

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

Dec 20, 2023 • 33min
Best Eleven of 2023, #7: Using the “Why” to Create High-Level Execution – Mike Peck, Offensive Coordinator, Burley High School (ID)
Mike Peck, the offensive coordinator for Burley High School in Idaho, is our #7 interview of 2023. He joined us earlier this year to discuss why and how he and his staff install and coach their offense in a way that leads to better learning and understanding of their system.Going back and identifying the “why” and “how” behind all of what you do on offense, defense, and special teams can pay great dividends as you construct your plans for 2024.Show Notes:
Spread the field and attack horizontally and vertically
Based out of 10 personnel and empty, but highlight personnel year-to-year
Hang your hat on runs and passes for the base offense
Two factors that create execution: installation and practice
The players understanding of why
Install as a year-round activity leading up to the season
Front loading for better learning
Quarterback school
The quarterback should be out on the field teaching it with you
Tools used to teach in the classroom
Quizzes and competition
Seven-day install format
Practice format
Early outs: walk through
Situational periods in practice
Unscripted situations so play callers get work
Debrief periods so players understand why and what happened right or wrong
Coach learning from the debrief as well
Kids don’t come in on weekends
Technology to allow coaches more family time
Follow Mike Peck on Twitter @CoachPeck11.Download Coach Peck’s 7-Day Install Template.Related Episode:From the Archives – Noel MazzoneThank 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

Dec 19, 2023 • 36min
Best Eleven of 2023, #8: Create a Better Plan and Develop Players with Data and Technology – Billy Riebock, OC/QB Coach, Midwestern State
In this episode, we share our next "Best 11" interview of 2023. Our guest is Billy Riebock, the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at Midwestern State University, who focuses on the development of our players through utilizing data and technology.Coach Riebock explained how he gets a clear understanding of the offense he needs each year, as well as how he utilizes technology to become a better teacher of his offense and the workflow he puts together to create an expert system.This interview is another one full of useful information as you get ready to start work on your 2024 systems.Show Notes:
A framework for preparing every position
How a coach’s workflow and process evolve
Find people who will mentor you
Using data and analytics to come up with a simple plan
Understanding how much you need in a game plan
A system must handle all situations, or it’s not complete
Using numbers to dictate what you can do
Preparing and adjusting in spring
Identifying and dealing with trends
Using free technology to prepare players in the classroom
Using interactive quizzes
Using Go Army Edge technology to work through and understand concepts
A more efficient way to walk through
Eliminating uncertainty with an interactive game plan a day ahead of practice
Using technology for blitz pick-up with offensive line and running backs
How the technology fosters better discussions
Stealing time with the technology
What the weekly plan with technology looks like
Follow Billy Riebock on Twitter @RiebockBilly.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

Dec 18, 2023 • 25min
Best Eleven of 2023, #9: The Process of Evolving an Offense – Curt Fitzpatrick, Head Coach, SUNY Cortland
We continue our countdown of our “Best 11” interviews of 2023 with an episode from SUNY Cortland Head Coach Curt Fitzpatrick. Cortland just defeated defending D3 national champion North Central in a thriller at the Stagg Bowl 38-37 to win their first national championship.Coach Fitzpatrick joined us earlier this year at the New York State High School Football Coaches Association Clinic. We discussed the process of evolving an offense each year to be able to attack opponents and best utilize personnel.As you sit down to plan what your offense will look like in the next season, this conversation is a good one to revisit.Congratulations to Coach Fitzpatrick and the Red Dragons on their 2023 National Championship. Here is our #9 interview of 2023. Enjoy!Show Notes:
Being multiple
Advantages of niche offenses
Defining multiplicity
Approach to researching ideas
There are many ways to coach one play: Find the one that fits best
Approach to evolving an offense
Looking at it from an opponent's point of view
Finding a new play isn’t always the answer
Grounding things in your identity
Building complements around the base play
Exercise to figure out if you are attacking the whole defense
Finding the discipline to know what fits your identity is the magic
Embracing new ideas but figuring out how they fit you
Ability to execute is the filter
Andy Kotelnicki: Making the game finite
Follow Coach Fitzpatrick on Twitter @_CoachFitz.Additional Curt Fitzpatrick Episode:Devotion Leads to PromotionAdditional Episodes Recorded at the 2023 New York State High School Football Association Clinic:
Michael Toerper, Head Coach, Ithaca College
Nate Milne, Head Coach, Muhlenberg College
Joe Gerbino, Offensive Coordinator, Utica College
Andrew Jackson, Defensive Line Coach, West Virginia
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

Dec 14, 2023 • 42min
Champions Series: Design It and Step Back – Kyle Schmitt, Head Coach, Archbishop Spalding High School (MD)
Kyle Schmitt is the head coach of Archbishop Spalding High School in Maryland, the 2022 and 2023 MIAA "A" State Champions. He was the 2022 Baltimore Ravens Coach of the Year.As a player and then graduate assistant at Maryland, he was heavily influenced by Ralph Friedgen and current Penn State head coach James Franklin.In this episode, Coach Schmitt emphasizes the importance of looking in the mirror and taking responsibility for coaching decisions, which for Coach Schmitt led to more focus on special teams and game management.Show Notes:
Background and Education
Shift in Coaching Approach
Importance of Game Management
Embracing a Global View
Focus on Special Teams
Implementing Changes in Practice
Tools for Game Management
Follow Kyle Schmitt on Twitter/X @kschmittASHS.Coach Schmitt's Presentation on Game Planning:Situational Football - Game Planning PrepAdditional Champions Series Episode:Garrett Mueller, Head Coach, Stewartville High School (MN)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

Dec 13, 2023 • 24min
Best Eleven of 2023, #10: A Personal and Personnel Approach to Coaching – Andrew Jackson, Defensive Line Coach, West Virginia
We continue to share our “Best 11” interviews of 2023. In this episode, we again highlight Andrew Jackson, defensive line coach at West Virginia.Coach Jackson discusses his approach to coaching and utilizing his personnel effectively. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and understanding each player's strengths and weaknesses.He takes a personalized approach, getting to know each player's personality and learning style, and tailors his coaching methods accordingly. He also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and interactive environment during walkthroughs and meetings to maximize learning and understanding.Additionally, he highlights the significance of recognizing and respecting the contributions of the support staff within the football program. Overall, he stresses the value of caring for and respecting his players, and having a deep understanding of their abilities to maximize their potential on the field.This episode was originally recorded at the New York State High School Football Coaches Association Clinic. Enjoy!Show Notes:
Coach Jackson's background and influences
Transition to coaching
Key takeaways from early coaching experiences
Building relationships with players
Coaching philosophy and player development
Scientific approach to coaching
Managing competition and playing time
Evaluating player matchups and game planning
Feedback and correction approach
Follow Andrew Jackson on Twitter/X @CoachJaxDL.Related Resources:Coach Jackson’s presentation at Lauren’s First & Goal:WVU DL Run GameCoach Jackson’s presentation at NYSHSFC:Defensive Line FundamentalsThank 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

Dec 12, 2023 • 36min
Game Plan for Your Next Job: Paint a Picture of Success – Chris Fore, Consultant, Eight Laces
When it comes to standing out in the competitive world of coaching, it's essential to showcase your skills and achievements in a way that truly captures attention. One effective approach to achieving this end is to incorporate the elements of people, actions, and results into your coaching portfolio.In this episode, Chris Fore, former high school coach and current school administrator and football consultant, joins us to help you develop your game plan for getting your next job, whether that is this year or in future years.Show Notes:
Importance of Action, People, and Results in Résumés
Valuable Episode for Career Development and Networking
Painting a Picture of Success in Coaching Job Opportunities
Creating Impactful Coaching Résumés and Portfolios
Using Pictures, Action, and Results in Coaching Portfolios
Enhancing Résumés and Portfolios with Media
Using Canva for Dynamic Visual Content
Using Canva and Prezi for Engaging Portfolios
Quantifying and Qualifying Achievements
Tailoring Portfolios to Fit the Specific Job and School
Follow Chris Fore on Twitter/X @chriscfore.Related Resources:Insider’s Guide to Resume BuildingInsider’s Guide to Writing a Championship Cover LetterCover Letter Templates29 Resume Mistakes Every Coach Makes and How To Avoid ThemResume and Cover Letter BundleAn Insiders Guide to Scoring Your Next Coaching JobTremendous Kick Off Return SchemeKickoff Returns, Punt Returns, and BlocksChris Fore’s Book:The Head Coach BlueprintFollow 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 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

Dec 11, 2023 • 38min
Best Eleven of 2023, #11: Effective Networking and Training RB Vision, Amanda Ruller, RB Coach, Central Washington
As we wind down 2023 and ramp up the offseason, we are sharing our “Best 11” interviews from the past year. This one is with Amanda Ruller, who is currently the running backs coach for Central Washington. In this episode, Amanda Ruller shared a different perspective on networking in this profession, finding a way to the top, and then digging into ideas and drills for training running backs.Her unique background in strength and conditioning, data and analytics, and sports media, as well as her experience as an elite multi-sport athlete, is something she leverages to advance in the profession.There are plenty of takeaways from this episode, including insight and advice to become known to the people who can help elevate you, as well as ideas for creating purposeful drills.Show Notes:
Finding a way into the coaching profession
Her start in strength and conditioning
Creating something to give
Marketing yourself
Sports broadcasting as an avenue to build relationships
Spending camp with the Saskatchewan Roughriders
Bill Walsh Diversity Fellowship with Seattle Seahawks
Persistence
Find what you are passionate about and go and do it
Data, analytics, and the NFL Combine
Doing work for free to get noticed
Putting together drills that are purposeful
Training vision in the running backs
Create the standard to create the results
Speed cuts
Pressure step
Be used to the movement but not the rhythm
Jump cuts
Working with the Seahawks
Physio ball to create different timing in drills
Follow Amanda Ruller on Twitter @AMANDAbolic.Watch Coach Ruller's Speed Training Presentation from Lauren's First and Goal.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 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

Dec 8, 2023 • 38min
Energy & Details: Approach to the Season – Scotty Walden, Head Coach, UTEP
Congratulations to Scotty Walden on being named the new head coach at UTEP. He’s the second youngest coach in the FBS, and being the youngest is nothing new to him. In 2016, at 26 years old and the head coach of East Texas Baptist, he was the youngest head coach in college football.Coach Walden was briefly the interim head coach at Southern Miss in 2020, making him the youngest FBS coach at that time. He then was the youngest head coach at Austin Peay when the Governors hired him in 2020.We have been fortunate to talk with Coach Walden since the beginning of the podcast. Most recently, he joined us this summer to take part in our Season series and give insight into all the different phases of the season. In this episode, we have put together all of Coach Walden's Season highlights.If you didn't know about Scotty Walden before, he is someone you will hear about often moving forward as he continues to rise in the profession. He’s one of the most authentic, genuine people you will meet, a true servant leader, and I am sure success will follow him wherever he goes.Show Notes:
Set the Tone
For the Brand Drills
Revisit Goals and Standards
Dress Rehearsal Before Week 1
Self-Scout
Approach to Big Games
Taking Pressure Off Players in the Playoffs
The Value of the Exit Interview
Follow Scotty Walden on Twitter/X @CoachSWUTEP.Scotty Walden Clinic Presentations:Offensive Principles & RPOS + Mesh and Shallow Cross VariationsFollow 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 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

Dec 7, 2023 • 51min
Champions Series: A Sprint-Based Football Approach – Garrett Mueller, Head Coach, Stewartville High School (MN)
We begin our “Champions Series” with a state champion from Minnesota who won the Class AAA title. Led by Head Coach Garrett Mueller, the Stewartville Tigers completed a perfect season with their 14th victory. The 2023 campaign was their third undefeated regular season in a row.A big part of what’s brought Stewartville to this point was a development change made in their program to a sprint-based football program, something we discussed with Tony Holler, the creator of Feed the Cats, earlier this week.Show Notes:
Introduction and Background
Building Success and Program Turnaround
Introduction to Sprint-Based Football Philosophy
Philosophy and Approach to Coaching
Program Development and Success Over Three Years
Importance of Discipline and Focus
Overcoming Resistance to Change
Tailoring the Philosophy to Individual Programs
The Impact of Multi-Sport Athletes
Offseason Training Program and Approach
Follow Garrett Mueller on Twitter/X @SHSCoachMueller.Register for the 2023 Track Football Consortium:TFC Chicago Event Ticket Plus ReplaysTFC Chicago Video on DemandGarrett Mueller Presentation:Building a Seuccessful Sprint-Based Football ProgramRelated Episodes:Feed the Cats: Get Your Team Fast and ExplosiveCreating Apex PredatorsFollow 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

Dec 6, 2023 • 13min
Offseason Standards to Create Player Motivation
From the archives, Keith Grabowski shares a page from his notebook about offseason standards for a team. Keith reflects on his time at the high school coaching level and what his staff put together for their program. He breaks down his chart and how it developed for him in his coaching career.Show Notes:
Influence of the Program Standards
Discussing with the Staff
Setting the Standards
The Two Levels of the Standards
Player Motivation
Attendance
Short Awards and Recognition
Seeing the Program Payoff
Chart Specifics
Teaching Lift Technique
Getting the Players to Work as Athletes
Recognition Every Four Weeks
Follow All We Are Doing:Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter.Thank you for supporting our parters: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