Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Maximizing In-Game Analytics for Smarter Coaching - Jordan Irsik, DC, Folsom HS (CA) Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Coach and Coordinator Podcast, Keith Grabowski is joined by Folsom HS (CA) Defensive Coordinator Jordan Irsik, to explore how real-time analytics and evolving technology are redefining the coaching landscape. From improving halftime adjustments to tracking unit goals live during gameplay, Jordan shares firsthand insights into how data-driven decisions lead to sharper strategies and higher team performance. With practical takeaways on workflow, communication, and adapting to opponent tendencies, this conversation is a must-listen for any coach looking to embrace modern tools to win in-game moments and be a step ahead.
Chapters

Transitioning Roles: From Offense to Defense
Efficiency in Data Collection
Halftime Adjustments: Data-Driven Decisions
Confirming Adjustments: Second Half Strategy
Unit Goals: Tracking Success in Real Time

Connect on X:

@CoachKGrabowski @CoachIrsik1

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⁠10% Tool Kit⁠

Coach and Coordinator pledges to source the latest and greatest products and services available in the coaching marketplace. We call this repository The 10% Toolkit for The 10% Coach. These resources are proven to help coaches win games and achieve all objectives for their programs. Think of it as a buyer's guide for vendors and suppliers we trust with our seal of certification.

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Culture OS - Building a Culture That Wins On and Off the Field – Brian Doll, Head Coach, New Trier HS (IL) Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of CultureOS presented by Story of the Season, Coach Brian Doll, HC, New Trier HS (IL) dives deep into his coaching philosophy, highlighting the role of relationships, mentorship, and community in shaping a successful football program. He shares how personal influences and a clear mission guide his leadership approach, emphasizing the value of building a positive, engaging practice culture where players thrive both on and off the field. From evaluating team dynamics and staff cohesion to creating leadership at all levels, Coach Doll offers insights into creating a holistic and enjoyable football experience. He also reflects on balancing coaching with family life, the power of service projects in character development, and the lasting legacy he hopes to leave behind.

Chapters

Introduction to Coaching Philosophy
Influences and Inspirations in Coaching
Building a Coaching Culture
Mission and Vision in Coaching
Staff Development and Team Dynamics
Navigating Challenges as a Head Coach
Evaluating a New Program
Leadership and Team Building
Creating a Fun Practice Culture
The Importance of Holistic Player Development
Balancing Coaching and Family Life
Legacy and Mentorship in Coaching

Connect on X: @CoachKGrabowski @DollBrian

Get the highlights of Season 1 of CultureOS in our free ebook, and learn more about our partner Story of the Season and what they do to help bring your culture to life for your entire community.

Get it here: ⁠https://coachandcoordinatornetwork.com/cultureos

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Alert the Post - Building an Elite Defense: Structure, Install, and Adjustments – Kalus Murphy, Safeties Coach, North Central College Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Alert the Post, host Bobby Peters sits down with Coach Kalus Murphy, Safeties coach at North Central College, and dives into the core principles of building an elite defense. With three national championships in five years, North Central's success is no accident — Coach Murphy shares how their defensive strategies are shaped by offensive personnel, the importance of communication against complex formations, and the fundamentals that make tackling drills effective. From the structure of a 4-2-5 over front to the art of block destruction and relentless pursuit, this conversation is packed with insights for coaches looking to elevate their defensive units through technique, trust, and innovation.

Chapters

Introduction to Coach Kalus Murphy
Defensive Strategies and Installations
Skill Sets for Defensive Positions
Tackling Techniques and Drills
Challenges in Defensive Preparation
Adjustments in the Run Game
Handling Offensive Formations
Defensive Schemes and Innovations
Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Follow on X:

Resources:

⁠⁠⁠Bobby Peters Amazon Author Page⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Alert the Post Substack⁠⁠⁠

Special offers from our partners:

⁠⁠⁠Coach and Coordinator 10% Toolkit

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Your Call - Breaking the Cycle - A Conversation About Winning and Competitive Mindsets - David Alexander, OL Coach, Bishop Kelley (OK) Jun 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Your Call, presented by The Headset App, Coach David Alexander, a former NFL player and seasoned high school football coach in Oklahoma, shares a powerful and unconventional philosophy on building a winning culture. Drawing from his leadership at two underdog programs — including the largest high school in Oklahoma — Coach Alexander explores how shifting from a process-only mindset to embracing the will to win transformed teams, players, and communities. He speaks candidly about the importance of competitive environments, meaningful parent engagement, and reshaping generational attitudes toward losing. This conversation offers coaches a bold perspective on what it truly takes to break cycles of defeat and build legacy-level success.

Chapters

Introduction to Coaching Journey
The Importance Talking About Winning
Changing the Mindset: Embracing Competition
Engaging Parents and Community
The Broader Life Lessons from Sports

Connect on X: David Alexander - @DavidAlex72

About 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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Next Move - Do the Job Before You Get It - Ken Merchant, OC/QB Coach Sacramento State (CA) Jun 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Next Move presented by Coach Portal, Sacramento State Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach Ken Merchant shares practical and powerful insights on how aspiring coaches can position themselves for their next big opportunity. From excelling in your current role to building genuine relationships and proactively taking on new responsibilities, Coach Merchant emphasizes that promotion often comes to those who already act like they have the job. He reflects on key lessons from his own journey, offers strategies for gaining trust and visibility, and reminds coaches that success is built on humility, preparation, and prioritizing the team's needs. Whether you're a GA, position coach, or coordinator, this episode offers actionable advice to help you take that next step.

Chapters

Positioning for Promotion
Building Relationships and Being Yourself
Common Mistakes in Seeking Promotion
Taking Initiative and Responsibility

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Champions - Coaching Foundations: Culture, Fundamentals, and Mentorship – Wayne Alofipo (UT), Ty Harper (NY), and Dwight Lundeen (MN) Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Champions Series, presented by Signature Championship Rings, we sit down with Wayne Alofipo, HC, Crimson Cliffs HS (UT), Ty Harper, HC, Chautauqua Lake HS (NY), and Dwight Lundeen, HC, Becker HS (MN). The group explores what truly builds a team destined for greatness. The conversation covers everything from personal coaching journeys and philosophies to the vital role of offseason training — especially weightlifting — in athlete development.

The coaches highlight the importance of teaching fundamentals, developing collaboration among staff, and adapting to new technologies in sports. More than strategy, they share powerful reflections on coaching their staff as well as their players, mentorship, team culture, and the life lessons that football imparts to young athletes. This episode offers valuable insight into what it takes to lead, inspire, and sustain excellence both on and off the field.

Chapters

Introduction to the Coaches

Coaching Backgrounds and Achievements

Offseason Strategies and Team Development

Weight Training and Physical Preparation

Coaching Philosophy and Staff Development

Engaging Players and Building Team Culture

Collaborative Coaching and Cultural Development

The Importance of Culture in Coaching

Embracing Technology in Coaching

Creating a Positive Practice Environment

Teaching vs. Reteaching: The Importance of Fundamentals

The Evolution of Coaching Through Generations

Impact Beyond the Game

Final Thoughts on Culture and Life Lessons

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.

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Sprint Based Football – Doing Things Differently for Maximum Production – Thad Wells Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Sprint-Based Football presented by Titans Sports, host Tony Holler and Thad Wells dive deep into the philosophy behind sprint-based football and how coaching success is often found in simplicity, balance, and personal growth. Thad shares his evolution from an ambitious young coach to a thoughtful leader shaped by reading, reflection, and hard lessons learned. Together, they discuss the mental and emotional realities of coaching — from navigating identity crises and burnout to building systems that value efficiency over exhaustion. With powerful concepts like "Rock Top vs. Rock Bottom" and “Don’t bring me problems — bring me solutions,” this episode challenges conventional coaching wisdom and advocates for a smarter, more intentional approach to leadership, practice, and life.

Chapters

Introduction to Coaching Philosophy
Thad Wells’ Coaching Journey
The Importance of Diverse Reading & Book Recommendations

Learning from Mistakes & Building Identity
Rock Top vs. Rock Bottom: Embracing the Journey
Bringing Solutions, Not Problems
Balancing Work, Family & Boundaries
The Myth of the Overworked Coach & The Discipline of Less
Effective Practice & Courageous Decision-Making
Communication, Feedback & Coaching Personas
Job Security, Coaching Philosophy & Living with No Regrets

Learn More About Our Partner: Titan Sports

Founded and based in Texas, the 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. And 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. https://www.titansensor.com/⁠⁠

Connect on X:

Tony Holler ⁠⁠@pntrack⁠⁠

Thad Wells @ThadWells

Sprint-Based Football Resources on CoachTube:

⁠⁠Sprint-Based Football Bundle⁠⁠

⁠⁠Feed the Cats Football Bundle⁠⁠

⁠⁠TFC Sprint-Based Football⁠

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Art of Practice - Choreographing Chaos: Coaching for Clarity and Speed – Rob Stover, DC, Sycamore HS (IL) Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Art of Practice presented by GoRout, Keith Grabowski sits down with Rob Stover, defensive coordinator at Sycamore HS (IL), to unpack the strategic art of seven-on-seven football practice. They explore how communication serves as the foundation of defensive cohesion, and how technologies like Go Route are transforming efficiency on the field. Coach Stover shares actionable insights on structuring purposeful walkthroughs, adjusting practice as the season unfolds, and preparing players to respond quickly to opponent tempo. The conversation highlights the importance of preparation, delegation, and well-designed drills to create a competitive and organized practice environment.

Chapters

Using Go Route to Make Periods More Productive

Maximizing Communication in Seven on Seven

Integrating Technology for Efficiency

Effective Walkthroughs and Practice Planning

Adjusting Practice as the Season Progresses

Understanding Opponent Tempo and Communication

Simplifying Calls for Fast Play

Advice on Implementing GoRoute Technology

Learn More About Our Partner - GoRout

GoRout helps coaches eliminate huddles, increase reps, and maximize efficiency with their game-changing technology. Sign up using code “coordinator” for up to 50% off setup fees at gorout.com/podcast

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Art of Practice - Maximizing Practice Efficiency with Limited Staff - Dean Pauley, Defensive Assistant, College of DuPage Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Art of Practice presented by GoRout, Keith Grabowski is joined by Dean Pauley, Defensive Assistant at the College of DuPage, for a deep dive into coaching strategies that drive practice efficiency—especially when working with a small staff. They explore how flexibility, clear communication, and collaborative planning are essential to building a high-performing football program. Dean shares practical insights on optimizing practice planning, using technology to increase reps, and developing drills with clear objectives.

The conversation also highlights the importance of situational football, game-like preparation, and empowering players—particularly defensive backs—to take ownership of their development and communication. Whether you're refining your coaching methods or leading a team with limited resources, this discussion offers valuable tools to enhance player performance and maximize every minute on the field.

Chapters

Maximizing Practice with a Small Coaching Staff
Setting Expectations for Practice
Optimizing Practice Time and Drills
Learning from Other Programs
Collaborative Practice Planning
Group Work and Efficiency
Promoting Player Ownership and Communication
Training Communication in Defensive Backs
Utilizing Technology for Efficiency
Practicing Situational Football

About Our Partner - GoRout

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Culture OS – Mount Carmel Winning Culture – Jordan Lynch, Head Coach, Mount Carmel HS (IL) Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Culture OS presented by Story of the Season, Mount Carmel (IL) head coach Jordan Lynch shares the foundational principles behind the sustained success of their football program. Drawing on his experience as both a player and coach, Lynch discusses the vital roles of accountability, leadership, and culture-building in shaping young athletes. He emphasizes the importance of rigorous off-season training, mental toughness, and the privilege of managing pressure at a high level. Beyond the field, he reflects on the challenges of balancing coaching with family life and the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability in coaching strategies. Through honest reflection, Lynch highlights the importance of mentorship, trust, and daily growth, providing a compelling insight into how a strong team culture, effective communication, and dependable leadership foster long-term success.

Chapters

Introduction to Jordan Lynch
Transitioning from Player to Coach
Leadership and Coaching Philosophy
Mission and Vision at Mount Carmel
Building a Strong Foundation
Aligning Diverse Backgrounds
Coaching Standards and Expectations
Building a Culture of Accountability
The Foundation of Toughness
Managing Success and Pressure
Maintaining Mental Endurance
The Balance of Coaching and Family
Sustaining Success in a Competitive Environment

Get the highlights of Season 1 of CultureOS in our free ebook, and learn more about our partner Story of the Season and what they do to help bring your culture to life for your entire community.

Get it here:

⁠⁠https://coachandcoordinatornetwork.com/cultureos

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

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