Government & Organizations
**Make Defense Great Again**

A podcast hosted by Coach Vass for defensive coaches who want to learn intermediate to advanced level schemes and strategies. In-season podcasts will be Q&A style, and during the off-season, we will have long-form episodes focusing on one topic.

Latest Episodes:

S04E08: The Philosophy & Process of Gameplanning w/ Dante Bartee, DC at Ottawa Univ (Ottawa, KS) Aug 23, 2022

Show notes

Season 4, Episode 8 is with Dante Bartee, Defensive Coordinator at Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS. We discuss the philosophy behind game planning and how we go about it, using many different examples for you to match with your defensive philosophy.

Topics Include:

Starting the Process
Looking at Structures First
Run Hit Chart
Individual Hit Charts
Creating Calls from the Data
Tailoring Breakdowns to Your Defense

Follow Coach Bartee on Twitter @BarteeDante. Follow me on Twitter @CoachVass, the show's account @MDGAPodcast, and the offensive podcast @RunVassOption. Join us on Twitter to discuss the episode!

MAIN LINKS

Visit the website, www.coachvass.com, to view more information on the podcast, the link to his YouTube channel, CoachTube videos, Patreon, Pop-Up Clinics, blog posts, and articles from Coach Vass, a link to join Coach Vass' email list, and form for off-season consulting.
All links: www.linktree.com/coachvass
Coach Vass Football Patreon: www.patreon.com/CoachVass
Coach Vass Football YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/coachvassfootball

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

"Tite Front Bundle": bit.ly/titefrontvass
"3rd Down & RPO Bundle": bit.ly/3 rd-down-rpo
“Defending the Wing-T Offense": bit.ly/wingtvass
Get the "Opponent Breakdown, Gameplanning, Practice Planning, & Creating a Call Sheet" CoachTube course for FREE by signing up for Underdog Fantasy Sports and use Code: VASS. They will also match your first deposit up to $100! Not only will you have fun, get free bonus cash and a CoachTube course, but you will also support the show in a big way!

SPONSOR LINKS:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S04E07: Building Your Defense in Camp & Pre-Season w/ Brandon Lechtenberg, Central Oklahoma DC Aug 15, 2022

Show notes

Season 4, Episode 7 is with Brandon Lechtenberg, Defensive Coordinator at Central Oklahoma, in Edmond, OK. We discuss the things you need to cover during Fall Camp and your "pre-season" to have an effective defense.

Topics Include:

State of the Pod
Welcome Brandon Lechtenberg
Philosophy on Pre-Season
Thoughts on Individual/Offensive Diversity
The Case for "Good on Good"
Taking Care of Formations
Emphasizing Pad Work
Working Getting Out of Bad Situations
Working the Defensive Line
Regulating 1-on-1s
Linebacker Musts
DB Musts
Drilling 3 High Safeties

Follow Coach Lechtenberg on Twitter @Coach_Lech. Follow me on Twitter @CoachVass, the show's account @MDGAPodcast, and the offensive podcast @RunVassOption. Join us on Twitter to discuss the episode!

MAIN LINKS

Visit the website, www.coachvass.com, to view more information on the podcast, the link to his YouTube channel, CoachTube videos, Patreon, Pop-Up Clinics, blog posts, and articles from Coach Vass, a link to join Coach Vass' email list, and form for off-season consulting.
All links: www.linktree.com/coachvass
Coach Vass Football Patreon: www.patreon.com/CoachVass
Coach Vass Football YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/coachvassfootball

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

"Tite Front Bundle": bit.ly/titefrontvass
"3rd Down & RPO Bundle": bit.ly/3 rd-down-rpo
“Defending the Wing-T Offense": bit.ly/wingtvass
Get the "Opponent Breakdown, Gameplanning, Practice Planning, & Creating a Call Sheet" CoachTube course for FREE by signing up for Underdog Fantasy Sports and use Code: VASS. They will also match your first deposit up to $100! Not only will you have fun, get free bonus cash and a CoachTube course, but you will also support the show in a big way!

SPONSOR LINKS:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S04E06: Creating a Pressure Plan for All Down & Distances w/ Dan Lanning, HC, University of Oregon Jun 22, 2022

Show notes

Season 4, Episode 6 is with Dan Lanning, Head Coach at the University of Oregon. We discuss the process for planning pressures for runs and passes, as well as some of his favorite concepts.

Topics Include:

Planning the Pressure Paths
"Blackboard" Calls
Sim Pressure - Drop Technique/Implications
Cross Dogs Sim
Check System to Bad Looks
Coverage Affecting the Path
Pressuring Counter
Setting Edges
Pressuring the Pass
Creating Exotic Looks
Planning for the Offense's Reaction

Follow Coach Lanning on Twitter @CoachDanLanning. Follow me on Twitter @CoachVass, the show's account @MDGAPodcast, and the offensive podcast @RunVassOption. Join us on Twitter to discuss the episode!

MAIN LINKS

Visit the website, www.coachvass.com, to view more information on the podcast, the link to his YouTube channel, CoachTube videos, Patreon, Pop-Up Clinics, blog posts, and articles from Coach Vass, a link to join Coach Vass' email list, and form for off-season consulting.
All links: www.linktree.com/coachvass
Coach Vass Football Patreon: www.patreon.com/CoachVass
Coach Vass Football YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/coachvassfootball

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

"Tite Front Bundle": bit.ly/titefrontvass
"3rd Down & RPO Bundle": bit.ly/3 rd-down-rpo
“Defending the Wing-T Offense": bit.ly/wingtvass
Get the "Opponent Breakdown, Gameplanning, Practice Planning, & Creating a Call Sheet" CoachTube course for FREE by signing up for Underdog Fantasy Sports and use Code: VASS. They will also match your first deposit up to $100! Not only will you have fun, get free bonus cash and a CoachTube course, but you will also support the show in a big way!

SPONSOR LINKS:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S04E05: Defending the Spread w/ Rich Wright, HC/DC (Northwest Missouri State) May 23, 2022

Show notes

Season 4, Episode 5 is with Rich Wright, Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO. We discuss the elements in his wildly successful, 4-down, Quarters-based system out of Double Gs/2is.

Topics Include:

Base Call: Husker Check
"The Great Lie"
Building Back to Front
5 Techniques Playing the B Gap & Mike Fit
"Gate"/"Torch" Stunt
Playing off Back & Pull Blocks
Fitting 10P Zone
Playing 3x1
In-Core & Out-Core
Ease of Alignment
DE Techniques
Top Pressures

Follow Coach Wright on Twitter @CoachWrightD. Follow me on Twitter @CoachVass, the show's account @MDGAPodcast, and the offensive podcast @RunVassOption. Join us on Twitter to discuss the episode!

MAIN LINKS

Visit the website, www.coachvass.com, to view more information on the podcast, the link to his YouTube channel, CoachTube videos, Patreon, Pop-Up Clinics, blog posts, and articles from Coach Vass, a link to join Coach Vass' email list, and form for off-season consulting.
All links: www.linktree.com/coachvass
Coach Vass Football Patreon: www.patreon.com/CoachVass
Coach Vass Football YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/coachvassfootball

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

"Tite Front Bundle": bit.ly/titefrontvass
"3rd Down & RPO Bundle": bit.ly/3 rd-down-rpo
“Defending the Wing-T Offense": bit.ly/wingtvass
Get the "Opponent Breakdown, Gameplanning, Practice Planning, & Creating a Call Sheet" CoachTube course for FREE by signing up for Underdog Fantasy Sports and use Code: VASS. They will also match your first deposit up to $100! Not only will you have fun, get free bonus cash and a CoachTube course, but you will also support the show in a big way!

SPONSOR LINKS:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S04E04: 3rd Down Coverages w/ Jeremy Pruitt (Former Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, FSU, NY Giants) May 06, 2022

Show notes

Season 4, Episode 4 is with Jeremy Pruitt, former Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, FSU, and New York Giants Coach. We go through his favorite 3rd Down coverages and their strengths, weaknesses, and when he likes to/not use them.

Topics Include

Cover 2/25 Buster
Cut on the Backside
Issues with Buster & Solutions
"Douglas" Tag (52) & Cougar
Cougar vs. Buster vs. Cut
Why/Why Not Play Cover 5 (2 Man)
Cover 7 Special
Cut Corner vs. the Run
Cover 1 Cross
Thoughts on NFL Coverage Styles

Follow Coach Pruitt on Twitter @CoachJPruitt. Follow me on Twitter @CoachVass, the show's account @MDGAPodcast, and the offensive podcast @RunVassOption. Join us on Twitter to discuss the episode!

MAIN LINKS

Visit the website, www.coachvass.com, to view more information on the podcast, the link to his YouTube channel, CoachTube videos, Patreon, Pop-Up Clinics, blog posts, and articles from Coach Vass, a link to join Coach Vass' email list, and form for off-season consulting.
All links: www.linktree.com/coachvass
Coach Vass Football Patreon: www.patreon.com/CoachVass
Coach Vass Football YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/coachvassfootball

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

"Tite Front Bundle": bit.ly/titefrontvass
"3rd Down & RPO Bundle": bit.ly/3 rd-down-rpo
“Defending the Wing-T Offense": bit.ly/wingtvass
Get the "Opponent Breakdown, Gameplanning, Practice Planning, & Creating a Call Sheet" CoachTube course for FREE by signing up for Underdog Fantasy Sports and use Code: VASS. They will also match your first deposit up to $100! Not only will you have fun, get free bonus cash and a CoachTube course, but you will also support the show in a big way!

SPONSOR LINKS:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S04E03: Outside Linebacker Play in the 3-4 & Sub Packages w/ Bobby April III (Wisconsin) Apr 07, 2022

Show notes

Season 4, Episode 3 is with Bobby April, OLB coach at Wisconsin. Coach April and I go through all of the run techniques and pass drops required for his position in a "multiple' defense like Wisconsin. His position plays traditional OLB in the 3-4 sets and then moves to DEs in their Nickel package, which requires quite a bit of dropping.

Topics Include:

Force Players
Inside Charges
Trace Technique
Technique with Rocket Pressures
Q to Cut Technique
Pulling & Arcing Offensive Tackles
Learning & Helping Others
3 Deep Overview
Cover 3 - Hang Flat & "Flatte"
Cover 3 - "Gone" Calls
Cover 3 - Hook Droppers
Practicing Everything
Cover 3 - Pushing 4 Strong
Cover 4 - Nail/Hook Drop
Rex Ryan Appreciation
Playing Cover 2 to 2 WRs
Inverted 2 - Super Buzz
Pass Rush Overview
Rush Peels

Follow Coach April on Twitter @CoachAprilOLB. Follow me on Twitter @CoachVass, the show's account @MDGAPodcast, and the offensive podcast @RunVassOption. Join us on Twitter to discuss the episode!

MAIN LINKS

Visit the website, www.coachvass.com, to view more information on the podcast, the link to his YouTube channel, CoachTube videos, Patreon, Pop-Up Clinics, blog posts, and articles from Coach Vass, a link to join Coach Vass' email list, and form for off-season consulting.
All links: www.linktree.com/coachvass
Coach Vass Football Patreon: www.patreon.com/CoachVass
Coach Vass Football YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/coachvassfootball

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

"Tite Front Bundle": bit.ly/titefrontvass
"3rd Down & RPO Bundle": bit.ly/3 rd-down-rpo
“Defending the Wing-T Offense": bit.ly/wingtvass
Get the "Opponent Breakdown, Gameplanning, Practice Planning, & Creating a Call Sheet" CoachTube course for FREE by signing up for Underdog Fantasy Sports and use Code: VASS. They will also match your first deposit up to $100! Not only will you have fun, get free bonus cash and a CoachTube course, but you will also support the show in a big way!

SPONSOR LINKS:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S04E02: Corner Fundamentals, Press, Off, & Bail w/ Nick Rapone (Tampa Bay Bucs) Mar 24, 2022

Show notes

Season 4, Episode 2 is with Nick Rapone, Safeties Coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although Coach Rapone currently handles Safeties, he's one of the best Corners coaches in the world, so I wanted him to join us about the fundamentals needed to play the position, as well as Press, Off, and Bail Techniques. Pardon the long stories at the beginning - Coach Rapone has profoundly affected my life with his generosity and kindness, so I wanted to tell him thank you, and share the stories with you.

Topics include:

How Nick Rapone Changed My Life Forever
Evaluating Scheme to Teach
Developing a Philosophy for Corners
The Power of Belief in What You Do
Training the Feet & Hips
Individual Periods in the NFL
#1 Drill: The Pace Drill
Coach's 2nd Favorite Drill
Press Technique - Starting Points
Match Cover 3 vs. Sky Cover 3
Drilling & Teaching Press Coverage
Avoiding Undercutting In Certain Situations
Off Technique
Bail Technique

Follow me on Twitter @CoachVass, the show's account @MDGAPodcast, and the offensive podcast @RunVassOption. Join us on Twitter to discuss the episode!

MAIN LINKS

Visit the website, www.coachvass.com, to view more information on the podcast, the link to his YouTube channel, CoachTube videos, Patreon, Pop-Up Clinics, blog posts, and articles from Coach Vass, a link to join Coach Vass' email list, and form for off-season consulting.
All links: www.linktree.com/coachvass
Coach Vass Football Patreon: www.patreon.com/CoachVass
Coach Vass Football YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/coachvassfootball

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

"Tite Front Bundle": bit.ly/titefrontvass
"3rd Down & RPO Bundle": bit.ly/3 rd-down-rpo
“Defending the Wing-T Offense": bit.ly/wingtvass
Get the "Opponent Breakdown, Gameplanning, Practice Planning, & Creating a Call Sheet" CoachTube course for FREE by signing up for Underdog Fantasy Sports and use Code: VASS. They will also match your first deposit up to $100! Not only will you have fun, get free bonus cash and a CoachTube course, but you will also support the show in a big way!

SPONSOR LINKS:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S04E01: Blitz Coverages - Fire Zone (2/3), 5-Man Cover 1, Cover 0, 2U/3D & More w/ Kyle Cogan Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

Season 4, Episode 1 is with Kyle Cogan, Corners & Nickel Coach, at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. We discuss all things related to blitz coverage, including 2 & 3-Deep Fire Zone Coverage, 5-/6-Man Cover 1 pressure, Cover 0 (Blitz Coverage), 2 Under/3 Deep Coverage (Eyes), and more!

Topics Include:

3 Deep Fire Zone Intro, Transitioning from Rip/Liz to Fire Zone
Dividers
Undercutting Routes
Positional Techniques - Corners, Overhangs (Wall/Flat), Hook 3, MOF Safety
Playing against RPOs
Denton & King Calls
Playing against Fast 3s & RPOs
Strengths & Weaknesses of FZ
Favorite Fire Zone 3 Pressure Patterns
Fast 3s - Area (Push) or Man Calls
Stacks: Area & Fire Calls
Safety & Spider Calls (Bunch/YY Wing)
Tube & Sneak Alert
Oscar, Ernie, & Mud Calls
Creating "Bonus" Fire Zones
Putting it all Together
2 Deep/4 Under Fire Zones
5-Man Pressure Cover 1
Cover 0 Blitz Coverage
Eyes Coverage

Follow Coach Cogan on Twitter @CoachCogan. Follow me on Twitter @CoachVass, the show's account @MDGAPodcast, and the offensive podcast @RunVassOption. Join us on Twitter to discuss the episode!

MAIN LINKS

Visit the website, www.coachvass.com, to view more information on the podcast, the link to his YouTube channel, CoachTube videos, Patreon, Pop-Up Clinics, blog posts, and articles from Coach Vass, a link to join Coach Vass' email list, and form for off-season consulting.
All links: www.linktree.com/coachvass
Coach Vass Football Patreon: www.patreon.com/CoachVass
Coach Vass Football YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/coachvassfootball

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

"Tite Front Bundle": bit.ly/titefrontvass
"3rd Down & RPO Bundle": bit.ly/3 rd-down-rpo
“Defending the Wing-T Offense": bit.ly/wingtvass
Get the "Opponent Breakdown, Gameplanning, Practice Planning, & Creating a Call Sheet" CoachTube course for FREE by signing up for Underdog Fantasy Sports and use Code: VASS. They will also match your first deposit up to $100! Not only will you have fun, get free bonus cash and a CoachTube course, but you will also support the show in a big way!

SPONSOR LINKS:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S03E20: Putting 2021 to Bed and Looking Forward to 2022 w/ Brian Vaughn (AKA Blitzology) Jan 01, 2022

Show notes

Season 3, Episode 20 is with Brian Vaughn, LB Coach at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. We discuss the entire process of putting a "season to bed" and look forward to the following year.

Topics Include:

Wrapping Up the Season
Technique Checklist
Examining Calls
Modular Teaching Setup
Changing Techniques vs. Changing Coverages
Getting to Bear Within Your Personnel
Breaking Down Your Calls
Tracking Ideas During the Off-Season
Layering Your Defense
Practicing Ahead
Self-Scout Formation Tendencies
4x0 Unbalanced & FIB
Avoiding Issues with Certain Calls
Evolution of the Game & Mastery
Xs & Os vs. Jimmies & Joes
Culture vs. Scheme Debates
Preparing for Unknowns

Follow Brian Vaughn on Twitter @BrianMVaughn, follow me on Twitter @CoachVass, the show's account @MDGAPodcast, and the offensive podcast @RunVassOption. Join us on Twitter to discuss the episode!

MAIN LINKS

Visit the website, www.coachvass.com, to view more information on the podcast, the link to his YouTube channel, CoachTube videos, Patreon, Pop-Up Clinics, blog posts, and articles from Coach Vass, a link to join Coach Vass' email list, and form for off-season consulting.
All links: www.linktree.com/coachvass
Coach Vass Football Patreon: www.patreon.com/CoachVass
Coach Vass Football YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/coachvassfootball

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

"Tite Front Bundle": bit.ly/titefrontvass
"3rd Down & RPO Bundle": bit.ly/3 rd-down-rpo
“Defending the Wing-T Offense": bit.ly/wingtvass
Get the "Opponent Breakdown, Gameplanning, Practice Planning, & Creating a Call Sheet" CoachTube course for FREE by signing up for Underdog Fantasy Sports and use Code: VASS. They will also match your first deposit up to $100! Not only will you have fun, get free bonus cash and a CoachTube course, but you will also support the show in a big way!

SPONSOR LINKS:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S03E19: In-Season Q&A - Scoring on D, Playoff Planning, Invert Tampa, & More w/ Terrance Gant, Santiago HS Nov 23, 2021

Show notes

Season 3, Episode 19 is with Santiago HS LB Coach (Corona, CA) Terrance Gant. We answer listener-submitted questions.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

ILB Play in Rip/Liz in 2x2
How to Get to the Endzone on D!
Defending Fast RB Motion
Tampa 2 Invert out of 3-3
Approaching Teams that Run Different Offenses
Dividing Time for Future Opponents
Scheduling Smart in Pre-Season
Breaking Down Playoff Games

Follow Coach Gant on Twitter @terrance_gant. Follow me on Twitter @CoachVass, the show's account @MDGAPodcast, and the offensive podcast @RunVassOption. Join us on Twitter to discuss the episode!

MAIN LINKS

GET MY NEW TITE FRONT DEFENSE COACHTUBE BUNDLE: bit.ly/titefrontvass
Get the new "Opponent Breakdown, Gameplanning, Practice Planning, & Creating a Call Sheet" CoachTube course for FREE by signing up for Underdog Fantasy Sports and use Code: VASS. They will also match your first deposit up to $100! Not only will you have fun, get free bonus cash, and a CoachTube course, but you will also support the show in a big way!
To join the Coach Vass Football Patreon, go to www.patreon.com/CoachVass
To see the Coach Vass Football YouTube Page
www.youtube.com/coachvassfootball
If you can't remember all of those links, head to: www.linktree.com/coachvass
Visit the website, www.coachvass.com, to view more information on the podcast, the link to his YouTube channel, CoachTube videos, Patreon, Pop-Up Clinics, blog posts, and articles from Coach Vass, a link to join Coach Vass' email list, and form for off-season consulting.

OTHER COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

"3rd Down & RPO Bundle": bit.ly/3 rd-down-rpo
“Defending the Wing-T Offense": bit.ly/wingtvass

SPONSOR LINKS:

w.coachtube.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Make Defense Great Again

Season 4, Episode 8 is with Dante Bartee, Defensive Coordinator at Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS. We discuss the philosophy behind game planning and how we go about it, using many different examples for you to match with your defensive philosophy.

MAIN LINKS

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

SPONSOR LINKS:

Season 4, Episode 7 is with Brandon Lechtenberg, Defensive Coordinator at Central Oklahoma, in Edmond, OK. We discuss the things you need to cover during Fall Camp and your "pre-season" to have an effective defense.

MAIN LINKS

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

SPONSOR LINKS:

Season 4, Episode 6 is with Dan Lanning, Head Coach at the University of Oregon. We discuss the process for planning pressures for runs and passes, as well as some of his favorite concepts.

MAIN LINKS

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

SPONSOR LINKS:

Season 4, Episode 5 is with Rich Wright, Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO. We discuss the elements in his wildly successful, 4-down, Quarters-based system out of Double Gs/2is.

MAIN LINKS

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

SPONSOR LINKS:

Season 4, Episode 4 is with Jeremy Pruitt, former Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, FSU, and New York Giants Coach. We go through his favorite 3rd Down coverages and their strengths, weaknesses, and when he likes to/not use them.

MAIN LINKS

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

SPONSOR LINKS:

MAIN LINKS

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

SPONSOR LINKS:

MAIN LINKS

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

SPONSOR LINKS:

Season 4, Episode 1 is with Kyle Cogan, Corners & Nickel Coach, at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. We discuss all things related to blitz coverage, including 2 & 3-Deep Fire Zone Coverage, 5-/6-Man Cover 1 pressure, Cover 0 (Blitz Coverage), 2 Under/3 Deep Coverage (Eyes), and more!

MAIN LINKS

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

SPONSOR LINKS:

Season 3, Episode 20 is with Brian Vaughn, LB Coach at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. We discuss the entire process of putting a "season to bed" and look forward to the following year.

MAIN LINKS

COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

SPONSOR LINKS:

Season 3, Episode 19 is with Santiago HS LB Coach (Corona, CA) Terrance Gant. We answer listener-submitted questions.

MAIN LINKS

OTHER COACHTUBE COURSES BY COACH VASS:

SPONSOR LINKS:

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