoachKCampbell.Get your Lauren’s First and Goal 2024 Premium Access ticket now!The premium ticket savings last only until February 1st. As an added benefit, you get access to all 120 presentations from the 2023 clinic immediately on CoachTube. So don’t wait until the next clinic to learn - get going now!Thank you for supporting our partners:Learn More about Pro Quick Draw:Pro Quick Draw is a powerful plug-in used on Microsoft Visio and PowerPoint for coaches to organize, format, and export playbooks, scout cards, and presentations efficiently. It was a software designed with a coach in mind, providing the tools you need to draw quickly and stay organized.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

We always strive to give listeners things that are helpful to their teams, but during this time of the year, it's also a good time to focus on ourselves.We've just come through the stressful period of the season when coaching takes a toll on our bodies, including in the way we recover, get sleep, and prioritize nutrition. Poor habits can easily creep into your life.In this episode, Erik Korem gives you five ways to clean up your physical health and maybe even lose some weight. Erik is the founder of AIM7 and a former sports scientist for the Houston Texans and a number of colleges.Learn more about AIM7 and all we talk about in this episode:https://www.aim7.com/partnerships/coach-and-coordinator-podcast?via=keith-grabowskiShow Notes: Coaches as Knowledge Workers Clean Up Physical Health and Lose Weight Importance of Strength Training Aerobic Exercise Recommendations High-Intensity Interval Training Caloric Deficit and Protein Focus Importance of Walking Benefits of Walking for Mental Health Integrating Movement into a Daily Routine Importance of Getting Sufficient Sleep Follow Erik Korem on Twitter/X @ErikKorem.Additional Erik Korem Episode:Beat Burnout and Enhance Your Performance as a CoachThank you for supporting our partners:Learn More about Pro Quick Draw:Pro Quick Draw is a powerful plug-in used on Microsoft Visio and PowerPoint for coaches to organize, format, and export playbooks, scout cards, and presentations efficiently. It was a software designed with a coach in mind, providing the tools you need to draw quickly and stay organized.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