Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How to Become a Head Coach – Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Fame Head Coach Thom McDaniels Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

From the archives, we revisit a conversation with Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Famer Thom McDaniels.

After an illustrious 26-year head coaching career, Thom McDaniels is still impacting the next generation of football players and coaches. Some may know him as the father of former Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels and Houston Texans Passing Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach Ben McDaniels.

But Thom McDaniels himself truly has had a hall of fame career. He earned the USA Today and Nike National Coach of the Year award in 1997. In that same season, Coach McDaniels led Canton McKinley (OH) to a state title and a national championship.

Despite all his accomplishments, Coach McDaniels still continues to work hard to educate future coaches on what it takes to be successful.

Show Notes:

Transitioning from Assistant Coach to Head Coach
Heavy Lifting Season
Tips for Young Coaches
Studying Different Phases of the Game
Using the Game Plan as a Clinic
Ways to Educate Yourself About Coaching
Favorite Coaching Book
How to Delegate and How to Coach Your Best Players
Properly Preparing Your Players
Applying Knowledge to Your Team’s Needs
Facing Adversity and Hard Work
Investing in Your Players

Follow Coach McDaniels on Twitter/X @thomas_tmcdwgh.

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Determining Areas of Improvement – Chris Softley (Lubbock Christian), Dan Carrel (Coastal Carolina), Grant Caserta (Ferris St.), Brett Arkelian (Fresno St.) Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

In recent weeks, we have looked at several different approaches to wrapping up your season and moving your program, unit, or position group ahead, as well as improving yourself professionally for next season.

In this episode, we look at what some coaches like to refer to as AOI, or Areas of Improvement. We sit down with four coaches to discuss how they prioritize areas for improvement and the comprehensive approaches involved when analyzing various factors.

Coaches Featured in This Episode:

Chris Softley, Head Coach, Lubbock Christian School
Dan Carrel, Co-Defensive Coordinator, Coastal Carolina
Grant Caserta, Linebackers Coach, Ferris State
Brett Arkelian, Special Teams Coach, Fresno State

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Looking Back to Move Forward – Levi Nelson (PCA), Pete Shinnick (Towson), Randy Jackson (Texas HS) Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

The season wrap-up is a crucial aspect of coaching that allows coaches to reflect on the past season, gather feedback, and make plans for improvement. It provides an opportunity to assess the team's performance, identify areas of strength and weakness, and set the foundation for the next season.

In this episode, three coaches share tips for an effective season wrap-up that can make a significant difference in a team's success and can serve as a valuable learning experience for both coaches and players.

Coaches Featured in This Episode:

Levi Nelson, Positive Coaching Alliance
Pete Shinnick, Head Coach, Towson University
Randy Jackson, Long-Time Texas High School Coach

Show Notes:

Coaching Philosophy: LEAD
Get-To List for Offseason
Meeting with Assistant Coaches
Evaluating Assistant Coaches
Taking Stock of the Season
Rallying Cry for the Next Season
Meeting with Outgoing and Rising Seniors
Reflecting and Connecting the Dots
Coaches' Autopsy and Feedback

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Postseason Evaluation and Evolution of Defense – Eric Kasperowicz (Mars HS), Jason Bornn (Saugus HS), John Rice (San Jacinto HS), Dante Bartee (Oregon) Nov 17, 2023

Show notes

As the season comes to a close, coaches face the critical task of evaluating the performance of their defense and deciding what to do next. This postseason evaluation is a crucial process that involves analyzing various aspects of the team's defensive performance and preparing for the upcoming season.

In this episode, four coaches look at their data, determine what went well and what needs improvement, analyze personnel, and have a plan for research and development to evolve the defense.

Coaches Featured in This Episode:

Eric Kasperowicz, Head Coach, Mars High School (PA)
Jason Bornn, Head Coach, Saugus High School (CA)
John Rice, Defensive Coordinator, San Jacinto High School (CA)
Dante Bartee, Analyst, University of Oregon

Show Notes:

Analyzing Defensive Statistics
Assessing Strengths and Weaknesses
Adapting to Personnel and Adjustments for the Following Year
Evaluating Big Plays, Tackling, and Hustle
Providing Resources for Coaches to Self-Direct Their Offseason Learning
Evaluating Teaching Methods
Compatibility of New Defensive Calls within the Existing System

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Preserving Success While Innovating Your Offense – Kyle Ohradzansky (Findlay), Steven Ciocci (Bryant), Kyle Segler (Louisiana-Monroe) Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

The offseason usually begins with the challenge of striking a balance between preserving successful elements of the previous season and introducing new schemes, strategies, and tactics for the next season. This delicate balance is essential for the growth and success of our teams.

By staying true to the team's core beliefs and values, collaborating with defensive coaches, and being open to innovative ideas, coaches ensure continuity while fostering growth and adaptation. It's essential to prioritize elements that are truly applicable to the team and to become experts in those aspects, rather than succumbing to the temptation of wholesale scheme changes.

In this episode, three coaches share their approaches to offseason study that lead to strong and resilient teams capable of adapting to the evolving landscape of our game.

Coaches Featured in This Episode:

Kyle Ohradzansky, Offensive Coordinator, University of Findlay
Steven Ciocci, Run Game Coordinator and OL Coach, Bryant University
Kyle Segler, Offensive Line Coach, University of Louisiana-Monroe

Show Notes:

Studying Defenses
Collaborating with the Defensive Coordinator
Open Conversations and Brainstorming with the Offensive Staff
10-80-10 Rule
Being Open to New Tactics That Align with the Team's Identity
Studying a Select Few Teams
Finding Non-Negotiable Elements of Success
Avoiding Blind Adoption of New Tactics
The Importance of Becoming Experts in What Works

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Running a Pro-Tempo Style Offense – Eliah Drinkwitz, Head Coach, University of Missouri Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

In this episode from our archives, Eli Drinkwitz, head coach at the University of Missouri, shares how he implements a pro-tempo style of offense to attack opposing defenses.

Coach Drinkwitz focuses on competition, trust, respect, and enjoying the journey at Missouri. The Tigers are having an outstanding season in 2023, which after listening or re-listening to this episode comes as no surprise.

Show Notes:

Desire to Become a Head Coach
Pillars of Football at Missouri
Offensive Philosophy
Starting Off Fast on Offense
Using a Sugar Huddle
Pre-Snap Movement
Weekly Game Plans
Matching the Defense with Your Offense

Follow Coach Drinkwitz on Twitter/X @CoachDrinkwitz.

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Learn About Your Team Through Player Self-Evaluations Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

In this episode from our archives, we delve into the topic of player self-evaluations. These essential tools for understanding and developing players provide valuable insights into their perceptions, attitudes, and goals, allowing coaches to tailor their coaching approach to individual needs.

Coach Keith Grabowski shares all the questions and survey items that have benefitted his teams plus the significance of player self-evaluations and the impact they can have on a team's development.

To receive and download a copy of Keith's evaluation tool, sign up for our Weekly Tips Sheet Newsletter. We will distribute the player survey in next week's issue.

Show Notes:

Self-Evaluation of the Player Using a 1-10 Scale
Football Preparation
Promoting the Program
Social Behavior
Attitude
Passion for the Game
Communication
Punctuality
Being a Good Teammate
Dependability
Rest and Sleep
Diet
Toughness
Leadership
Typical Contact Information on the Player
Information on Position, Physical, Classroom, and Other Sports Played
Names of Potential Recruits within the School
Tell Us More About You
Tell Us More About Our Team: Best Players, Most Liked Teammates, Least Liked Teammates
Tell Us About Our Opponents: Favorite Teams and Favorite Athletes

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Playoff Preparation: A Heightened Level of Consistency – Eric Marty (Michigan Panthers), Scotty Walden (Austin Peay), Mike Elder (Avon HS) Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

In the postseason, the pressure to perform at your best becomes even more intense. Coaches and players alike need to be mentally and physically prepared to navigate the challenges of playoff and championship weeks.

In this episode, three playoff-experienced coaches teach the importance of maintaining a heightened level of consistency while preparing for these crucial moments.

Coaches Featured in This Episode:

Eric Marty, Offensive Coordinator, Michigan Panthers
Scotty Walden, Head Coach, Austin Peay
Mike Elder, Head Coach, Avon High School (OH)

Show Notes:

Emphasize the Urgency of the Situation
Stay in the Moment
Elevate the Effort Level
Treat Every Opponent and Game with the Same Level of Preparation
Maintain a Consistent Approach without Adding Unnecessary Pressure
Focus on Meticulous Details
Keep Practices Short
Prevent Over-Preparation
Develop Future Players

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Being Thorough in Breakdowns in the Postseason – Morgan Scalley (Utah) and Mike Judy (Smyrna HS) Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

In the high-stakes weeks of the playoffs or championship games, effective game planning and scouting techniques play crucial roles in determining a team's success. Doing a thorough job allows coaching staffs to understand their team's tendencies and opponent’s tendencies, as well as make adjustments as needed. This approach helps maintain clarity for their players and ensures they can perform at their best without being overwhelmed by constant changes in strategy.

In this episode, our guests emphasize the importance of self-scouting and staying true to their team's identity while also being mindful of their opponent's tendencies.

Coaches Featured in This Episode:

Morgan Scalley, Defensive Coordinator, University of Utah
Mike Judy, Head Coach, Smyrna High School (DE)

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Getting a True Picture of the Season on Offense and Defense – Branden Jakubcin (Heidelberg), Shane Dierking (North Central), Jay Wilkinson (Fayetteville HS) Nov 02, 2023

Show notes

While wrapping up a season, evaluation and analysis play crucial roles in identifying both the strengths and weaknesses of your offense and defense. Coaches and analysts strive to gain a true picture of their team's performance, allowing them to make informed decisions for improvement.

Getting a true picture of an offense’s or defense's strengths and weaknesses is a multifaceted process that involves statistical analysis, tactical evaluation, and emphasis on fundamentals. By utilizing these methods, coaches gain valuable insights into their unit's performance to make decisions for improvement. This comprehensive approach allows you to identify patterns, adjust tactics, and foster a culture of accountability.

As the offseason progresses, these evaluations lay the groundwork for refining strategies, studying successful offenses or defenses, and focusing on areas that require improvement. With a well-informed evaluation process, coaches lead their units to even greater success in the seasons to come.

In this episode, we hear from two defensive coordinators and one offensive coordinator on the methods they employ to evaluate their units, make data-driven adjustments, and turn them into actionable items that both coaches and players can take ownership of.

Coaches Featured in This Episode:

Branden Jakubcin, Defensive Coordinator, Heidelberg University
Shane Dierking, Defensive Coordinator, North Central College
Jay Wilkinson, Offensive Coordinator, Fayetteville High School (AR)

Show Notes:

Methods Used to Assess Strengths and Weaknesses
How to Analyze Goals, Formations, and Coverages to Determine Efficiency and Inefficiency
Focusing on Improving Specific Scenarios and Schemes
Run and Pass Efficiency, Formations, and Coverage Variations
The Significance of Fundamentals and Finish
Quality Control Spreadsheet
The Efficiency, Explosiveness, and Negative Plays of Different Categories and Field Positions

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