Coach and Coordinator Podcast

On this episode of Your Call, presented by the Headset App, Darrick Ware, Head Coach at Grapevine Faith Christian School (TX), shares valuable insights on managing and engaging parental involvement in youth sports. Drawing on 18 years of coaching experience, Ware explains how to channel parental passion while setting healthy boundaries that protect team culture. He introduces the Dunning–Kruger effect as a framework to help parents understand the complexities of coaching and why collaboration—not interference—is essential to success. Throughout the conversation, Ware highlights the power of storytelling to educate and inspire, offering practical ways parents can support their child’s program through encouragement, time, and resources. His approach shows that when coaches and parents work together within clear boundaries, the result is a stronger culture, better experiences for athletes, and a thriving football community. Chapters Introduction to Coaching Philosophy Harnessing Parental Passion The Dunning-Kruger Effect in Coaching Building Relationships with Parents Establishing Healthy Boundaries Conclusion and Call to Action Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Darrick Ware: @darrickware Learn More About Our Partner: The Headset App Join the growing number of coaches making the switch and take your game-day decision-making to the next level. Download The Headset App today and start coaching smarter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Sprint Based Football, presented by Titan Sports, Tony Holler welcomes Coach Jesse Chinchar, Head Coach at St. Petersburg Catholic HS (FL), to discuss his innovative approach to coaching. Jesse reflects on his journey from apart of building Clearwater Academy International into a program from scratch to now leading the St. Petersburg Catholic. He explains how injury prevention, creative practice design, and strong team culture form the core of his coaching philosophy. The conversation explores his use of drone technology for practice analysis, data-driven performance strategies, and methods for keeping players energized instead of overworked. Jesse also challenges traditional coaching norms, emphasizing execution and prioritizing player well-being both on and off the field. This episode delivers valuable insights for coaches at every level, showing how innovation, culture, and science can work together to create lasting success. Chapters Journey to Coaching & Embracing Change Building a Winning Culture at Clearwater Academy Injury Prevention & Smarter Practice Approaches “Fresh, Not Fried”: Prioritizing Player Well-being Defying Tradition: Bringing Fun to Football Data-Driven Coaching & Performance Insights Structuring Practice: Balancing Work and Recovery Recovery Methods & Transforming Practice Volume Rethinking Warmups & Creating a Relaxed Game State Team Success, Player Development & Managing Two-Way Players Tempo Offense Mechanics & Preventing Cramps Quality Over Quantity, Film Study & Technology in Coaching Connect on X: Tony Holler: @pntrack Jesse Chinchar: @CoachJesse18 Support our Partner: Titan GPS Founded and based in Texas, Titan GPS is your key to sprint-based football success. Designed specifically for high school football, Titan tracks the metrics that matter, like top speed, explosive acceleration, and even the powerful 'truck stick'. Speed times weight for the ultimate performance insight. Whether it’s optimizing practice, spotlighting players with 3D highlights, or giving recruiters verified in-game stats, Titan delivers. With no minimums to get started, Titan walks you through every step. Message them on X @titansensor to learn more. Titan GPS- performance measured, potential unlocked. Titan Sensors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Game Planning Tips Series, Keith Grabowski highlights insights from three respected coaches—covering offense, defense, and special teams—to help you refine your weekly prep. Jordan Neal (Offense – McMurry University Head Coach) Why first down efficiency and “P & 10” study are vital to offensive success, and how disciplined play calling keeps your offense in rhythm. Chris Lorenti (Defense – Rhode Island Defensive Coordinator) A step-by-step approach to building the weekly defensive game plan, from run game fits on Sunday to odd/even front decisions that shape the entire structure. John Mack (Special Teams – Retired HS & College Coach) Championship-tested special teams fundamentals: eliminating self-inflicted mistakes, drilling situational punting, and practicing scoop-and-score after blocked kicks. Game planning is only half the battle—execution on game day depends on fast, clear decision making. With Modern Football Technology, you can turn live data into instant insights for play calling, adjustments, and communication. It’s not too late to integrate Modern Football into your workflow this season. With an easy-to-use interface and quick onboarding, your staff could be up and running by Friday night. Book a demo today: modernfootball.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JB Brown, the defensive coordinator and associate head coach at Black Hills State University, shares insights from his diverse coaching experience. He highlights the importance of a three-to-five-year career vision, urging coaches to think long-term instead of chasing immediate gains. JB discusses self-awareness, the value of mentorship, and how building relationships can foster career growth. He also shares personal stories about strategic decisions in career paths, emphasizing that clarity and preparation can significantly impact one's coaching journey.

On this episode of Hansen Ratings D3 Coach and Coordinators of the Week presented by Tully, hosts Logan Hansen and John Snell spotlight three outstanding coaches, each offering a unique perspective on football strategy, philosophy, and team development. First, Junior Collins, Offensive Coordinator at Mount Union, emphasizes the critical importance of red zone execution. He reflects on lessons learned from his mentor, Hall of Fame Head Coach Larry Kehres, shares insights on practice design, and highlights how collaboration within the staff drives offensive success. Next, Ryan Cortez, Defensive Coordinator at Wisconsin Whitewater, uses the analogy of mastering a fastball to illustrate the value of strong fundamentals before fine-tuning technique. His approach underscores the importance of simplicity, repetition, and clarity in teaching athletes. Finally, Pat Ruley, Head Coach at Rowan University, explores practice efficiency. He introduces the idea of an “alignment period” to maximize training impact while minimizing strain, and reflects on communication, staff collaboration, and balancing coaching demands with family life. To view Pat Ruley's alignment periods on video visit the Coach and Coordinator Youtube Page: Pat Ruley Alignment Period . Together, these conversations provide a comprehensive look at how today’s coaches are innovating—whether in red zone execution, defensive teaching philosophies, or practice methodologies—while staying grounded in core coaching principles. Chapters Introduction with Logan and John Junior Collins on Red Zone Strategy Practice Techniques & Execution at Mount Union Mentorship from Coach Karras & Coaching Philosophy Ryan Cortez: Mastering Fundamentals & “Grip It and Rip It” Building a Philosophy of Learning and Teaching Pat Ruley on Practice Efficiency at Rowan University The Alignment Period & Maximizing Reps Communication, Technique, and Staff Collaboration Balancing Coaching, Game Strategy, and Family Life Recognizing Contributions Across the Staff Closing Thoughts and Recognition Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski John Snell: @jsnellbwfb Logan Hansen: @LogHanRatings Junior Collins: @JuNiOrC315 Ryan Cortez: @CoachCortez53 Pat Ruley: @FollowTheRuless Presented by Tully — the perfect tool for high school and Division III programs. Tully helps coaches track readiness, performance, and player development so teams can stay strong and confident deep into the season. Learn more at tully.app Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of National Coach of the Week presented by Modern Football, Keith Grabowski sits down with Matt Logan, HC of Centennial HS (CA), to unpack their recent victory over Former #1 Mater Dei (CA)and the critical role situational football plays in coaching. Coach Logan shares practical strategies for building game-ready teams, from weekly two-minute drills to designing realistic practice environments that prepare players for every scenario. He emphasizes teaching players the mechanics of the game, maintaining attention to detail, and adapting to the unexpected. Listeners will gain valuable insights into effective practice design, communication with referees, and ways coaches can instill resilience and awareness in their athletes. This episode is packed with lessons for coaches at every level looking to strengthen their teams’ preparation and execution when the game is on the line. Chapters Celebrating Success: Centennial High's Big Win Mastering Situational Football: Key Strategies Creating Realistic Practice Environments Executing the Four-Minute Drill Learning from Experience: Key Takeaways Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Centennial HS Football: @Cen10Football 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

On this episode of Your Call presented by the Headset App, Coach Kevin Swift shares his extensive high school coaching experience, emphasizing player empowerment and creativity. He explains how innovative special teams strategies can boost discipline and performance while bringing excitement and fun back to the game. Coach Swift emphasizes the importance of giving players ownership and freedom to share ideas, fostering deeper engagement and surprising successes. Through practical examples and thoughtful insights, he shows how trust, structured practices, and creative play-calling combine to develop stronger athletes and better team dynamics. Listeners will gain actionable strategies to empower their teams, balance discipline with creativity, and prepare genuine player-driven ownership. Chapters Empowering Young Athletes: A Coaching Journey Innovative Strategies in Special Teams Empowering Players Through Creativity Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Kevin Swift: @kdawgswift Learn More About Our Partner: The Headset App Join the growing number of coaches making the switch and take your game-day decision-making to the next level. Download the Headset App today and start coaching smarter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re two into the season, and by now, tendencies are showing—but so are the adjustments. In this episode of The Sunday Scouting Report, Keith Grabowski shares insights from three coaches across offense, defense, and special teams to help you sharpen your Week 3 game plan. This Week’s Insights: Offense – Noah Riley, Analyst, Baltimore Ravens How to create elegant simplicity: keep schemes teachable while multiplying looks through personnel, formations, and tempo. Learn how to force defenses out of their comfort zone and dictate matchups. Defense – Matt Powledge, Defensive Coordinator, Baylor Why the red zone is its own game—and how QB runs, new concepts, and a simple weekly checklist can help you prepare for the details that matter most inside the 20. Special Teams – Andy Merfeld, Special Teams Coordinator A proven workflow for kickoff return prep: from data breakdown and depth chart management to scripting the entire week early so players get the reps and study time they need. Key Quote: “We’ve never won a game just pencil-whipping on chalk. But we have won by taking teams out of what they do best and making the game about us.” – Noah Riley Why Listen: By this point in the season, the game is less about what’s on tape and more about how quickly you can adjust. These insights will help you refine your process and give your team the edge heading into the next opponent. It’s not too late to add real-time analytics to your sideline. With Modern Football’s easy-to-use interface and quick onboarding process, your staff could be up and running by Friday night—turning live data into instant adjustments that change games. Book a demo with Modern Football Technology: https://www.modernfootball.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Sprint Based Football, presented by Titan Sports, host Tony Holler sits down with sports dietitian Wendi Irlbeck MS, RDN, LD, CISSN, to explore how nutrition drives athletic development and performance. Wendi explains how proper fueling enhances strength, recovery, and focus, while offering practical tips on meal prep, hydration, and safe supplement use. She stresses the responsibility of coaches and parents in guiding athletes’ nutrition and warns of the risks of energy drinks. The discussion highlights the benefits of creatine, the importance of gut health, and why prioritizing nutrition is just as critical as training for long-term success. Chapters Introduction to Nutrition in Sports Nutrition Fundamentals for Young Athletes The Role of Parents in Athlete Nutrition Protein Goals and Quality Sources for Athletes Optimizing Body Composition Through Nutrition The Risks of Fad Diets for Young Athletes Understanding Gut Health and Its Impact on Performance Coaches' Health: Prioritizing Self-Care for Better Leadership The Dangers of Energy Drinks in Sports Navigating the Supplement Industry: What to Know Connect on X: Tony Holler: @pntrack Wendy Irlbeck: @Wendi_Irlbeck Support our Partner: Titan GPS Founded and based in Texas, Titan GPS is your key to sprint-based football success. Designed specifically for high school football, Titan tracks the metrics that matter, like top speed, explosive acceleration, and even the powerful 'truck stick'. Speed times weight for the ultimate performance insight. Whether it’s optimizing practice, spotlighting players with 3D highlights, or giving recruiters verified in-game stats, Titan delivers. With no minimums to get started, Titan walks you through every step. Message them on X @titansensor to learn more. Titan GPS- performance measured, potential unlocked. Titan Sensors DM Titan on X: @titansensor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Hansen Ratings D3 Coach and Coordinators of the Week presented by Tully, hosts Logan Hansen and John Snell sit down with three standout coaches to explore the philosophies and strategies shaping their programs. First, Justin Clark, OC at North Carolina Wesleyan, shares how simplicity and adaptability drive his offensive approach. From emphasizing a run-first philosophy to balancing the run-pass ratio, Clark highlights the importance of communication, selfless teamwork, and tailoring game plans to personnel. Next, Dan Bauder, DC at Wisconsin–Platteville, breaks down his “same as teaching” philosophy—helping players retain strategies through consistent language and teaching methods. He explains how adapting to different learning styles, organizing walkthroughs, and creating “organized chaos” on defense fuel his team’s success. Finally, Joe Palka, HC at Adrian College, offers his perspective on practice structure and team culture. Palka emphasizes continuous player development, competitive practice dynamics, and rewarding younger players with meaningful reps. He also reflects on the evolution of his coaching philosophy from high school to the college level, underscoring the role of staff support and culture in long-term success. Together, these conversations provide a comprehensive look at offensive execution, defensive teaching, and head-coaching leadership, giving listeners valuable lessons on building winning programs at every level of the game. Chapters Introduction with Logan Hansen and John Snell Simplicity in Offense & Game Planning Communication, Run-Pass Balance & Staff Dynamics “Same as Teaching” & Defensive Strategies Adapting to Learning Styles & Team Success Practice Structure & Competitive Culture Player Development, Staff Support & Coaching Philosophy Closing Thoughts and Recognition Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Logan Hansen: @LogHanRatings John Snell: @jsnellbwfb Justin Clark: @Coach_J_Clark Dan Bauder: @CoachBauder5 Joe Palka: @Coach_Palka Presented by Tully — the perfect tool for high school and Division III programs. Tully helps coaches track readiness, performance, and player development so teams can stay strong and confident deep into the season. Learn more at tully.app Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices