Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Alert the Post - Reading the Field to Stay One Step Ahead – Mike LaFleur, OC, Los Angeles Rams Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Alert the Post welcomes Mike LaFleur, offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, for a deep dive into the intricacies of offensive football strategy. LaFleur offers a detailed look into quarterback reads and how pure progression concepts help signal-callers play with speed and confidence. He breaks down the duo concept—a staple of the Rams' run game—and explains how the dagger concept creates optimal spacing against a variety of defensive coverages. Drawing from his experience with the 2019 San Francisco 49ers, LaFleur emphasizes the importance of tailoring game plans to both defensive tendencies and the unique strengths of individual players.

The conversation explores how keepers can strategically give quarterbacks an edge, and why varying play designs keeps opposing defenses off balance. LaFleur underscores that while scheme and design matter, consistent player execution remains the foundation of a successful offense. From adapting to defensive fronts in the run game to blending time-tested concepts with fresh innovations, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what it takes to build and lead an NFL-caliber offense.

Chapters

Quarterback Reads and Progressions
Dagger Concept: A Deep Dive
Game Planning Keepers and Edge Strategies
Memorable Game Plans from the 2019 49ers Season

Follow on X:

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⁠@CoachKGrabowski⁠

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Resources:

⁠Bobby Peters Amazon Author Page⁠

⁠Alert the Post Substack⁠

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⁠Coach and Coordinator 10% Toolkit⁠

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Your Call - Building Culture Through Competition - Steve Rapp, Head Coach, Wise HS (VA) Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Your Call, presented by The Headset App, Steve Rapp, head football coach at Dr. Henry A. Wise High School, discusses innovative strategies to enhance team motivation and performance through the Puma of the Month program. This initiative recognizes players for their weight room attendance, effort, and character, culminating in custom-designed Adidas cleats as rewards. Rapp emphasizes the importance of creating a competitive environment and accountability among players, which has led to improved performance and reduced injuries during the season.

Join the growing number of coaches making the switch and take your game-day decision-making to the next level.

⁠⁠Download The Head Set App today and start coaching smarter⁠⁠!

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Champions - Leadership in Coaching: Strategies for Success – Rick Jones, Senior Assistant , Mizzou May 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Champions presented by Signature Championship Rings Coach Rick Jones dives deep into the principles of effective coaching, emphasizing the importance of hiring intelligent, self-aware staff who understand their impact on others. He explores how intentional energy, clear communication, and alignment in coaching philosophies can shape a successful team environment. Coach Jones shares strategies for mentoring young coaches, structuring purposeful meetings, and defining roles within the staff to maximize performance. He also highlights the growing role of analytics in decision-making and encourages coaches to continuously learn from higher-level practices to elevate their own methods.

About our Champion - Rick Jones

Rick Jones is the Senior Assistant to the Head Coach at the University of Missouri and one of the most respected figures in high school football. With 31 seasons as a head coach, Jones compiled an outstanding 317-74 record, including nine state championships and five runner-up finishes. At Greenwood High School in Arkansas, he led the program to a 185-26 mark, capturing eight state titles. His accolades include 18 Coach of the Year honors, the 2012 National Coach of the Year, the 2018 AFCA Power of Influence Award, and induction into the Oklahoma High School Coaches Hall of Fame. Beyond the wins, Jones is most proud of his role in shaping young men for success in life.

Chapters

Introduction to Coach Rick Jones
Hiring Smart: The Importance of Self-Awareness
Creating Alignment in Coaching Philosophy
Developing Young Coaches: A Growth Mindset
Defining Roles and Responsibilities in Coaching Staff
Effective Meeting Strategies for Coaches
Implementing Analytics in Coaching
Learning from the Next Level: Observing College Practices

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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Culture OS - Building Trust and Credibility – JJ Clark, Dallas Cowboys, Defensive Assistant May 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of CultureOS presented by Story of the Season, Coach JJ Clark of the Dallas Cowboys opens up about his inspiring journey from player to coach, highlighting the values that have shaped his career: humility, hard work, and service. With candor and clarity, he reflects on the quiet challenges of coaching at the highest level, including the often-overlooked difficulty of sustaining success in the NFL. Coach Clark emphasizes the importance of staying present, focusing on your own path rather than comparing yourself to others, and embracing the slow, steady growth that defines a lasting career. Beyond the field, he also shares how being intentional with family time is just as vital as being consistent with players—revealing how trust, presence, and transformational moments can ultimately change lives both on and off the field.

Chapters

Introduction to Coach JJ Clark
The Journey from Player to Coach
The Importance of Humility and Hard Work
Service and Transformational Coaching
Consistency in Coaching
Adapting to the NFL Environment
Learning and Integrating into a New Program
Lessons from Past Coaching Experiences
The End Game: Goals and Aspirations
Balancing Family and Coaching Life
Sustaining Success in Coaching
Advice for Aspiring Coaches

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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Next Move- The One Thing Every Coach Should Do in the Offseason, Bailey McElwain, Special Teams Coordinator, UCLA May 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Next Move presented by Coach Portal, Coach Bailey McElwain discusses the importance of using the offseason for personal and professional growth in coaching. He emphasizes the need for feedback from peers and players, the significance of building relationships, and the necessity of being specific in film study to improve coaching strategies. McElwain shares insights on how these practices can lead to career opportunities and long-term success in the coaching profession.

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Alert the Post – Mastering the Art of Game Planning - Mike Fitzgerald, Head Coach, Marist HS (IL) May 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Alert the Post, host Bobby Peters is joined by Mike Fitzgerald, head coach at Marist High School, for an insightful conversation on the essential elements of football coaching. Coach Fitzgerald discusses the importance of anticipating defensive adjustments during game planning and emphasizes how situational practice plays a key role in developing players’ instincts and responsiveness. He breaks down the coaching behind effective screen plays and explains how quarterback progressions can simplify decision-making under pressure. The episode also explores the concept of auxiliary runs, showing how these plays can both generate explosive gains and disrupt defensive rhythm. Fitzgerald stresses the value of correcting mistakes immediately during practice and highlights how banking reps helps players feel more prepared for in-game scenarios. He also reflects on the importance of trusting one’s instincts as a play caller, provided players understand the core concepts behind the call.

Chapters

Introduction to Coaching Philosophy
Game Planning Strategies
The Art of Screen Plays
Quarterback Progressions and Reads
Practice Planning and Situational Football
Auxiliary Runs and Offensive Creativity
Gut Play Calls and Adaptability

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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The Art of Practice - The New Frontier in Play Calling - Drew Robinson, Go Rout May 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Art of Practice presented by GoRout, Keith Grabowski discusses the innovative GoRout technology now approved in Texas with Drew Robinson, focusing on its impact on in-game communication and coaching efficiency. They explore the differences between GoRout Scout and Gridiron, the recent changes in Texas UIL regulations, and the strategic advantages this technology offers to both offensive and defensive teams. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting to new technologies in football and how GoRout is paving the way for a more efficient coaching experience.

Chapters

Introduction to GoRoute Technology
Understanding GoRoute Scout and Gridiron
The Evolution of In-Game Communication
Texas UIL's Forward-Thinking Approach
Game Day Setup and Operations
Strategic Implications of GoRoute Technology
Defensive Adaptations and Leveling the Playing Field

Get the Game-Changing GoRout Gridiron:

Texas high school football coaches: Digital wristbands are now approved for play calling purposes in-game for the 2025 season. Last year, GoRout Gridiron became the only wearable solution to ever be used for a full season of play in the NCAA. It allows coaches to instantly send plays to their players' devices with no huddles, no confusion, and no delays. Gridiron meets all UIL guidelines and keeps your team moving faster and playing smarter.

Sign up using code “coordinator” for 25% off setup fees at gorout.com/podcast.

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Culture OS - Lead Where You Are – Jason Eck, Head Coach, New Mexico May 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of CultureOS presented by Story of the Season, Coach Jason Eck opens up about his journey from being a player to becoming a head coach, sharing valuable lessons he's learned along the way. He dives deep into his coaching philosophy, highlighting the importance of continuous learning, personal growth, and the deeper purpose of player development beyond the game itself. Coach Eck sheds light on how building strong relationships and cultivating a positive, accountable team culture are essential for long-term success. He also reflects on the challenges of stepping into a new environment, the process of assessing team dynamics, setting clear goals, and the ongoing effort required to lead with integrity and earn trust.

Chapters

The Journey of Coach Jason Eck
Coaching Philosophy and Player Development
Assessing and Building Team Culture
Goals and Expectations for the Season
Challenges of Building and Sustaining Success

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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Next Move - Are You Filming Your Coaching? Caleb Collins, Assistant Coach, Detroit Lions May 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Next Move, presented by Coach Portal, Keith Grabowski and Detroit Lions Assistant Coach Caleb Collins discuss the significance of filming oneself while coaching. They explore how this practice not only aids in self-improvement but also serves as a powerful tool for career advancement. Collins shares personal anecdotes and practical tips on how coaches can leverage video recordings to enhance their teaching methods, reflect on their performance, and ultimately stand out in the competitive coaching job market.

Take Control of Your Coaching Career

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Champions - Installation Strategies - Mark Spader, John Merritt, and John Hart May 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Champions presented by Signature Championship Rings, three state champion coaches discuss their strategies for installing their systems during the spring and summer months. They emphasize the importance of off-season preparation, efficient practice structures, and the need to accommodate multi-sport athletes.

Each coach shares insights into their philosophies and methods for maximizing participation and effectiveness in training, while also developing a supportive culture for their players.

Our Champions:

Mark Spader

Bowling Green Purples

2024 Kentucky Class 5A State Champion

X: @PurplesFootball

John Hart

Brownsburg Bulldogs

2024 Indiana Class 6A State Champion

X: @BHSdogsfootball

John Merritt

De Smet Jesuit Spartans

2024 Missouri Class 6 State Champion