Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Champions Series: The Annual Plan – Brad Zelenovich, Head Coach, Southeast Polk HS (IA) Feb 29, 2024

Show notes

In this week’s installment of the Champions Series presented by Signature Championship Rings, we are joined by the head coach of a state champion from Iowa who just completed a three-peat winning the title in 2021, 2022, and 2023. They finished 2023 at a perfect 14-0 and are also on a 22-game winning streak.

Brad Zelenovich has been at the helm of the Southeast Polk football program since 2015, leading the Rams to a record of 78-26. In this episode, Coach Zelenovich talks about their annual plan, how they invest in their players, and the detail they put into their development plans.

Coach Zelenovich emphasizes the importance of investing time and effort into developing not just good football players, but good people. By fostering open and honest communication and creating a supportive environment, he demonstrates a commitment to the holistic growth of his athletes. This personalized approach not only builds trust and camaraderie within the team but also instills a sense of responsibility and leadership in each player, both on and off the field.

Coach Zelenovich's focus on creating a comprehensive annual plan for the program underscores his dedication to excellence. By valuing multi-sport athletes and emphasizing skill development alongside athletic training, he ensures his players receive a well-rounded experience that prepares them for the challenges of high-stakes games.

Through a combination of data-driven speed training, game-speed drills, and situational football practice, he equips his team with the tools and mindset needed to excel in critical moments, ultimately shaping them into resilient and adaptable competitors.

Show Notes:

Importance of Investing Time in Young People
Individualized Meetings with Players to Show Care and Investment
Importance of the Coaching Staff in Player Development
Creating a System for Developing Better Athletes
Emphasizing Skill and Athletic Development Over Specialization
Implementing Data-Driven Speed Training
Practicing High-Stress Game Situations Intentionally
Reflecting on Celebrating Achievements and Turning the Page
Focusing on the Upcoming Season and New Team Dynamics
Winning Edge

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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 – Kyle Ralph, Head Coach, New Palestine High School (IN) Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

Join host of Culture OS Rob Pomazak in a deep-dive conversation with special guest Coach Kyle Ralph from New Palestine High School as they discuss the key elements of building a successful football program and creating a winning culture.

Discover the importance of commitment, toughness, and passion in shaping the culture at New Palestine, as well as insights on player development, staff involvement, and the relentless dedication required to maintain a winning edge year after year.

Gain valuable lessons on leadership, hard work, and continuous improvement in the journey of building a program from the ground up.

Kyle Ralph is a highly respected figure in Indiana high school football, known for his exceptional leadership and coaching prowess. As the head football coach of New Palestine High School, he has achieved remarkable success, guiding his team to three state championships and winning the Don Shula High School Coach of the Year and the US Marines Semper Fi Awards.

Show Notes:

Embracing New Challenges
Building a Successful Football Program
Addressing the Importance of Character Development
Making Sacrifices for the Program
Finding Motivation and Sustaining Success
Core Beliefs: Win the Day Motto
Establishing Core Values: Commitment, Toughness, Passion
Involving Stakeholders: Parents and Staff
Advice for Aspiring Head Coaches
Introduction to Leadership Values
Players Crafting a Leadership Manifesto
Importance of Building Initial Building Blocks
Winning Edge

Follow Kyle Ralph on Twitter/X @NPCoachRalph.

Additional Culture OS Episodes:

Matt Drinkall

Rob Pomazak

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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Leveraging the Quarterback in the Run Game – Patrick Rotchford, Offensive Coordinator, SUNY Cortland Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

The QB run game is an aspect of the game that can create a strategic advantage on offense by effectively utilizing the quarterback's mobility and decision-making skills. This approach involves a meticulous balance between incorporating the quarterback into various run schemes while considering the overall offensive game plan.

In this episode, we share a segment from National Champion Offensive Coordinator Patrick Rotchford's clinic presentation at the recent D3 Top 25 Clinic. Coach Rotchford takes us through the thought process for how SUNY Cortland thinks about the QB run game, as well as their use of offset gun to make the QB a dual threat.

Coach Rotchford will also be presenting at the 4th Annual Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic this week. To register for the event, visit https://lfgf2024.coachesclinic.com.

Show Notes:

Offensive Philosophy and Success
Importance of the Quarterback in Run Game
Offensive Balance and Strategy
Quarterback's Impact and Performance
Decision-Making with Quarterback Involvement
Utilizing the Quarterback in Different Situations
Analyzing Gun Tendencies and Defenses
Breakdown of Quarterback Read Runs
The Significance of Offset Gun Formation
Winning Edge

Follow Coach Rotchford on Twitter/X @CoachRotch.

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Field Work & Prep for Contact – Scott Leech, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Rhode Island Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

In the world of strength and conditioning for football athletes, the emphasis has shifted towards a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional weight room workouts.

We are excited to have Scott Leech, the strength and conditioning coach at the University of Rhode Island, join us to share an approach for a well-rounded training program that includes field work, competitive drills, and prep for contact that fully prepares players for the demands of the game.

By focusing on building strength, agility, and specific football-related skills, we better equip our athletes for success under the Friday night lights and on Saturday afternoons.

Show Notes:

Importance of Fun and Engagement
Incorporating Competition and Reactionary Drills
Teaching Skills like Tracking and Vision
Position-Specific Drill Considerations
Contact Preparation for Linemen
Special Teams Skill Development
Managing Volume and Workload
Gridiron Warrior Program Overview
Winning Edge

Follow Scott Leech on Twitter/X @ScottLeech72.

For more information on the Gridiron Warrior Program, visit gridironwarrior.carrd.co.

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#1 Red Zone Offense Keys to Success – Ryan Larsen, Head Coach, Carnegie Mellon University Feb 22, 2024

Show notes

Carnegie Mellon University has been one of the best in D3 Football in Red Zone scoring the past two seasons, finishing second in 2022 and first in 2023.

In this segment from the 2024 D3 Top 25 Clinic, Head Coach Ryan Larsen shares the way the Tartans plan and practice their Red Zone offense. His template for excelling in this area of offense is one that can be utilized at all levels.

Follow Coach Larsen on Twitter/X @CoachRyanLarsen.

For more details on the D3 Top 25 Clinic Presented by Coach and Coordinator Podcast, visit d3football.coachesclinic.com.

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Culture OS – Matt Drinkall, Offensive Line Coach, Army West Point Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

In this first episode of Culture OS hosted by Rob Pomazak, Army Offensive Line Coach Matt Drinkall shares insights drawn from his extensive coaching career and offers valuable leadership and program development lessons.

Show Notes:

Matt Drinkall's Personal Mission and Vision
The Impact of Mentorship in Coaching
Creating a Positive Environment for Coaches and Players
Challenges of Being a Head Coach
Learning to Let Go and Assign Leadership Roles
Building Success vs. Sustaining It

Follow Matt Drinkall on Twitter @DrinkallCoach.

Series Episodes:

Culture OS Series Kickoff

Related Episodes with Matt Drinkall:

Structuring Your Offense

Tempo, Offensive Design, and Organization

From the Archives - Matt Drinkall

Running Game and Tempo

Coaching Cues in the Class Room, On the Field and In Game

Defeating the Tite Front

Creating the Best Experience for Staff and Players

Keeping the Team Focused and Motivated Mid Season

Strategic Practice Management - Less is More

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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Adding Value to the Program – Jevaughn Codlin, Assistant Defensive Backs Coach, West Virginia Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jevaughn Codlin, graduate assistant/assistant defensive backs coach at West Virginia University, shares how he adds value to the program even though he is in an entry-level position.

This episode has great reminders for any coach at any stage of his or her career about adding value to the program. Coach Codlin also provides valuable insight for coaches in entry-level positions looking to build their careers.

Show Notes:

Relationships in the Building

Creating relationships with the players, building trust
Not only being comfortable with your position group
Everyday is an interview

Recruiting

Being eager to spend time with recruits when they come on campus
Be proactive
Try to learn the little details about recruits in case a coach asks you something about them
When guys come on campus and they ask about you is a sign of doing a good job building real relationships

On-Field Value

Putting ego to the side
No one cares what you know about scheme
Watch and learn
Teach when the opportunity presents itself to teach
In the offseason, work on how you deliver your message
Find ways kids can learn as easy as possible
As you add more value, you receive more responsibility

Follow Coach Codlin on Twitter @_CoachCod.

Coaches Mentioned in This Episode:

Shadon Brown
Van Malone
Myersz Hendrickson

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The Evolution of Run Fits – Kyle Cogan, Safeties Coach, Benedictine College Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

In the ever-evolving landscape of football, the concept of run fits has undergone significant transformations to adapt to the changing dynamics of offensive strategies. We are constantly faced with the challenge of staying ahead of the curve in devising effective defensive schemes that can counter the versatility and complexity of modern offenses and vice-versa on the opposite side of the ball.

One of the key drivers of this evolution in run fits has been the rise of Run-Pass Options (RPOs), which have forced defensive coaches to rethink traditional approaches to defending the run.

In this episode, defensive backs and safeties coach Kyle Cogan explains the evolution in run fits that addresses the dilemma posed by RPOs, where defenders are required to make split-second decisions between defending the run and covering potential pass options.

This shift in offensive strategies has led to a paradigm change in defensive philosophies, emphasizing the importance of covering receivers first and fitting the run based on coverage assignments.

By prioritizing coverage responsibilities over run fits, defenses aim to limit explosive plays and force offenses to earn their yardage methodically, ultimately aiming to control the game's tempo and dictate the flow of play.

Show Notes:

Evolution in Run Fits
Impact of RPOs on Defensive Strategies
Transition to Playing Man-to-Man
Importance of Limiting Explosive Plays
Three Ways to Win: Matchups, Numbers, Leverage
Defending Gaps: Body, Blocker, Eyes
Manipulating Run Fits and Covering People
Fitting Run Gaps in Even and Odd Fronts
Terminology and Structure for Run Fits
Game Planning and Adjusting Defensive Fits

Follow Kyle Cogan on Twitter/X @CoachCogan.

Related Episode with Coach Cogan:

1 High Zone Match Coverage

Coach Cogan’s Course:

Odd/Even Run Fits with 7/8/9 Man Fit Progression

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Culture OS, Episode 1: The Series Kickoff with Rob Pomazak Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

We are excited to kickoff our new series "Culture OS" with our guest host Rob Pomazak, Head Coach at St. Charles North High School in Illinois.

Coach Pomazak has been a guest on the podcast multiple times, and we always enjoy his insight into building a program by design. In this series, he will interview coaches from all levels to gain insight into how they build the operating system that runs the culture of their programs.

Coach Pomazak has outlined the mission, vision, and purpose for this series:

Mission: Deliver helpful content for coaches in all phases of their journey.

Vision: Help as many coaches as possible to develop their program systems.

Purpose: Provide service to the profession.

Whether you are new to the head coaching seat, a seasoned veteran head coach, an aspiring head coach, or just an assistant looking to be the best assistant you can be, this series is full of insight into how successful coaches build their Culture OS.

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Learn More about Playbook Clinics:

Playbook Clinics is a new coaching clinic series, reimagined from the ground up. Playbook organizes a Convening Panel of coaches in the region, asks them what they want to talk about, and who they want to hear from. Check them out at www.playbookclinics.com, get your staff registered, and use the code “Keith” to save $50.

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Clinic Series: Offseason S&C Field Work, Scott Leech, S&C Coach, University of Rhode Island Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

As we hit mid-February and start to see a little more sun and milder weather, utilizing field work in our strength and conditioning program begins to prepare our team to get back onto the field and develop some general skills that will translate on the field.

Scott Leech is the Strength & Conditioning Coach at Rhode Island. In his presentation from the 2023 Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic, he shared his philosophy and approach to utilizing field work to prepare his team.

In this segment, he explains why it’s important to incorporate this type of work into your offseason program and how it works with the skill of acceleration, which he feels can only be developed in this type of work.

This entire presentation is available as part of the 2023 Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic Premium Pass right now. The pass gives you your ticket to the 2024 clinic and a year of replays, plus access to all the 2023 presentations right up to the kickoff of this year's clinic on February 29. Get your pass, or bring your whole staff and save.

Secure Your 2024 Lauren's First and Goal Passes:

2024 Lauren’s First and Goal Premium Access

2024 Lauren’s First and Goal Premium Staff Access

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