Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Next Move - Coaching with Vision: Moving Timing and Having a Career Plan - JB Brown, Assoc. HC & DC, Black Hills State Sep 20, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Next Move, presented by Coach Portal, Keith Grabowski sits down with JB Brown, Defensive Coordinator at Black Hills State, to discuss the power of long-term planning in coaching. JB explains how developing a clear three-to-five-year vision can drive meaningful career growth, help avoid short-term traps, and align opportunities with personal purpose.

Drawing from personal stories and real-world coaching decisions, JB emphasizes the role of self-awareness, mentorship, and strategic evaluation in navigating career moves. Whether you're climbing the ranks or leading a struggling program, this conversation shows how clarity and preparation can lead to lasting impact in the coaching profession.

Chapters

The Importance of a Long-Term Vision in Coaching
JB Brown's Coaching Journey and Career Path
Setting a Three to Five Year Plan
The Mindset Shift: From Short-Term to Long-Term Thinking
The Value of Development and Relationships in Coaching
Real-Life Examples of Career Decisions
Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect on X:

Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski

JB Brown: @CoachJB_Brown

Get in the Coach Portal:

Sign up for your free 6-month trial today with the code CCPODCAST at ⁠⁠https://www.coach-portal.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ and make your next move.

Transform your football program with CultureAI!

Grab your copy of the CultureAI Book and Workbook at:

coachandcoordinator.com/cultureai⁠.

The CultureAI Workbook is your ultimate guide to leveraging ChatGPT and AI tools to evaluate, align, and elevate your team's culture. Packed with actionable prompts, templates, and real-world coaching examples, it’s designed for coaches who lead with intention and embrace innovation. Streamline your processes and build a stronger, more cohesive team culture all season long.

Don’t wait—get started today and take your program to the next level!

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Hansen Ratings D3 Coach and Coordinators of the Week - Junior Collins, OC, Mount Union (OH), Ryan Cortez, DC, Whitewater (WI), Pat Ruley, HC, Rowan (NJ) Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

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

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National Coach of the Week - Mastering Situational Football: Practice, Preparation, and Game Success - Matt Logan, HC, Centennial HS (CA) Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

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

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Your Call - Empowering Young Athletes with Creativity and Ownership - Kevin Swift, Former State Champion Head Coach (OR) Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

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!

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Game Planning Tips - Offensive Multiplicity, Defensive Red Zone Keys & Return Prep Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

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/

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Sprint-Based Football - Fueling Performance: Nutrition for Young Athletes - Wendi Irlbeck, MS, RDN, LD, CISSN Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

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

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Hansen Ratings D3 Coach and Coordinators of the Week - Building Success from All Sides: Offensive, Defensive, and Head Coaching Insights - Justin Clark(OC), Dan Bauder (DC), Joe Palka (HC) Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

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

Learn more at tully.app

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National Coach of the Week - Fast, Precise and Fun: Building Blanco Football - Kent Walker, HC, Blanco HS (TX) Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of National Coach of the Week presented by Modern Football Technology, Kent Walker, HC, Blanco HS shares his philosophy on building a strong football program centered around discipline, speed, and collaboration.

Walker highlights the team’s growth from their first game to the second, emphasizing the Slot-T offense and the precision required to run it effectively. He explains how tempo and speed drive their offensive strategy, while carefully structured practice procedures keep players safe and engaged.

Throughout the conversation, Coach Walker highlights the importance of staff buy-in, attention to detail, and community support in shaping a positive football culture. His approach blends fun, precision, and purpose, making Blanco’s program a model for how high school football can be both competitive and deeply rewarding.

Chapters

Introduction to Coach Kent Walker
Offensive Growth and Team Development
Practice Philosophy and Safety Measures
Fast-Paced Offensive Procedures
Attention to Detail in Coaching
Staff Collaboration and Community Support

Connect on X:

Keith Grabowski: ⁠@CoachKGrabowski⁠

Kent Walker: @KWalkCoach

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

Next move - From the Ground Up: Building from the Bottom Up and Breaking into the College Level - Marcus Perkins, Corners Coach, Texas College Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Next Move, presented by Coach Portal, host Keith Grabowski sits down with Marcus Perkins Jr., Corners Coach at Texas College, to explore the rewarding journey from youth coaching to the college level. Through real stories and honest insights, Perkins highlights the importance of patience, relationship-building, and embracing the coaching process.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring coaches at the beginning of their journey, offering a clear look at the path, challenges, and mindset needed to grow from the ground up. Perkins delivers both encouragement and practical advice for those ready to do the work and build a lasting career in the game.

Chapters

From Youth Fields to College Coaching
Building Relationships in Coaching
The Importance of Patience and Process
Advice for Aspiring Coaches

Connect on X:

Keith Grabowski - @CoachKGrabowski

Marcus Perkins Jr. - @CoachPerkinsM

Get in the Coach Portal:

Sign up for your free 6-month trial today with the code CCPODCAST at ⁠⁠https://www.coach-portal.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ and make your next move.

Transform your football program with CultureAI!

Grab your copy of the CultureAI Book and Workbook at:

coachandcoordinator.com/cultureai⁠.

Don’t wait—get started today and take your program to the next level!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your Call - Unlocking Potential: Coaching with a Big Toolbox - Keith Riggs, Former HC, Jenks HS (OK) Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Your Call presented by The Headset App, host Keith Grabowski is joined by Keith Riggs, Former HC at Jenks HS (OK), to discuss his coaching philosophy and approach to athlete development.

Riggs emphasizes the importance of having a “big toolbox” of strategies on both offense and defense, and how selecting the right tool at the right moment can influence the outcome of a game. He explains how simplifying complex concepts and presenting them in a relatable way helps athletes better understand the game and perform at a higher level.

From zone blitz strategies to building core concepts athletes can consistently apply, Riggs illustrates how intentional teaching can maximize player potential and drive team success.

This conversation highlights the balance between strategy, teaching, and athlete development, offering coaches practical insights for building smarter, more adaptable teams.

Chapters

The Toolbox Concept in Coaching
Teaching Strategies for Success
Simplifying Complex Concepts

Connect on X:

Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski

Jenks Football: @JenksFootball

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!

Transform your football program with CultureAI!

Grab your copy of the CultureAI Book and Workbook at coachandcoordinator.com/cultureai.

The CultureAI Workbook is your ultimate guide to leveraging ChatGPT and AI tools to evaluate, align, and elevate your team's culture. Packed with actionable prompts, templates, and real-world coaching examples, it’s designed for coaches who lead with intention and embrace innovation. Streamline your processes and build a stronger, more cohesive team culture all season long.

Don’t wait—get started today and take your program to the next level!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices