

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

Mar 2, 2023 • 38min
Mental Warfare and Calculating the Pass Rush Plan - Siddiq Haynes, Defensive Line Coach, UTSA
On today’s episode, we sit down again with Siddiq Haynes, Defensive Line Coach for UTSA. A former standout player and coaching veteran of more than a decade, Coach Haynes is in his second season at UTSA.The UTSA defensive line helped anchor a defense that ranked in the top three in C-USA in eight different statistical categories, including second with 6.6 tackles for loss per game and third in both total and scoring defense.Coach Haynes' unit played a deep rotation (as many as ten players) during the season and combined to tally more than 30 tackles for loss, including nine sacks. He shares the details of how he develops his position and the plan to get them to the quarterback.Show Notes:
A passion developed as a child playing the game
Sports marketing experience
Starting out on the offensive side of the ball for KC Keeler
Learning from Phil Longo
Development as a defensive line coach with Rodrique Wright
The “why” is vital to moving forward in this profession
Mental warfare: Dealing with life and teaching how it applies to the field
Asking the right question to understand where your players are
Recruiting the whole person
You have to be genuine - you can’t just regurgitate things you have heard
Understanding the opponent’s identity
Collecting data and building the pass rush plan
Presenting this plan to the defensive coordinator and the players
Empowering the players in the process
The filter for simplicity
Here’s why we are spending time on QB windows or rush moves etc.
The importance of self-scouting
Related Siddiq Haynes Episode: Get to Sack City: https://spoti.fi/3yakdtiWatch Coach Haynes' Presentation: https://bit.ly/3ILgZmw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 1, 2023 • 40min
The Disaster Plan - Tony DeMeo, Retired College Head Coach
The legendary Bill Walsh was a believer in planning for all contingencies, and that belief is the theme of this episode from our archives.In this episode, retired college head coach Tony DeMeo talks about preparing for the worst and implementing his “Disaster Plan.”None of us like the idea of getting behind big in a game. We’d prefer to leave that idea out of our players' psyche, but discussing it and teaching players and coaches a way to handle it is sound practice. Coach DeMeo shares that exact strategy as well as how he prepared his teams to handle this situation.Tony DeMeo is a retired college head coach, most recently at the University of Charleston (West Virginia). His coaching career spanned 37 years and 12 college teams. It included stops at the FBS, FCS, and NCAA Division II levels. DeMeo was the Head Coach at Charleston for six seasons before stepping down in 2010. He held a 43-23 record with the Golden Eagles and had them ranked as high as tenth in NCAA Division II back in 2009.In his career, DeMeo worked as a head coach at four schools, offensive coordinator at three, and assistant coach at five schools. He compiled a 137-108-4 record as a head coach at Charleston from 2005-10, Washburn University (Kansas) from 1994-2001, Mercyhurst University (Pennsylvania) from 1981-87, and his alma mater Iona College (New York) from 1975-78. His other coaching stops included the University of Richmond, Murray State, James Madison, Temple, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Delaware, the University of Massachusetts, and Pace University (New York). DeMeo graduated from Iona in 1971 and was a four-year player at running back for the Gaels.Show Notes:
Creating the “Disaster Plan” in football
Making stops on defense and shifting momentum
How to practice coming back when trailing
Reasoning for being close with six minutes to go
Playing with a lead and not losing it
Preparing players in close-game scenarios
Using unconventional strategy to win the game
Best way to give up a safety and take a knee at the end of the game
Having your players ready for the unexpected
Follow Tony DeMeo on Twitter @TDCoach.Watch All of Tony DeMeo's courses on CoachTube: https://bit.ly/3SFXfnw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 1, 2023 • 32min
Walking the Tight Rope of Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator - Tre Lamb, Gardner-Webb University
Tre Lamb is a coach you will want to keep an eye on. The second youngest head coach in division one football at the time we recorded this episode, he’s made an impact at Gardner-Webb University and has even developed a coaching tree with several of his coaches moving up in the ranks.Football has been in his blood, growing up as the son and grandson of legendary Georgia high school football coaches. His father, Hal, won three state titles, as did his grandfather, Ray.Growing up in a football family and having an obsession with learning the game has allowed Coach Lamb to climb the ranks quickly.Today, he discusses taking over a program in the midst of the pandemic shutdown and his 30-60-90-day plan to get the program going. He shares the offense he’s developed, which he identifies as a blend of App State and Tennessee, as well as how he walks the tightrope of being the Head Coach as well as handling all the duties of Offensive Coordinator as well.Show Notes:
The drive to be a coach came through growing up in a football family
Obsession from a young age
Learning from good and bad
Taking over as a new head coach during Covid and the challenges
Selling a vision through Zoom
Working to create buy-in from the start with honesty
Being relatable but holding players accountable
30-60-90-day plans
30 days - listen
60 days - build up resources
90 days - share the vision of the program
Walking the tightrope of being both head coach and offensive coordinator
You must spend time with defense and special teams
Balancing the responsibilities and demands of the head coach and offensive coordinator
The offense - a blend of App State and Tennessee
Building off wide zone and play-action pass
Sequencing plays
Really fast tempo or really slow and really wide splits or condensed sets
The thought process on sequencing
Getting more specific on game planning
Every day is an interview
Register for Lauren's First and Goal Virtual Clinic at LFGF2023.coachesclinic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 27, 2023 • 29min
An Obsession with Learning and Growing Plus Coaching the 4-2-5 - Shane Dierking, Defensive Coordinator, North Central College
Shane Dierking is the Defensive Coordinator for North Central College - the 2022 Division III National Champions. He was also named the Football Scoop D3 Coordinator of the Year for 2022. In this episode, we learn of Coach Dierking's obsession with learning the game of football that developed at a young age and continues for him today. We talk about his 4-2-5 defense and the 3-3 stack package within it, his approach to the profession, and his view on how to achieve success and continue growing.Show Notes:
Decision to become a coach
Influence of John Thorne
Studying schemes of the best
Obsession to become better as a 24-year-old defensive coordinator
Continuing to improve
Not being satisfied with success as an individual or team
To be the best, you have to change your best every single day
Philosophy of their 4-2-5 defense
Using 3-3 Stack in situations
Pressure percentages have gone down the older he’s gotten
Reasons for less pressure
Limiting explosives
How the 3-3 Stack fits into their 4-2-5
35% pressure in 3-3 compared to 17% from 4-2-5
Advantages of 3-3 Stacks in 2-minute situations
8 straight shutouts with backups playing a good portion
Preparing backups and holding the standards
Don’t compare yourself to others - run your own race
Formula for Success + Happiness
The Winning Edge: Teaching the why to increase football IQ
Catch Shane Dierking at Lauren's First and Goal Virtual Clinic: LFGF2023.coachesclinic.comWatch Shane Dierking's Course on Defending Empty Formations: https://bit.ly/3IY9316 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 24, 2023 • 1h 7min
Defeating the Tite Front - Matt Drinkall, Co-OC, OL Coach, Army West Point
We will be re-publishing some episodes from our archives as we have moved to a new platform. Our old platform limited us to the 500 most current episodes, and there is just too much good stuff from our past guests to leave off of our feed.Today’s episode is a prime example of that. This podcast with Matt Drinkall is from 2019 after he joined the Army staff as the TE Coach. He’s been named the Co-Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach in 2023, and we are excited about the style he will bring to the Army offense because he is not an “option guy.”The tite front has gained popularity across all levels of football, and in today’s episode, Coach Drinkall shares a plan for defeating it. There are a ton of takeaways from this one, so get your pen and notebook ready to capture some of these ideas. He also has a playlist that we will publish from him. Coach Drinkall always delivers great information on our podcast.From the Archives:Today’s guest on the Coach and Coordinator podcast’s “All In On Offense” segment is Matt Drinkall, current offensive assistant at Army West Point and former head coach at Kansas Wesleyan University. Drinkall was selected to be a participant in the 2018 American Football Coaches Association 35 under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute. This program is designed to identify and develop premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession. Drinkall goes all in today on how he has gone about defeating the tite front, including some of his go-to plays.Show Notes:
When Coach noticed the tite front becoming more prevalent
Difference between NFL and college tite fronts
Keys to the tite front for defense
Starting point for attacking the tite front and base plays
Where the runs should hit
Coaching the players vs. the tite
Preparing your backside tackle
Dart read
Dart, jet, and fly sweep responsibilities
Play-action vs. tite
In-game coaching
How Coach determines if a new play is worth it
Connecting with Coach
Connect with Coach on Twitter @DrinkallCoach.Watch Coach Drinkall's RPO Course: https://bit.ly/3EvQ1wjAttend Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic: Lfgf2023.coachesclinic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 23, 2023 • 19min
A Family Affair - Anthony DeMatteo, Somers High School, New York Class A State Champions
After being an assistant at Somers High School (NY) under his father since 2008, Anthony DeMatteo took over as new varsity head football coach on May 25. It was something he dreamed of since he was a child.Coach DeMatteo was part of a state title, three Section 1 crowns, and a regional bowl title during his 12 seasons coaching under his father. He also played at Somers under his father and graduated in 2003.His father retired after the 2020 season after 22 seasons with Somers and 52 seasons overall. He was Section 1’s winningest coach, finishing with 360 career wins, just four short of the New York State record.We sat down with Coach Anthony DeMatteo at the NYSHSFCA Clinic and talked about the aspects of the program that helped them to a state title.Show Notes:
Growing up in a football family
Aspects of their culture that led to a championship
Mentorship programs with players
It starts with the youth program
Varsity players serving as youth coaches
Clinics for youth coaches
Mentorship program within the high school
Offseason short focus on throwing the ball
Spring installation was passing
Teaching the game in the classroom
Hitting all learning styles
Adding sophistication to the offense
Focus in practice
Coaching cues
Maximizing practice time
Using music to pace the practice
Winning edge: a family feel
Goals after winning a state title
NYSHSFCA Clinic Presentations: https://bit.ly/3XPzElb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 22, 2023 • 12min
Coaching Innovations - Technology for on the Field
On today’s episode, which is the last in a series that we shared over the last month, we focus on Coaching Innovations that help your players on the field.While we were at AFCA, our team walked around the exhibit hall to look at some of the most innovative products in the market. We identified a dozen that we feel help make a coach more efficient, enhance player development, and ultimately add to the win column.Please take note that none of these companies paid to be on the podcast. This episode is purely for our research and for your benefit as a listener. You may have heard of some of these companies, but some are brand new to the market. All are innovative in their approach to helping you as a coach. Each organization was asked four questions:
How does this product/service make me more efficient as a coach?
How does it help me develop my players?
How does it help me win?
What’s the feature that coaches like the most?
The objective is to provide a glimpse into these companies and what they can do for you as a coach as well as your players to help create a better game.Go Rout:First up is Go Rout. You have heard us talk about Go Rout before on this podcast, and the Founder and CEO Mike Rolih has been a guest. Go Rout allows you to run a more efficient practice, and it has been used to help run installs, 7 on 7s, and a number of different purposes as Mike will share.4-Second Football:We have talked on the podcast about the importance of calibrating the passing game. As as coach, the tool our host Keith Grabowski used was a stopwatch. The idea was to give the quarterback feedback on how long he was taking to release the ball. It was a daily process in both practice and game film evaluation and had to be done by hand, timing each rep, and recording the results. 4-Second Football makes that workflow much easier and provides the QB and coach feedback in practice.We are always on the lookout for tools and technology that can help create a better game. If there are any you love, please let us know. DM Keith on Twitter @CoachKGrabowski.Learn more about Go Rout: https://www.gorout.com/Learn more about 4 Second Football: https://4secondfootball.com/Follow all we are doing on CoachandCoordinator.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 21, 2023 • 26min
Get to Sack City - Siddiq Haynes, DL Coach, UTSA Shares How He Builds Their Plan
Today’s episode is taken from a presentation at Lauren’s First and Goal Coaches Clinic. UTSA Defensive Line Coach Siddiq Haynes lays out his process for putting his players in a position to get to the quarterback, or as he calls it, “Sack City.”The 3rd Annual Lauren’s First and Goal Virtual Clinic (Lfgf2023.coachesclinic.com) is March 9th-11th, and we need your help! This event is a chance for you to learn all aspects of the game from college and pro coaches, while helping children and families in need.This clinic benefits families who have a child undergoing cancer treatment as well as pediatric brain tumor research. Lauren's First and Goal is not a pass-through organization. All of the proceeds go to those who need it, and there are plenty. Marianne Loose and her team of volunteers work directly with those families.Bring your entire staff to this clinic, and please make other coaches aware of this opportunity to learn and help others.Show Notes:
Background
Overview
Stats: Evaluating who you are based on the numbers
Having “a guy” to build around
Versatility to be able to play multiple spots
Play to the ability of who you have on the roster
Pass rush mentality
Can the QB run?
Will he force a throw?
Who is he under pressure?
As an offense, when will they throw?
What types of passes do they throw?
Playlist of the OL
You need to know their OL in order to attack them
Can we get there with four?
Understanding situational football
The QB Window: Who is the QB?
Four different windows
Full Siddiq Haynes Presentation: https://bit.ly/3ILgZmw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 20, 2023 • 27min
Mindset and Focus to Create Success - Maurice Linguist, Head Coach, University of Buffalo
We sat down with Maurice Linguist, Head Coach of the University of Buffalo, at the New York State High School Football Coaching Association Clinic and talked about leadership.In becoming the new head coach at Buffalo, Coach Linguist was tasked with taking over a program with 100 days until kickoff. He talks about what they focused on and how they met the challenges presented by today’s football landscape. We also discuss mindset, relationships, leadership, accountability, and how to successfully lead a program.Whether you are a head coach or a position coach, there are plenty of takeaways in this conversation. Also see the links below to a segment of Coach Linguist's talk from the 2022 clinic, as well as to full presentations from 2021 and 2022.Show Notes:
The changing landscape of college football
What it means to take over a program
Latest takeover in the history of college football
It’s all about getting it done
Mindset - begin with the end in mind
Key to getting focused and getting started quickly
Finding and identifying the right people
Why do you do what you do?
Relationships are critical
One-on-ones with players
Cross-over position groups to build as many relationships as possible
February is a contact period for us in our locker room
If you cannot communicate and connect, you will fail as a leader
Learning from PJ Fleck
Leadership training is 365 days a year
Moving players along to a leadership role
Two parts to leadership - the leader and the receiver
Doing accountability right
Learning what accountability looks like while in the NFL
Watching film as a program
Complementary football
Format of team meeting
Related Maurice Linguist Episode:How We Teach and Implement: https://spoti.fi/3XTuZyUFull Maurice Linguist Presentations:Building a Championship Foundation for Sustained Success: https://bit.ly/3YMJ0iTEthics - Building a Man: https://bit.ly/3IDomfo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 17, 2023 • 23min
Making Special Teams Self-Scout Actionable for Improvement - Garrett McLaughlin, Special Teams Coordinator/Defensive Ends Coach, New Hampshire
We sat down with Garrett McLaughlin, Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Ends Coach at New Hampshire, to discuss special teams self-scout and how it can be used to improve scheme and technique. This episode was recorded at the New York State Football Coaches Association Clinic.Garrett McLaughlin is in his second season with UNH, coordinating the special teams and coaching the defensive ends. In 2021, both starting defensive ends coached by McLaughlin earned All-Conference honors. The Wildcats finished second overall in the CAA in sacks for the season. Show Notes:
Overview of offseason special teams evaluation
Drive start average
Hidden yards
Calculating drive start average
A complementary football number
Making it actionable
Calculating hidden yardage
Goals +75 on hidden yardage, +1 X-play, no penalties
Charting the punt returner
Using the info to help improve the returner
Kickoff placement
Understanding how to work on things to improve the numbers
Adjustments to punts and punt coverage
Evolving and growing as a coach
Jammer play
NYSHSFCA Channel on CoachTube: https://bit.ly/3lDXPpf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


