Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Flexibility and Creativity to Stay Ahead of the Defense – Scott Lemn, Head Coach, Bridgewater College Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

On today’s podcast, we discuss the process of evolving an offense with flexibility by design and an openness to creativity. We discuss how teaching is central to this process and the workflow and tools coaches have at their disposal to teach players in a way that is most relevant to them.

Scott Lemn, head coach at Bridgewater College, joins the podcast to dig into this process of offensive development.

Before being named head coach at Bridgewater, Coach Lemn was an assistant with the Eagles for 11 years, including two as offensive coordinator. He directed the offensive line for eight seasons after coaching the defensive line in 2010.

Lemn began his coaching career at conference rival Randolph-Macon. Prior to his time with the Yellow Jackets, he was a first team All-American at James Madison in 2008 (AP, The Sports Network, Walter Camp Foundation, College Sporting News) and was the Rimington Award winner as the nation's top center while aiding the Dukes to a FCS semifinal appearance and a number-one ranking for much of the 2008 season.

Show Notes:

Starts with looking at your personnel
How research into ideas begins
Implementing new ideas
What does it complement or what does it replace
Getting new ideas enough reps
Carry both gap and zone
Alex Gibbs approach
Staying ahead with adding a wrinkle
Finding “same as” in teaching
Carry over
When being creative, make the least adjustments with offensive line
Building terminology
Taking inventory of terminology
Asking “what if” questions for ability to be flexible and creative in the future
Word association to play faster
Technology to create efficiency in work flow
Flipped classroom model
Go Army Edge
Winning Edge

Follow Scott Lemn on Twitter @CoachLemn.

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Components of Making the Right Call – Ron Roberts, Defensive Coordinator, Auburn University Apr 10, 2023

Show notes

Today’s podcast is from the 2nd Annual Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic in which Ron Roberts, now the defensive coordinator at Auburn, talked about multiple defenses and the different pressures they utilize.

He started the presentation by talking about the three things required to play great defense, his philosophy, defensive goals, determining what you need to develop in each position, the analytics of scoring, and dealing with difficult formations.

This segment encapsulates what any defense should focus on to excel on the field. In an era where we have become inundated with information, Coach Roberts cuts right to the core of leading a top-performing defense.

It’s something that he’s been able to pass on to other coaches. He has an impressive coaching tree, including Dave Aranda, Patrick Toney, who made the jump from being co-DC at Florida to the NFL as secondary coach with the Arizona Cardinals, Austin Armstrong, who at 29 is the youngest Power 5 coordinator at Florida replacing Toney, and Pete Golding, who left Alabama to take the defensive coordinator position at Ole Miss. Coach Golding had served as the defensive coordinator at Alabama for five seasons and began his career as a GA for Coach Roberts at Delta State.

All of these coaches who learned from Ron Roberts learned to build the foundation of their defenses on the philosophy which Coach Roberts shares in this segment.

Show Notes:

Mental toughness
Physical toughness
Take away what they do best
Effort
Are you at your best when the best is needed?
Analytics of scoring
Creating havoc
Making calls
Skill analysis for each position
Winning Edge takeaways and ideas for implementation

Follow Ron Roberts on Twitter @CoachRonRoberts.

Full Ron Roberts Presentation from Lauren's First and Goal:

Utilizing a Multiple Defense: https://bit.ly/3zRoJOq

To gain access to all presentations from this year's Lauren's First and Goal Clinic, plus ten additional presentations per month, go to LFGF2023.coachesclinic.com.

Additional Q&A Episode with Ron Roberts: https://spoti.fi/41lbUrj

Be sure to go to coachandcoordinator.com for enhanced show notes with links to related episodes and resources like the screen shots from Coach Roberts' presentation. Also, sign up for our free Weekly Tip Sheet highlighting the best ideas from the previous week, trending episodes, and featured resources.

On May 2nd, listeners of Coach and Coordinator Podcast will be eligible to skip the waitlist, join AIM7, and benefit from the life-changing lessons that AIM7 will teach you.

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Protect the Game Apr 07, 2023

Show notes

On today’s episode, we give support to youth football across the country, and especially in California, where the state legislature will soon vote on a bill that, if passed, would ban youth football.

The answer should not be to remove youth tackle football and focus on flag. While flag football is a precursor to tackle, it is not the same as tackle football. Tackle football embraces all body types. Nothing can replace the vehicle of tackle football. To see flag football as an answer is short-sighted. The answer is to create a better, safer game.

The game is under attack, and coaches from every level must continue to support football from youth, to high school, to college and pro.

Today, we share insights from three coaches who are creating a methodology to create a better, safer game, especially as it relates to blocking and defeating blocks. To do so, we pulled segments from archived episodes with Scott Peters, Mike Pollak, and Bob Wylie.

On May 2nd, listeners of Coach and Coordinator Podcast will be eligible to skip the waitlist, join AIM7, and benefit from the life-changing lessons that AIM7 will teach you.

Listen to those full episodes:

Creating a Better, Safer Game (Part 1) with Scott Peters, Assistant OL Coach, Cleveland Browns and Founder of Tip of the Spear: https://spoti.fi/3GmYu62

What Is Leverage, Contact for Every Position with Scott Peters, Assistant OL Coach, Cleveland Browns and Founder of Tip of the Spear: https://spoti.fi/3meSlSE

The Mushroom Society with Bob Wylie: Safety Through Superior Technique, Featuring Mike Pollak: https://spoti.fi/415Rwdv

Additional resources from Tip of the Spear:

Force Deflection Base Blocks on the LOS: https://bit.ly/3zExOdu

Get a 30-Day Free Trial: https://bit.ly/3KkdAu7

Read our companion blog to this episode: https://bit.ly/40GkbWV

Please Note: This content is not paid promotion for Tip of the Spear. Coach and Coordinator Podcast is receiving no financial incentive from Tip of the Spear for their placement in this episode. We are a clearinghouse of information for the industry of football coaches, and we have vetted and believe the Tip of the Spear methodology makes the game better and safer and warrants visibility across the industry.

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The Players Write the Practice Plan – Vince DiGaetano, Assistant Coach, Fordham University Apr 05, 2023

Show notes

I met Coach DiGaetano in 2017, and I talk about the game and coaching with him often. He’s been a repeat guest on the podcast (see links below). And currently, he is an assistant coach at Fordham University.

He has an intense passion for tackling and studies it better than anyone I know. I feel comfortable calling him the foremost expert on tackling.

However, Coach DiGaetano also has incredible ideas outside of the tackling realm, and in this episode from the archives, he share the ideas he implemented as the head coach of SUNY Maritime when he took over the program just five days before fall camp opened. His work, his staff, and his players resulted in Maritime having a successful season in spite of the extreme circumstances of a last-minute coaching change.

I want to point out that Coach DiGaetano accomplished this result while also holding down his day job of being a principal of multiple schools in the Bronx.

Coach DiGaetano was forced to take a coach-on-the-fly approach, but the extreme situation led him to some insights into coaching and some incredible ideas which we share again here today.

Show Notes:

Players writing the practice plan
What are their core fundamentals? What needs teaching?
Working fundamentals in conditioning
Working with strength and conditioning staff
Strength coaches must have input
4th quarter drill
Player surveys in season
Three team goals
Accountability for the coaches
Using the feedback
Assistant coach of the week building moral
Balancing teaching, installing, correcting, and preparation
Reversing the contact model
Working body movement
Working it into scheme
Evaluation and development of younger players
Getting the players involved in scheme
It’s about working together to get the right answer
Continue to recruit the players you have on the roster
Grouping kids by ability to service them
Working with the coaches too
Look at the opponent
Tackling drill adjustment
Team tackling drill
Learning from the unpredictable

On May 2nd, listeners of Coach and Coordinator Podcast will be eligible to skip the waitlist, join AIM7, and benefit from the life-changing lessons that AIM7 will teach you.

Follow Vince DiGaetano on Twitter @CoachDiG.

Additional Coach DiGaetano Episodes:

Trends in Tackling: https://spoti.fi/40LId2D

Deep Dive on Defense – Team Tackling: https://spoti.fi/3GmADDH

Defining Practice Tempos and Finishes for Better Performance: https://spoti.fi/3ZILC16

Coach DiGaetano Course:

Effective Team Tackling with the 3 C’s: Contact, Chase, and Converge (over 3.5 hours of instruction, drills, and game film): https://bit.ly/3zysVCH

Be sure to go to coachandcoordinator.com to sign up for our free Weekly Tip Sheet Newsletter which highlights the best ideas from the previous week, trending episodes, and featured resources.

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Creating a Tip Sheet for Better Game Plan Understanding – Lee Rose, Defensive Analyst, North Carolina Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

Lee Rose is now a defensive analyst for the University of North Carolina. But Coach Rose got his start in Poland. He learned very quickly how to work with limited resources and to make his teaching and coaching clear and concise because his players spoke English as a second language. Since that experience, he has been on a quest for best practices in teaching and coaching, especially as they relate to the classroom portion of coaching.

Today, Coach Rose shares what he puts together in a tip sheet for players to have information boiled down to the essentials, as well as how he would do it if he were back in Poland or at a lower level. In addition, we dive into a discussion of how different technology can be integrated into a smooth workflow.

Show Notes:

Start in coaching in Poland with a laptop, PowerPoint, and Hudl
Being concise in teaching
Benefits of the experience as a teacher of the game
Move to the FBS Power 5 level to learn best practices
Example of creating a tip sheet at UNC
How he would apply that tip sheet if he were in Poland
Integrating tools for an efficient workflow
Using Go Army Edge for the walk through
Using Go Army Edge to practice communicating multiple checks
A tool for making meetings more interactive
Going through the walk-through script
Best practices when putting together a defensive tip sheet

Follow Lee Rose on Twitter @Coachleerose.

Related Episodes:

From the Military to Coaching: Leadership & Innovation – Ben Kotwica, Special Teams Coordinator, Denver Broncos: https://bit.ly/412oSu3

Create a Better Plan and Develop Players with Data and Technology – Billy Riebock, Offensive Coordinator, Midwestern State: https://bit.ly/3Gbwe6b

Make the Most of the Reps You Have Available – Caleb Collins, Outside Linebackers Coach, Baylor: https://bit.ly/40GGhZd

Related Resources:

Using Technology to Coach Generation Z: https://bit.ly/3GgxMvI

Punt Install with Technology and Drills: https://bit.ly/410jUxL

DB Culture, Classroom, Technique: https://bit.ly/40IyKcw

Visit coachandcoordinator.com for enhanced show notes with links to related episodes, resources, and articles, as well as our winning edge takeaways. Also sign up for our free Weekly Tip Sheet which highlights the best ideas from the previous week, trending episodes, and featured resources.

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Perspective on Our Responsibility as Coaches – Lew Caralla, Director of Strength and Conditioning, Charlotte Apr 03, 2023

Show notes

Today’s episode is from the 3rd Annual Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic to benefit pediatric brain tumor research and cancer services.

In his talk, Lew Caralla, Director of Strength and Conditioning at Charlotte, delivered 39 ideas on coaching. All are straight to the point and cover ideas directed to both players and coaches. We pulled out 11 of those ideas more focused on the coach, and how a coach can network, lead, and positively impact players and others through this incredible platform we have as coaches.

While this episode is short, its messages paint a picture of what an elite coach must do to excel in this profession.

Show Notes:

Coaching experience provides the platform
The message
Absent during the struggle
Intelligence creates followers
The coaching ego
You are not allowed to give up
I didn’t know how close I was
Coached by you
Your platform
Be an example through your journey
The secret

Follow Lew Caralla on Twitter @LewisCaralla.

Coach Caralla’s Entire Presentation:

Leadership Perspective: https://bit.ly/3ztdOdG

Additional Lew Caralla Episode:

Creativity in Coaching Strength and Conditioning: https://bit.ly/3m4knAe

Be sure to go to coachandcoordinator.com for enhanced show notes with links to related episodes, resources, and articles, as well as our winning edge takeaways. The enhanced show notes for this episode include the transcript of each of the messages pulled from Coach Caralla’s talk which we shared here today.

Also sign-up for our free Weekly Tip Sheet which highlights the best ideas from the previous week, trending episodes, and featured resources.

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Adapt or Die – Dub Maddox, Offensive Coordinator, Union High School (OK) Mar 31, 2023

Show notes

Today’s episode is from our archives. It was recorded with Dub Maddox five years ago, pre-pandemic and at the start of what proved to be a rapid evolution of today’s defenses. Interestingly, the concepts Coach Maddox talks about may be more relevant now than when he shared those ideas originally on the podcast.

Dub is one of the great thinkers and great football minds in the game. I have picked up a ton from him over the years. A trip I took to sit down and talk ball with him for a couple of days in 2010 stands out as highly productive. That visit helped me solidify how I thought about the passing game and how we could bring our receivers and protections together with our quarterback progressions to improve our passing game.

In this episode, Coach Maddox shares insights from studying the U.S. Military that he applies to football. If you listened to this episode five years ago, you will want to sit down and listen again, and bring a pen and notebook. Be sure to listen to our winning edge takeaways and ideas for implementation following this conversation with Coach Dub Maddox.

Please Note: When we originally recorded this episode, there was a lot of static in the connection, but the content was just too good not to air, and it’s also too good to not share again.

Show Notes:

Lessons from the United States Military
Non-Negotiables: Space, Time, and Talent
Breaking Down the RPO
Getting Players to Understand the Game Plan
Creating a Specialized Language to Help Players
Letting Your Players Know When to Adjust
Overview of Adapt or Die

Follow Dub Maddox on Twitter @CoachDubMaddox.

Related Resources:

Harvard Business Review article, “The Best Ideas Come from Outside Your Industry”: https://bit.ly/42ZfY1Z

Free Download of Question Set to Inventory Your Offense: https://bit.ly/3TXhQEq

Dub Maddox’s Book Adapt or Die: https://amzn.to/40T4rzF

Be sure to go to coachandcoordinator.com for enhanced show notes with links to related episodes, resources, articles, and our winning edge takeaways. Also sign up for our free Weekly Tip Sheet newsletter, which highlights the best ideas from the previous week, trending episodes, and featured resources.

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Using the “Why” to Create High-Level Execution – Mike Peck, Offensive Coordinator, Burley High School (ID) Mar 30, 2023

Show notes

We reached out to today’s guest after we confirmed some eye-popping stats from his 2022 season. 62 touchdowns, 3,204 passing yards, and 1,805 rushing yards, in sum producing an average of 500.9 yards per game and 48 points per game. All at the high school level with 12-minute quarters and a running clock after a 30-point differential.

Those numbers screamed “high-level execution”, and we wanted to dig into the what, how, and why behind it.

Meet Mike Peck, offensive coordinator at Burley High School in Burley, ID.

Show Notes:

Spread the field and attack horizontally and vertically
Based out of 10 personnel and empty, but highlight personnel year-to-year
Hang your hat on runs and passes for the base offense
Two factors that create execution: installation and practice
The players understanding of why
Install as a year-round activity leading up to the season
Front loading for better learning
Quarterback school
The quarterback should be out on the field teaching it with you
Tools used to teach in the classroom
Quizzes and competition
Seven-day install format
Practice format
Early outs: walk through
Situational periods in practice
Unscripted situations so play callers get work
Debrief periods so players understand why and what happened right or wrong
Coach learning from the debrief as well
Kids don’t come in on weekends
Technology to allow coaches more family time

Follow Mike Peck on Twitter @CoachPeck11.

Related Episode:

From the Archives – Noel Mazzone: https://bit.ly/42UL1fi

Be sure to go to coachandcoordinator.com for enhanced show notes with links to related episodes, resources, articles, and our winning edge takeaways. Also sign up for our free Weekly Tip Sheet, which highlights the best ideas from the previous week, trending episodes, and featured resources.

Coach Peck’s 7-day install template is also available on coachandcoordinator.com.

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From the Military to Coaching: Leadership & Innovation – Ben Kotwica, Special Teams Coordinator, Denver Broncos Mar 29, 2023

Show notes

Ben Kotwica has 17 years of coaching experience, including 15 seasons in the NFL. Most recently, Kotwica served as the assistant special teams coach for Minnesota in 2022 and was part of a coaching staff that helped the team to the NFC North Division title.

A graduate of Army West Point, where he was a linebacker and team captain, he went on to serve as a helicopter pilot, reaching the rank of Captain and serving in the Iraq War, as well as in Bosnia and Korea.

He began his coaching career at the US Military Academy Prep School as a defensive coordinator before jumping to the NFL as a special teams coach or coordinator for the New York Jets, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and now the Denver Broncos under head coach Sean Payton.

On today’s episode, he shares his influences and the importance of our roles as coaches, developing a leadership style, innovation, and the use of technology in teaching and developing players.

Show Notes:

Early influences
Coaches saw ability that translates into being a coach
Military background shaped leadership and coaching
The people make the experience rewarding
From the military into coaching - offer from Bobby Ross
Mike Westhoff - having standards
Leadership - being the CEO
You must be yourself as a leader
Coaching with technology
Passive and active learning
Integrating a new piece of technology into workflow
Enhanced player development
Post-practice punt protection period
How to be innovative
Advice on implementing technology

Follow Ben Kotwica on Twitter @BKotwica44.

Watch Coach Kotwica's Presentation from Lauren's First and Goal:

Punt Install with Technology and Drills: https://bit.ly/3KjpkP5

Related Episode:

Figure It Out with Mike Westhoff: https://bit.ly/3JVFPPE

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The Joe Moore Award Process for Determining the Best OL – Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst Mar 28, 2023

Show notes

Football is in Lance Zierlein’s blood. He is the son of retired NFL Coach Larry Zierlein and an analyst for NFL.com since 2015. His opinions on the best players in the game are highly respected across the industry.

Today, he joins us to share his involvement in the Joe Moore Award, shed light on the process for determining the award's winning unit, and reveal the characteristics of the highest-performing offensive line units in the country.

Through the conversation, both the physical and mental aspects of elite offensive line play show through, and he shares the common characteristics displayed by the coaches leading these top units.

Show Notes:

How he became involved with JMA
The process is a funnel
Our watchlist is everybody
Duke Manyweather - LSU five-man protections in 2019
Three phases of the block
Learning about how OL play evolves from his dad - NFL Coach Larry Zierlein
Evaluating pass protection of the unit
The true sign of teamwork in pass pro
Run schemes that lend themselves to teamwork
Assessing varied technique
Characteristics of the OL coaches leading the best units

Follow Lance Zierlein on Twitter @Lance Zierlein.

Additional Joe Moore Award Episode:

Aaron Taylor: https://bit.ly/3zchYGr

Related Resource:

The Moore Method - OL University: https://bit.ly/3zchYGr

Additional Offensive Line Episodes:

Sonny Dykes - Putting Together an Offense: https://spoti.fi/42NgiAL

Bob Wylie - Coaching That Builds Relationships (Part 1): https://bit.ly/3TPJgfm

Bob Wylie - Coaching That Builds Relationships (Part 2): https://bit.ly/3nsAuYI

Kyle Caskey - Blitz Pick-Up: https://bit.ly/3lJ9UtZ

Research and Development Series:

Tackles: https://bit.ly/3FYLwLx

Interior Linemen: https://bit.ly/40FMofZ

Be sure to go to coachandcoordinator.com for enhanced show notes with links to related episodes, resources, and articles, as well as our winning edge takeaways detailed in text. Also sign-up for our free Weekly Tip Sheet, which highlights the best ideas from the previous week, trending episodes, and featured resources.

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