Coach and Coordinator Podcast

As we turn our focus to the postseason, we start with one of its most critical aspects – game planning. Game planning in the postseason requires a meticulous and well-rounded approach. By staying focused on main objectives, being prepared for adjustments, and utilizing clues for what the opponent is about to do, coaches develop effective strategies to counter opponents' strengths. The ability to adapt quickly and provide players with information ensures a team is well-prepared to face any challenges that arise during playoff games.In this episode, three coaches share strategies for effective game planning in the postseason. They address what an opponent does best, planning for contingencies, and finding clues to help your position players.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Todd Drury, Defensive Coordinator, Western Illinois Josh Herring, QB Coach, Lassiter High School (GA) Deonte Gibson, Defensive Line Coach, Youngstown State Show Notes: Stay Focused on the Main Thing Don't Chase Unnecessary Rabbit Trails Defend Against the Opponent's Strengths Stick to Established Practice Routines Prepare to Adapt When the Opponents Make Adjustments Utilize Analytics to Identify Tendencies and Weaknesses Watch Player Alignments and Movements Tailor Game Plans to Your Players' Learning Preferences Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From our archives, we revisit a conversation with Rob Everett, currently an analyst at Wisconsin, formerly the TE coach of the AAF’s Memphis Express and the defensive coordinator at Bridgewater College.In this episode, Coach Everett shares his philosophies and ideas for giving your team a late-season advantage. He specifically discusses different strategies for dissecting opponent film that can give your team the edge going into the playoffs.Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we hit the late season, we face the challenge of keeping our players motivated and focused. Whether it's competing for a championship or struggling to salvage a disappointing season, maintaining a positive atmosphere is crucial for success. In this episode, we explore strategies utilized by four coaches to keep players motivated during the late season.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Dan Carrel, Co-Defensive Coordinator and LB Coach, Coastal Carolina Jordan Hogan, Offensive Assistant, San Francisco 49ers Jonathan Himebacuh, Offensive Line Coach, Arlington Renegades Tyler Roehl, Offensive Coordinator, North Dakota State Show Notes: Emphasize Team Culture and Why Players Love the Game Maintain Motivation Through Strong Partnerships Between Coaches and Players Always Be Positive Start Meetings with Music and Casual Conversation Focus on Daily Wins Acknowledge Player Efforts Spend Time Together Outside the Practice Facility Be the Same Person Every Day Have a Growth Mindset, Discipline, Accountability Be Supportive Rather Than Negative Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the season progresses into the late stages, teams face unique challenges in maintaining their performance levels and motivation. And coaches play pivotal roles in ensuring players remain sharp and focused on achieving their goals. In this episode, three coaches delve into their strategies for navigating the late season successfully and keeping teams performing at their best.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Morgan Scalley, Defensive Coordinator, University of Utah Chris Softley, Head Coach, Lubbock Christian School (TX) Mike Elder, Head Coach, Avon High School (OH) Show Notes: Prevent Complacency and Distractions Remind Players That Every Game Is a One-Week Season Instill Belief That Each Game Carries Equal Weight Reflect on Past Experiences Understand the Type of Team You Have Equip Players with Tools for Success Use Psychology and Positive Reinforcement Keep the Team Physically Sharp Develop Depth Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the late season, special teams face different challenges than in the earlier parts of the year. These considerations include personnel management, practice workload, and maintaining positive morale within the team. By carefully addressing these aspects, coaches optimize special teams performance and increase the chances of success in the late-season games.In this episode, three special teams coaches share important considerations for managing these units during the last weeks of the regular season and into the playoffs.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Charlie Coiner, Retired NFL Coach Bobby April, Two-Time NFL Special Teams Coach of the Year Brett Arkelian, Special Teams Coach, Fresno State University Show Notes:Charlie Coiner Late-Season Special Teams Considerations Building Depth and Managing Personnel Incorporating Fakes and Practice Strategies Bobby April Adjusting Practice Techniques for the Late Season Weather Conditions and Game Planning Balancing Player Workload and Starters on Special Teams Brett Arkelian Maintaining Positive Morale and Atmosphere Emphasizing Communication and Team Bonding Recognizing Effort and Boosting Morale Highlighting the Bigger Picture and Creating a Unified Team Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the season progresses, coaches and coordinators must ensure their defensive units remain sharp and perform at their best. The late season brings unique challenges, such as maintaining fresh and game-ready players, managing injuries, and countering opponents who are familiar with our team’s tendencies.In this episode, we explore three key strategies to navigate the late season successfully and keep defenses in battle rhythm.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Todd Drury, Defensive Coordinator, Western Illinois John Mumford, Former NFL Defensive Line Coach Vince DiGaetano, Defensive Assistant, Fordham University Show Notes:Todd Drury Adjusting Practice to Stay Fresh and Healthy Focusing on Stance, Technique, and Visual Keys Defending Opponents and Tailoring Practice John Mumford Managing Player Reps and Developing Depth Reducing Heavy Contact and Practice Time Tracking Reps, Player Health, and Building Confidence Vince DiGaetano Analyzing Opponents and Self-Scouting Predicting Opponent Strategies and Shoring Up Deficiencies Managing Meaningful Contact and Avoiding Fatigue Related Episodes:Todd Drury:A Unique Practice Period for More Reps for the DefenseSacks and TakeawaysVince DiGaetano:Player Vocal Leadership Plus Early Camp Tackling Considerations The Players Write the Practice PlanDefining Practice Tempos and Finishes for Better PerformanceDeep Dive on Defense: Team TacklingTrends in Teaching TacklingShort Prep Time for the SeasonAdditional Resources:Coach DiGaetano has some of the best tackling resources available, including:Winning Gaps with Engaged TacklesDeep Dig: Preseason Tackling FundamentalsEffective Team Tackling with the 3 C’s: Contact, Chase, and ConvergeFollow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we progress into the late season, identifying and exploiting the weaknesses of opponents often determines success. To do so requires a comprehensive self-scouting process that enables teams to understand their own tendencies and make necessary adjustments.By analyzing intricate details and nuances, teams can gain a strategic advantage on game day. In this episode, we delve into the importance of self-scouting, the value of exploiting opponent weaknesses, and practical methods for sharing this information effectively.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Scotty Walden, Head Coach, Austin Peay University Dante Bartee, Analyst, University of Oregon Jeremy Hawkins, Run Game Coordinator and DL Coach, Eastern Kentucky University Show Notes:Scotty Walden Self-Scouting and Exploiting Opponent Weaknesses Importance of Self-Scouting and Analyzing Small Details In-Depth Analysis of Alignment and Stance Indicators Varying Strategies to Keep Opponents Guessing Importance of Discipline and Pre-Snap Awareness Dante Bartee Learning from Opponents and Adjusting Accordingly Evaluating the Value of Adding New Plays or Concepts Special Teams and Opponent-Specific Strategies Jeremy Hawkins Evaluating Weaknesses and Making Necessary Adjustments Utilizing Scouting Reports and Visual Aids for Effective Communication Thank you for supporting our partners:Learn More about Modern Football:Modern Football predicts your opponent’s next move. Some of the most elite coaches in the game leverage this new platform for in-game decision making and play-calling success. Visit teammofo.com today to start dominating your opponents with a tool for detailed analysis that simply works and delivers value.Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter.Additional Episodes:Scotty Walden:Youngest D1 CoachDante Bartee:Accelerate EverythingCommunicating to Make a DifferenceJeremy Hawkins:Good Eyes and Fanatical EffortProfessional Development & Career AdvancementNetworking at Conventions and ClinicsRelated Resources:Scotty Walden:Austin Peay Offense Principles and RPOMesh and Shallow Cross VariationsDante Bartee:Thoughts from a First Time College DCRethinking Defense From Structure to CommunicationSplit Field Man-Match QuartersCover 3 - 1-High Match Principles vs 2x2 FormationsCover 3 - 1-High Match Principles vs 3x1 FormationsUnderstanding Position Maintenance: In M.O.F. Closed PrinciplesVideo 1 - Overview and Philosophy of the 4-2-5Video 2 - MOFC Zone Match Coverage with the 4-2-5Video 3 - Match Coverage Teach Tape from the 4-2-5Video 4 - Teaching Man Coverage from the 4-2-5Video 5 - Split Field Coverage from the 4-2-5Video 6 - Game Planning out of the 4-2-5Jeremy Hawkins:Defensive Line Play Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coaches who plan ahead and gradually introduce necessary adjustments equip their defenses to handle all situations and offensive schemes. By borrowing techniques from offensive play calling and constantly adding new elements, you can also create a dynamic defense that keeps opponents on their toes.In this episode, our guests share how they keep their defenses adaptable and unpredictable by building off what they have already done, while planning ahead and creating a toolbox of answers. Their advice for handling the what-if scenarios and planning slightly ahead of your schedule will pay off in late-season, must-win situations.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Eric Kasperowicz, Head Coach, Mars High School (PA) Branden Jakubcin, Defensive Coordinator, Heidelberg University John Rice, Defensive Coordinator, San Jacinto High School (CA) Show Notes:Eric Kasperowicz Adopt a Similar Approach to Offensive Play Calling Package Plays Together Group Related Defensive Calls That Complement Each Other Build Week After Week Branden Jakubcin Avoid Being Caught Off Guard Prepare a Walk-Through for What-If Scenarios John Rice Defend Specialty Offenses Analyze the Schedule Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we have talked about all season long, self-scouting plays a crucial role in understanding the team's strengths, identifying effective plays, and gaining an advantage over opposing defenses.The late season isn’t the time for something new. It’s the time for what has been the best for you. In this episode, three offensive coordinators from the high school, college, and pro levels focus on what goes into the game plan and how it is worked in during the later weeks of the season.As these coaches point out, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, what you know about the opponent, and being creative and methodical about how you present concepts in the late season helps create a winning formula.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Kyle Ohradzansky, Offensive Coordinator, University of Findlay Jay Wilkinson, Offensive Coordinator, Fayetteville High School (AR) John Tomlinson, Offensive Coordinator, USFL Show Notes:Kyle Ohradzansky Finding Ways to Work New Plays into the Offensive Plan The Importance of Creating Variations within the Existing Offensive System Keeping the Quarterback Safe Maintaining Unpredictability for the Defense Jay Wilkinson The Value of Not Rushing the Implementation of New Plays Introducing New Plays Over Several Weeks Giving Players Time to Gain Confidence John Tomlinson Recycling What Has Worked Best Packaging and Presenting Formations Helping the Quarterback Better Understand What the Defense Might Do Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the season progresses, the talent or skill of a team does not solely determine success. Championship teams often maintain their health throughout the season and continuously improve their performance. As coaches, we play critical roles in ensuring our players remain in optimal condition. As we head into the later part of the season, strategic practice management becomes paramount.In this episode, three coaches delve into the importance of balancing practice intensity and recovery, cutting practice time, and utilizing technology to monitor player workload.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Matt Drinkall, Co-Offensive Coordinator and OL Coach, Army Pete Shinnick, Head Coach, Towson University Kirk Fridrich, Head Coach, Union High School (OK) Show Notes:Matt Drinkall Importance of Health and Improvement Practice Schedule and Schematic Changes Maximizing Recovery and Player Health Balancing Practice and Game Time for Players Pete Shinnick Cutting Time and Keeping the Team Fresh Trimming Practice Periods Efficient Practices and Shortening Periods Cutting Practice Time and Finding Efficiency Kirk Fridrich Recovery Techniques and GPS Tracking Using GPS Data for Player Management Starting with GPS Technology and Analyzing Data Monitoring Top Speed and GPS Load Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices