Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Creating a "Get To" Culture - Sean Saturnio, Special Teams Coordinator, Army West Point Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

Today's episode is a clinic segment from the 4th Annual Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic featuring Coach Sean Saturnio, special teams coordinator from the United States Military Academy.

In this episode, Coach Saturnio shares valuable insights on creating a team culture of excellence, love, and leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience as a high school coach in Hawaii and his current role at West Point, Coach Saturnio provides practical strategies and an inspirational vision for fostering a strong team culture.

Coach Saturnio delves into the importance of enthusiasm, competitiveness, discipline, and leadership in building a successful program.

Show Notes:

Importance of Creating a Positive Culture
Establishing an Inspirational Vision
The Vision and Identity of Special Teams
Traits of a Successful Special Teams Unit
Enthusiasm, Competitiveness, and Discipline
Relentlessness and Toughness
Building Positive Feedback Loops
The Sauce Team Hui and Peer Coaching
Developing Personal Characteristics for Success

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Establishing Defensive Identity - Luke Butts, Head Coach, Westminster College (MO) Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

In today’s Clinic Series episode from the D3 Top 25 Clinic, Luke Butts, former defensive coordinator at Lake Forest and current head coach at Westminster College, shares his expertise on building a strong defensive identity.

Coach Butts delves into the key elements of an elite defense, emphasizing the importance of effort, tackling, and takeaways. He shares the strategies and philosophies that have led to success on the field and helped his team focus on creating a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

This past season, his defense led all of NCAA Division III in scoring defense, third down percentage, total defense, and passing efficiency defense. This success has led to Coach Butts being named one of five finalists for the 2023 Football Scoop Division III Coordinator award.

He covers all of the important aspects of building an identity on defense and how those translated to on-field excellence,

We will share our winning edge takeaways after this clinic segment. Links to the D3 Top 25 Clinic replays are in the show notes.

Show Notes:

Building a Defensive Identity at Lake Forest
Importance of Culture and Standards
Developing Resilience and Mental Toughness
Creating a Collaborative Coaching Approach
Establishing Effort, Tackling, and Takeaways
Emphasizing Effort: "When the ball is gone, you're gone"
Focus on Effort, Tackling, and Pursuit
Implementing Tackling Techniques
Consistency in Coaching Messages and Standards
Winning Edge

D3football.coachesclinic.com

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Champions: Built By Boyle – Justin Haddix, Head Coach, Boyle County High School (KY) Mar 15, 2024

Show notes

The journey to championship success is often paved with unique challenges and opportunities for growth. One such inspiring story comes from Boyle County High School in Kentucky, where head coach Justin Haddix led his team to an impressive four-peat state championship in 2023.

When Coach Haddix took the reins at Boyle County, he inherited a program with a rich history of success under the guidance of the legendary Chuck Smith. However, rather than simply replicating what was done to accomplish past achievements, Coach Haddix brought his distinctive touch to the program. He emphasized the importance of putting his fingerprint on the team, blending the existing winning culture with his innovative ideas to propel the team to new heights. Coach Haddix navigated the transition smoothly by instilling a sense of ownership and adaptability within the players and staff.

A key component of Boyle County's success under Coach Haddix's leadership has been the relentless focus on offseason training and development. Implementing the "Rebel Boot Camp" in the team's weight room sessions not only fostered physical strength but also instilled a sense of camaraderie and competition among the players. Coach Haddix and his staff encouraged players to push their limits, break records, and embrace the grind together by creating a structured and engaging workout environment. The emphasis on competition, teamwork, and continuous improvement in the offseason has been instrumental in shaping Boyle County's winning culture and sustaining its success year after year.

Show Notes:

Starting at Boyle County
Building a Young Coaching Staff
Importance of Morning Workouts
Rebel Boot Camp and Training Changes
Building a Strong Culture
Creating Competition in Training
Embracing Social Media and Branding
Building Interest in a New Program
Celebrating Success and Moving Forward

Follow Justin Haddix on Twitter/X @CoachHaddix11.

Watch the Built By Boyle Series on YouTube.

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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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Culture OS – Anthony Shiffman, Head Coach, Waterford High School (WI) Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Culture OS, guest host Rob Pomazak sits down with Tony Shiffman, head coach of Waterford High School in Wisconsin.

Coach Shiffman emphasizes the importance of being authentic and confident in one's coaching approach. He highlights that being genuine and passionate about what you do resonates more with players than simply following a set playbook. Authenticity breeds trust and connection – essential elements in building a strong team culture.

Coach Shiffman also shares his experiences with finding an equilibrium between coaching responsibilities and family life. By prioritizing family time and setting boundaries, he exemplifies the importance of self-care and nurturing personal relationships outside of the football field.

Show Notes:

Building Great Young Men
Initial Meeting and Rapport Building
Program Changes and Buy-In
Leadership Style and Balance
Program Development in the Offseason
Maintaining Program Alignment
Navigating Work-Family Relationship
Advice for Aspiring Coaches

Follow Tony Shiffman on Twitter/X @CoachShiffman.

Additional Culture OS Episodes:

Derek Leonard, Head Coach, Rochester HS (IL)

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

Matt Drinkall, Offensive Line Coach, Army

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

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A Modern Approach to Play Calling – Jordan Irsik, Defensive Coordinator, Folsom High School (CA) Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

In an era becoming dominated by data and AI, the integration of technology and analytics has come to the forefront in coaching. In its ability to enhance decision-making processes and optimize performance on the field, these technology trends are definitely worth paying attention to. Whether some coaches like it or not, technology is revolutionizing the way offenses and defenses are called during games.

In this episode, Jordan Irsik, the new defensive coordinator for the 2023 California state champion Folsom High School Bulldogs, dives into how he uses a modern approach to calling plays and making adjustments.

This past year, while the head coach and offensive coordinator for El Capitan High School, Coach Irsik deployed coaching software from Modern Football Technology to optimize in-game decision making and preparations throughout the week. He brings this solution with him to Folsom in 2024.

Show Notes:

Employing Technology in Offensive Play Calling
Balancing Technology and Human Decision-Making
Preparation and Workflow for Utilizing Technology
Using Analytics for Play-Calling Decisions
Leveraging Concept Efficiency Percentage
Integrating Technology into Weekly Game Planning
Game Plan Adjustments Based on Real-Time Data
Utilizing Technology in Between Series
Transitioning Technology to Defensive Coaching

Follow Jordan Irsik on Twitter/X @CoachIrsik1.

Learn More about Modern Football Technology:

Battle-tested, Modern Football’s platform provides real-time self-scout and opponent tendencies, while eliminating manual tagging into HUDL, DV Sport, and XOS. Trusted by teams at every level, see how top coaches leverage this platform for in-game decision making and play-calling success.

To book a demo, visit www.teammofo.com/demo.

Mention Coach and Coordinator Podcast or use the coupon code CC10 when signing up for a demo to receive 10% off the first year for the 10% Coach.

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Empowering Others to Do Their Best – Jeff Traylor, Head Coach, UTSA Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

The journey of a coach is often a story of evolution and growth. In this episode, Jeff Traylor, head coach at the University of Texas, San Antonio (UTSA), provides a compelling narrative of his transformation in the game.

Transitioning from a high school coach to a college coach, Coach Traylor reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his coaching philosophy. From his early focus on offensive prowess to a more holistic approach encompassing defense, special teams, and player development, his journey exemplifies the continuous learning and adaptation required in the coaching profession.

Coach Traylor's emphasis on humility and self-reflection offers valuable insights for coaches at all levels. His willingness to take a step back and embrace new roles, such as serving as a passing game coordinator before assuming head coaching responsibilities, underscores the importance of continuous learning and growth in one's coaching career. His philosophy of empowering assistant coaches and providing them with clear job descriptions and resources highlights the significance of effective leadership in fostering a cohesive and successful coaching staff.

Finally, Coach Traylor digs into the "Triangle of Toughness," a foundational principle in his coaching philosophy that encapsulates the core values and culture he instills within his team.

Show Notes:

Evolution from High School to College Coaching
Empowering Coordinators and Understanding Assistants
Setting Clear Job Expectations for Staff
Importance of Job Descriptions, Pay Raises, and Time Management
Experience and Humility in Coaching
Using Checklists for Evaluation and Feedback
Overview of the Triangle of Toughness
Managing and Measuring the Triangle of Toughness
Impact of Coaching and Importance of the Game

Follow Jeff Traylor on Twitter/X @CoachTraylor.

Additional Coach Traylor Resource:

"The Triangle of Toughness"

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Champions Series: Strategic Evolution – Chad Johnson, Head Coach, Mission Viejo High School (CA) Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

The journey from season to season is a dynamic process that requires a multifaceted approach encompassing player development, coaching strategies, and fostering strong relationships.

Chad Johnson, the head coach at Mission Viejo High School and a state champion from California, emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships as the foundation of the program. By investing time in youth camps, offseason training programs, and community engagement, Coach Johnson and his staff aim to cultivate meaningful connections with players and parents, demonstrating care and commitment to the players' holistic development.

Adaptability and continuous improvement are at the core of Coach Johnson's approach to coaching. By evaluating the team's strengths and weaknesses each season, the staff ensures that they strategically evolve their game plans to optimize player performance.

Whether adjusting offensive formations based on personnel strengths or refining defensive strategies to counter opponents effectively, the program's commitment to ongoing analysis and innovation sets them apart. Coach Johnson and his team strive to stay ahead of the curve and provide their players with a competitive edge.

Chad Johnson is in his 24th year of coaching high school football. Before taking over the program in the 2018 season, Coach Johnson spent 12 seasons as the offensive coordinator for St. John Bosco and Trabuco Hills High Schools. As an assistant, he was part of two state championships and one national championship. He’s 53-15 as the head coach at Mission Viejo, leading the Diablos to their first state championship in 2023.

Show Notes:

Building Authentic Relationships
Focusing on Player Development
Adapting Strategies for Success
Importance of Strength and Conditioning
Implementing New Ideas in Playbook
Utilizing FirstDown Playbook for Efficiency
Assisting Players with College Opportunities
Becoming a Well-Rounded Coach
Celebrating the Championship

Follow Chad Johnson on Twitter/X @diablocjohnson.

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Learn More about FirstDown Playbook:

FirstDown PlayBook is a coaching tool and program management system with over 35,000 customizable plays, defenses, and special teams schemes. With tools such as video pairing, practice schedules, wristband creation, practice scripts, scouting reports, and a player app, FirstDown PlayBook helps save time and organize your program all in one place. Schedule a 15-minute Zoom meeting with former NFL coach Charlie Coiner to receive a one-week free trial.

Learn More about Signature Championship Rings:

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Culture OS – Derek Leonard, Head Coach, Rochester HS (IL) Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of our Culture OS series! In this episode, our guest host Rob Pomazak sits down with Derek Leonard, the esteemed head coach at Rochester High School in Illinois. Coach Leonard has won nine state championships, including a perfect 14-0 season in 2023.

During the engaging conversation, Rob and Derek delve into the legacy of the Leonard family, with Derek sharing insights into his unique coaching journey shaped by his father, Ken Leonard, a legendary figure in Illinois high school football. Derek's ability to blend traditional influences with his own innovative approach has propelled the Rochester High School football program to great success, making it a cornerstone of the local community.

Tune in to discover more about Derek Leonard's coaching philosophy, his journey in the world of football, and the winning strategies that have defined his career. Stay tuned until the end for valuable winning edge takeaways and ideas for implementation from this enlightening discussion.

Follow Derek Leonard on Twitter/X @CoachLeonard3.

Additional Culture OS Episodes:

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

Matt Drinkall, Offensive Line Coach, Army

Rob Pomazak, Head Coach, St. Charles North High School (IL)

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

Follow All We Are Doing:

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Thank you for supporting our partners:

Learn More about Signature Championship Rings:

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Creating Defensive Mayhem – Geoff Collins, Defensive Coordinator, North Carolina Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

Geoff Collins is the new Defensive Coordinator for North Carolina. Coach Collins recently presented at the 4th Annual Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic, and this clinic series episode is a segment from that presentation.

The focus on creating chaos without succumbing to chaos itself is a defining principle of the Tar Heel defensive plan. Referred to as the "Minister of Mayhem," Coach Collins aims to have the Tar Heel defense disrupt opposing offenses with precision and efficiency.

By implementing tempo-killing strategies and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations, the team seeks to lead the nation in generating game-changing plays, such as sacks, tackles for loss, and turnovers. The emphasis on delivering, blowing, disengaging, and finishing exemplifies the meticulous attention to detail and relentless pursuit of excellence ingrained in this defensive philosophy.

Show Notes:

Establishing Coaching Philosophy and Confidence
Winning the Game Before the Ball Is Snapped
Implementing Diverse Defensive Strategies
Balancing Chaos and System Knowledge
Handling Tempo and Creating Turnovers

Follow Geoff Collins on Twitter/X @CoachCollins.

Gain access to this presentation and 120 others from the 4th Annual Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic. Learn Ball and Beat Cancer:

lfgf2024.coachesclinic.com

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Taking a CEO Approach to Coaching – Pete Lembo, Head Coach, University of Buffalo Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

In the competitive coaching world, adopting a CEO approach can set a leader apart. Coach Pete Lembo, the new head coach at the University of Buffalo, exemplifies this approach through his emphasis on organization, development, and creating a balanced team. His success can be attributed to his innate inclination towards meticulous planning and continuous improvement. Coach Lembo's journey in various coaching roles highlights the importance of adapting and evolving in the coaching profession.

One key aspect of Coach Lembo's approach is his commitment to personal and professional development. His belief in continuously honing skills and seeking growth opportunities is evident in his career choices, such as transitioning to a Special Teams Coordinator role at South Carolina. This willingness to step out of his comfort zone and embrace new challenges underscores the importance of staying open-minded and adaptable in the ever-changing landscape of coaching.

There is a ton to learn from this episode. Get your notebook and pen, and be ready to learn from Coach Lembo’s experience.

Show Notes:

CEO Approach to Coaching
Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses in a Team
Importance of Developing Players and Staff
Embracing Changes in Player Dynamics
Gaining Perspective Through Growth
Keys to Effective Staff Meetings
Focus on the Process and Vision
Winning Edge

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