Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Culture OS - Series Wrap-up Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

In our final episode of the Culture OS Series, Rob Pomazak and Keith Grabowski shares the key takeaways and common threads running throughout the series focusing on aspects of mission, vision, purpose and trust. They review highlight segments from each coach interviewed in the series:

Matt Drinkall, Kyle Ralph, Derek Leonard, Anthony Shiffman, Brad Spencer, and Alex Golesh.

Show Notes:

Introduction to Culture Operating System
Wrapping up the Culture OS series
Mission, Vision, and Purpose Discussion
Importance of Trust in Culture
Competency and Excitement on Fridays
Understanding and Pushing Players
Be Who You Say You Are - Trust and Accountability
Self-Reflection and Introspection

Series Episodes:

Culture OS Series Kickoff

Matt Drinkall. Offensive Line Coach, Army

Kyle Ralph, Head Coach, New Palestine HS (IN)

Derek Leonard, Head Coach, Rochester HS (IL)

Tony Shiffman, Head Coach, Waterford HS (WI)

Brad Spencer, Head Coach, North Central College

Alex Golesh, Head Coach, South Florida

Episodes with Rob Pomazak:

Giving Your Players a Madden Rating to Help Development

What I Learned in My First 10 Years as a Head Coach

Remote Learning and the Four Quadrant Plan

Adjusting and Adapting the Season During Covid

The Head Coach and Coordinator Dynamic

Coach Pomazak’s Resources here

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Champions: Creating Competition and Confidence – Andy Capone, Head Coach, Weddington High School (NC) Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Andy Capone, the head coach of Weddington High School in North Carolina and a four-time state champion.

With a track record of success, a commitment to developing leadership, and a culture of competition within his team, Coach Capone has elevated his program to an elite level. He shares insight into his coaching philosophy, offseason strategies, and the keys to sustaining success at that elite level.

Show Notes:

Building Leadership and Competitiveness in Players
Importance of Competing and Winning in All Aspects
Drafting Teams and Fostering Competition
Observing Players' Reactions to Challenges
Coaching Through Growth Mindset and Competition
Summer Practices and Focus on Football Skills
Detailed Schedule and Structure of Summer Training
Emphasis on Special Teams and Player Development
Trusting Assistant Coaches and Maintaining Staff Continuity

Follow Andy Capone on Twitter/X @coachcaponewhs.

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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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The Power of Vision - Andrew DiDonato, Head Coach, Grove City College Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

In this clinic series episode, we share a segment of the D3 Top 25 clinic with the head coach of Grove City College, Andrew DiDonato. Coach DiDonato shares the transformative journey that was built around the vision that they created/

Coach DiDonato's unwavering commitment to a clear vision propelled his football program from adversity to triumph, leading to remarkable achievements such as a historic 10-0 season and conference championships.

He shares valuable insights on the power of vision in leadership and his example teaches how it can keep you focused, fueled, and ultimately drive you towards success. This is the strategic approach taken at program, unit, and positional levels to achieve excellence. He tells the story of the profound impact of living by the why, not the what, in pursuit of greatness.

Show Notes:

The importance of vision
Three things a vision does
Understanding the definition of vision
Staying focused on the vision
How vision fuels progress
Working towards sustained success
Winning Edge

Andrew DiDonato’s Entire Presentation:

The Power of Vision: from 0-10 to 10-0

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Overcoming Struggles and Seeking Growth – Kurt Warner, Hall of Fame Quarterback Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner shares insights from his personal journey and lessons learned along the way, highlighting the importance of overcoming struggles, seeking guidance, and not giving up on dreams.

The discussion delves into the significance of mentors, positive self-talk, and the inspiration behind Kurt's project, QB Confidential. Kurt emphasizes the importance of making knowledge accessible and understanding the "why" behind coaching decisions.

The episode also explores challenges in coaching information, the comprehensive curriculum approach, and the importance of mastering details. Kurt emphasizes the value of repetition and skill building, teaching through stories, and continuous learning and improvement. This conversation is a treasure trove of insights for coaches and players alike, offering valuable lessons from one of the game's greatest quarterbacks.

Show Notes

Personal Journey and Lessons
Overcoming Struggles
Handling Struggles and Growth
Importance of Mentors
Seeking Guidance and Feedback
Not Giving Up on Dreams
Importance of Positive Self-Talk
Significance of Asking Questions
Inspiration Behind QB Confidential
Making Knowledge Accessible
Importance of Understanding the "Why"
Challenges in Coaching Information
Comprehensive Curriculum Approach
Importance of Mastering Details
Importance of Repetition and Skill Building
Teaching Through Stories
Continuous Learning and Improvement
Community Engagement and Mentorship
Winning Edge

Follow Kurt Warner on Twitter/X @kurt13warner.

Follow QB Confidential @QBConfidential and https://qbconfidential.com/.

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Champions: Strategic Operations – Greg Vandagriff, Head Coach, Prince Avenue Christian School (GA) Mar 29, 2024

Show notes

In this installment of our Champions Series, presented by Signature Championship Rings, Greg Vandagriff, head coach at Prince Avenue Christian School, shares insights into his program's operations that have resulted in three state championships in the last four years.

Coach Vandagriff discusses strength and conditioning, player substitutions, and game management for success in critical moments. He also emphasizes offensive strategies and the importance of team culture and values, as well as stresses the coach's role in creating a positive experience for the team and community.

Show Notes:

Unprecedented Success at Prince Avenue
Celebrating Seasons at Prince Avenue
Strategic Operations for Winning Quarters
Transitioning to High-Scoring Offense
Impactful Quick Game Strategies
Cultivating Leaders in the Program
Father-Son Dinner Tradition
Creating a Memorable Life Experience

Follow Greg Vandagriff on Twitter/X @GVandagriff.

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Culture OS – Alex Golesh, Head Coach, University of South Florida Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

Alex Golesh recounts his journey from high school coaching to leading the University of South Florida, emphasizing player-focused and process-driven programs over results. He discusses the challenges and rewards of leadership, work-life balance, elite behavior standards, and the importance of a relentless focus on the process for long-term success.

Show Notes:

Reflections on the Coaching Journey
Transition to Head Coach at USF
Importance of Player-Centric Approach
Establishing Elite Standards
Implementing Process-Driven Culture
Building Success at Tennessee
Handling Difficult Conversations
Balancing Building vs. Sustaining Success
Navigating from Good to Great
Winning Edge

Follow Alex Golesh on Twitter/X @CoachGolesh.

Additional Episode with Alex Golesh:

The Effort and Energy to Excel

Additional Culture OS Episodes:

Brad Spencer, Head Coach, North Central College

Derek Leonard, Head Coach, Rochester HS (IL)

Kyle Ralph, Head Coach, New Palestine High School (IN)

Related Episodes with Rob Pomazak:

Giving Your Players a Madden Rating to Help Development

What I Learned in My First 10 Years as a Head Coach

Remote Learning and the Four Quadrant Plan

Adjusting and Adapting the Season During Covid

The Head Coach and Coordinator Dynamic

Additional Coach Pomazak Resources:

Coaching by Design: Complete Guide to Program Development

Thank you for supporting our partners:

Learn More about Modern Football Technology:

Learn More about Signature Championship Rings:

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Philosophy and Tips for Game Planning and Play Calling – Jordan Neal, Head Coach, McMurry University Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

In this presentation segment given by McMurry University Head Jordan Neal at the D3 Top 25 Clinic, we explore the intricacies of developing an offensive game plan. Coach Neal draws from his coaching experience at Hendrix College and McMurry University.

Neal stresses prioritizing the run game, understanding team strengths and weaknesses, and adapting to opponents' defensive strategies. Emphasis is placed on coaching what you know, adapting during games, and optimizing play calling for first downs and third-down efficiency.

This clinic segment provides a checklist of things to think about while Coach Neal also drops some important details on how to put together a game plan and approach calling plays on game day.

Show Notes:

Developing a Tight Protocol for Communication
Weekly Game Goals for Offensive Balance
Taking Shots Down the Field
Having Answers for Defensive Blitzes
Focused Practice Reps for O-Line and Tight Ends
Intense Skill Player Competition Day
Blitz Period and Screen Draw Period
Detailed Practice Plan for Thursday/Friday
Simulating Game Flow for Realistic Preparation

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The Go-Go Offense – Brennan Marion, Offensive Coordinator, UNLV Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

Brennan Marion, the offensive coordinator at UNLV, joins us to discuss the “Go-Go Offense”. He explores the origins and evolution of the offense, emphasizing its strategic approach to combine the option game with a strong passing attack.

Coach Marion highlights the importance of adapting the offense to players' strengths and shares his coaching journey, emphasizing continuous learning and adaptation.

Marion introduces the concept of the five Vs in the Go-Go Offense and focuses on team culture, player development, and maximizing talent. We dig into recruiting based on skill set, effective communication, and creating a supportive environment for players. Then we wrap up the conversation by underlining the importance of togetherness, love, and selflessness among players for team success, expressing optimism for the future of the UNLV Rebels.

Show Notes:

Introduction to the Go-Go Offense
Transition to Coaching at UNLV
The Five Vs in the Go-Go Offense
Maximizing Skill Sets in High School Football
Recruiting Strategy Shift
Importance of Love for Teammates in Offense
Winning Edge

Additional Episodes with Brennan Marion:

Building Your Position Room

Creator of the Go-Go Offense

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Champions - A Commitment to Balance - Ben Reaves, Head Coach, Milton HS (GA) Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

This week’s installment of the Champion Series presented by Signature Championship Rings is with Ben Reeves, the head coach of the State Champions at Milton High School in Georgia. Coach Reeves discusses the importance of celebrating the team's success, emphasizing the fleeting nature of championships and the need to savor each moment. He also explains the "two-position philosophy" employed in the program, where players are trained in two positions to maximize their impact on the field and increase competition within the team. Reeves highlights the benefits of this approach, such as enhancing depth, promoting camaraderie, and ensuring the best players are on the field during crucial moments.

Furthermore, Reeves delves into the program's focus on achieving balance throughout the season, aiming to peak in December rather than exerting maximum effort early on. He stresses the significance of managing player workloads to maintain physical, mental, and emotional freshness as the season progresses. Reeves also discusses the importance of continuous learning and professional development for coaches, emphasizing the value of studying successful programs, adopting effective strategies, and adapting them to suit one's coaching style.

Show Notes:

Importance of Celebrating Achievements
Prioritizing Memories Over Results
Two-Position Philosophy Explanation
Benefits of Two-Position Philosophy
Challenges and Logistics of Implementing Two-Position Philosophy
Motivating Players for Two Positions
Situational Opportunities for Best 11 Players
Focus on Balance for Peak Performance
Developing as a Coach for Success
Winning Edge

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Culture OS, Brad Spencer, Head Coach, North Central College Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Culture OS, Brad Spencer, head coach at North Central College, shares his coaching journey emphasizing values like faith, family, and academics. He discusses challenges and successes shaping his coaching style, highlights recruiting local talent, and fostering a supportive team culture. Insights on maintaining high standards, effective communication, and leveraging technology for success are shared, providing actionable insights for coaches aiming to inspire their teams to achieve new heights.

After a stellar playing career as a wide receiver for the Cardinals, Brad Spencer joined the North Central College coaching staff as a wide receivers/tight ends coach in 2004. After 11 seasons as the wide receivers coach, Spencer was promoted to assistant head coach and offensive coordinator prior to the 2015 season. In January 2022, he was appointed the 26th head coach in the history of the Cardinals' program.

The 2022 season saw the Cardinals post the program's first undefeated season, a 15-0 campaign that resulted in the program's second NCAA Division III National Championship. North Central won the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, 28-21, over the University of Mount Union (Ohio) at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland.

Spencer was named the FootballScoop NCAA Division III Coordinator of the Year following the 2019 season, which saw the Cardinals win their first Division III national championship over the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 41-14, in Shenandoah, Texas.

Show Notes: