Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Coaching Vocal Leadership Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, host Keith Grabowski gives three simple ways you can teach your team members to be vocal leaders. This focus on vocal leadership will increase energy, build trust, and push team members to be unselfish and invest in others.

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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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The Leadership Ladder Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

From the archives, we revisit The Leadership Ladder, first presented at a clinic by Gregg Brandon, then the head coach at Bowling Green State University, most recently the head coach at the Colorado School of Mines. It simplifies the levels of leadership and is a helpful tool for your team in the offseason.

Show Notes:

Learning from Gregg Brandon
A Tool to Share with Players
Starting with a Coach-Driven Offseason
Overview of the Five Levels
Level One: Seniority
Level Two: Selfish
Level Three: Unselfish
Level Four: Self-Sacrifice
Level Five: High Investment in Others
The Offseason Starts with More of an Individual Focus and More Coach-Driven
Coaches Need to Model Positive Leadership
Utilize the Leadership Ladder to Have Conversations with Players
Positive Individuals and How to Deal with Those Who Are Not Aligned
Transition to Player-Driven by Creating Opportunities

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Clinic Series: Are You Practicing Tackling Enough? – Vince DiGaetano, Fordham University Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

In this clinic series episode, we Dig into the art and science of tackling. It is a skill that demands both physical prowess and strategic understanding. As the game evolves with rule changes designed for player safety, and just a better understanding overall of performance, so too must your tackling systems.

This evolution is crucial in bridging the gap between practice drills and in-game performance, ensuring that players can react effectively in high-pressure situations.

The tackling system, as outlined by Fordham assistant coach Vince DiGaetano, encompasses various phases designed to develop a holistic approach to tackling.

He diagrams the system as a pyramid. It starts with instilling trust and psychological readiness in players, fostering a belief in the coaching methodology and an understanding of the defensive principles beyond mere technique.

While Coach Dig goes deeper in this entire presentation, the rest of which is available from Lauren’s First and Goal, this segment sets a good foundation for you to think about tackling within your defense and where to get started on tackling in 2024.

Show Notes:

Introduction to Tackling Systems
Importance of Tackling Drills
Factors Affecting Performance
Optimal Performance and Reaction Time
Training for Complex Motor Skills
Building Trust and Confidence
Foundation of Energy Systems
Staying Square to the Football
Entry Point and Yardage Control
Grading and Coaching Player Techniques

Follow Vince DiGaetano on Twitter/X @CoachDiG.

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Coordinator of the Year Shares Keys to Offensive Success – Caleb Corrill, OC, Mount St. Joseph University Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

Caleb Corrill is the offensive coordinator at Mount St. Joseph University. He’s entering his seventh season as OC after serving as the Mount quarterbacks coach from 2015 to 2016.

In Corrill's six seasons as the offensive coordinator, the Lions have averaged 41.45 points per game and just over 460 yards per contest. The offense has shattered the record books at the Mount.

The Lions under Corrill boasted one of the nation's top offensive units in 2023. They finished third in total offense, averaging 552.5 yards per game, and second in scoring offense, averaging 55.4 points per game, both of which were new MSJ records.

Offensively, they were as balanced as any team in the country, finishing ninth nationally in passing offense (324.9 ypg) and 17th in rushing offense (227.5 ypg). Under the tutelage of Corrill, MSJ quarterback Josh Taylor finished as the nation's leader in passing touchdowns (46) and was a semifinalist for the Gagliardi Trophy.

Coach Corrill's unit has been a big reason for the Lions' recent run of success, including a 19-3 record, back-to-back HCAC Titles, and back-to-back playoff appearances over the past two seasons. Coach Corrill was recognized by Hansen Ratings as the 2023 Offensive Coordinator of the Year for his efforts.

In this episode, Coach Corrill digs into his approach to learning and evolving as a coach, teaching and building relationships, and some of the components that make the Lions' offense one of the best in the country, including their option routes, the RPO, and condensed sets.

Show Notes:

Philosophy of Learning
Methods for Organizing Your Learning
Being a Great Teacher of the Game
Building Relationships
Features Important to Their Offense
Post-Snap Route Adjustments
Indicators on "Choice" Routes
Structures Around Option Routes
RAM Reads
The Role and Utilization of the RPO
Protect Numbers at the POA
Choice Concept
Condensed Set Advantages
Sustaining Success

Follow Caleb Corrill on Twitter/X @CalebCorrill.

Coaches Mentioned in This Episode:

Jim Tressel
Josh Herring
Dan Gonzalez
Elliot Wratten
Jason Phillips
Brent Dearmon
Joe Moorhead
Andrew Coverdale
Joe Gerbino
Nick Davis

To register for the D3 Top 25 Clinic, visit https://d3football.coachesclinic.com.

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More Than Football – Bill George, Retired Head Coach, US Coast Guard Academy Feb 02, 2024

Show notes

How do you best serve the school or institution you are at? How does serving create a synergistic effect with buy-in? What can we do to create more leaders? How do we find a better balance in this profession?

Those are all questions we dive into with Bill George, retired head coach of the US Coast Guard Academy.

Coach George spent 21 seasons as the head football coach at the US Coast Guard Academy, where he used football as a vehicle to help build leaders. He recently wrote a book titled Home Fields: Coast Guard Academy Football Coach Recounts the Unfulfilled Lives of World War II. In this episode, Coach George digs into a number of topics from his book, the importance of understanding the people being served, and how to mold more and better leaders.

Show Notes:

Key to Longevity
Understanding the People Being Served
What Are the Goals of These People?
Football Is a Vehicle
Always Taking a Positive Approach
Setting and Keeping the Bar High
Give People More Leadership Roles
Synergistic Effect on Buy-In
Making Players Communicate In-Person
Main Idea Behind Home Fields
Ideas on a Better Way for Sundays and Mondays
Balance in the Coaching Profession

More more information on Home Fields, visit https://homefieldsbook.com.

To register for the D3 Top 25 Clinic, visit https://d3football.coachesclinic.com.

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Creating TFLs and Their Effect on the Offense – Cody Baethke, Defensive Coordinator, Coe College Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

As a defensive coordinator, Cody Baethke's success at Coe College is a testament to his dedication to crafting a well-rounded and effective defensive strategy. For his efforts, he was recognized by Hansen Ratings as the #4 Defensive Coordinator of the Year for 2023, and the DCOY in his region.

In this episode, Coach Baethke shares insights into his coaching philosophy and approach to building a successful defense, which includes placing value on creating TFLs. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and continuous learning as key elements in his defensive strategy.

Show Notes:

Background and Coaching Philosophy
Core Beliefs on Defense
Simplifying Defensive Techniques
Creating Havoc with Stand-Up Defensive Lineman
Attributes of the Hybrid Defensive Player
Philosophy Behind Creating Tackles for Loss
Importance of Tackles for Loss on Defense
Training Linebackers for Tracking and Tackling
Techniques for Cloud Coverage and Inserting Safeties

Follow Cody Baethke on Twitter/X @CodyBaethke.

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Position Culture & Pass Game Organization – Jim Chapin, OC/QB Coach, Eastern Washington Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

Today’s Clinic Series episode is a Lauren's First and Goal segment from Eastern Washington Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach Jimmy Chapin. No matter what position you coach, the model Coach Chapin provides can be applied to building your unit and position culture.

Success often hinges on a team's ability to create a strong, cohesive culture. This is especially true when it comes to developing successful quarterbacks. At Eastern Washington, the coaching staff places a significant emphasis on cultivating a culture that fosters growth, resilience, and a collective mindset among their players. The quarterback position is seen as a leadership role that requires not only skill and talent but also a deep understanding of the team's culture and values.

The culture at Eastern Washington is built on the foundation of collective identity and systematic group behavior. Coach Chapin emphasizes the importance of players embracing their roles within the team and understanding that individual expectations are tied to the collective unit. This approach fosters a sustainable model of excellence that maximizes individual potential while also contributing to the team's success. It is clear that the coaching staff at Eastern Washington prioritizes creating an environment where players are encouraged to embrace the team's values and work towards a common goal.

In addition, Coach Chapin also delves into pass game organization in this episode and gives an example while sharing the basics of their stop light progression.

Show Notes:

Introduction and Background
The Importance of Culture
Individual Expectations and Team Culture
The Impact of Culture on Team Performance
Coaching Philosophy and Player Buy-In
Coach's Role in Player Development
Key Principles for Coaches
Problem Solving and Constructive Conflict
Efficiency and Intentionality in Coaching
Professionalism and Collective Success

Follow Jim Chapin on Twitter/X @CoachChapin.

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If you purchase the Lauren’s First and Goal Premium Pass, available for both individuals and staffs, you will get immediate access to this presentation from Coach Chapin, as well as the other 120 from 2023. You have access to those until the clinic begins on February 29th. The pass includes your ticket to the 2024 Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic plus year long access to all of the presentations from this year.

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Champions Series: How to Create Program Efficiency – Keith Klestinski, Head Coach, Marquette University High School (WI) Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

Keith Klestinski is the head coach of the 2023 WIAA Division 1 state champion Marquette University High School Hilltoppers. Coach Klestinski, in his fourth season as Marquette's head coach, led the Hilltoppers to a 27-10 victory over previously undefeated Franklin in the title game at Camp Randall Stadium.

The win came 54 years after Coach Klestinski's father Ron led the Roncalli Jets to victory over Chippewa Falls McDonnell in the first-ever state football championship game under WIAA.

In this episode, Coach Klestinski discusses program efficiency. Marquette High School has the challenge, like many schools, of not having assistants in the building. Coach Klestinski details how they are more efficient and effective in their work as coaches by utilizing technology, virtual coaches, and quality control coaches, as well as how they create a more efficient practice.

Follow Keith Klestinski on Twitter/X @CoachKlestinski.

Related Resource:

Watch Marquette's Force-Alley-Fold Drill mentioned by Coach Klestinski in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoIZfA8acOA

Additional Champions Series Episodes:

Kyle Schmitt, Head Coach, Archbishop Spalding (MD)

Steve Pyne, Head Coach, Central Catholic High School (OR)

Eric Kjar, Head Coach, Corner Canyon High School (UT)

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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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This Beautiful Profession – Joe Susan, Special Assistant to the HC, Rutgers Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

In today's Clinic Series, we share a segment from the 3rd Annual Lauren's FIrst & Goal Clinic from Joe Susan, Special Assistant to the Head Coach at Rutgers University.

Coach Susan has a wealth of experience with 45 years at multiple stops including nine as the head coach of Bucknell. This is his second stop going into year five at Rutgers and 14 years overall there.

In this segment, he talks about "This Beautiful Profession" sharing what he's learned along the way that he believes makes a successful coach.

The 2024 Lauren’s First and Goal Premium Access is available now for a $20 early bird savings. The benefit of purchasing this pass now is that you will receive access to all 2023 presentations right up until the 2024 clinic kicks off on February 29th, so your learning does not have to wait until the clinic starts.

As always, profits from this clinic go to support Pediatric Brain Tumor Research and Cancer Services.

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Winning First Down – Montell Allen, Defensive Coordinator, University of Chicago Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

Today’s episode is about winning first down on defense, and we are joined by Montell Allen, the defensive coordinator at the University of Chicago. He joined Head Coach Todd Gilchrist, Jr.’s staff in February of 2023, and the Maroons are off to a solid start in Coach Gilchrist’s tenure.

We dig into several ideas from creating a multiple system while remaining simple so layers can execute, training hybrid players, and keys to growing in the coaching profession. Be sure to stay tuned to our winning edge takeaways and ideas for implementation following the episode.

Show Notes: