Sinopsis
USA Football's Keith Grabowski interviews the most knowledgable head coaches, coordinators, and position coaches from professional, college, and high school football. Keith and his guests discuss the philosophy, concepts, schemes, and strategies that they have learned throughout their careers. Each show includes a specific idea that can be applied to help coaches at every level find the winning edge.
Episodios
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Culture OS – Alex Golesh, Head Coach, University of South Florida
27/03/2024 Duración: 45minAlex Golesh recounts his journey from high school coaching to leading the University of South Florida, emphasizing player-focused and process-driven programs over results. He discusses the challenges and rewards of leadership, work-life balance, elite behavior standards, and the importance of a relentless focus on the process for long-term success. Show Notes: Reflections on the Coaching Journey Transition to Head Coach at USF Importance of Player-Centric Approach Establishing Elite Standards Implementing Process-Driven Culture Building Success at Tennessee Handling Difficult Conversations Balancing Building vs. Sustaining Success Navigating from Good to Great Winning Edge Follow Alex Golesh on Twitter/X @CoachGolesh. Additional Episode with Alex Golesh: The Effort and Energy to Excel Additional Culture OS Episodes: Brad Spencer, Head Coach, North Central College Derek Leonard, Head Coach, Rochester HS (IL) Kyle Ralph, Head Coach, New Palestine High School (IN) Related Episodes with Rob Pomaza
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Philosophy and Tips for Game Planning and Play Calling – Jordan Neal, Head Coach, McMurry University
26/03/2024 Duración: 29minIn this presentation segment given by McMurry University Head Jordan Neal at the D3 Top 25 Clinic, we explore the intricacies of developing an offensive game plan. Coach Neal draws from his coaching experience at Hendrix College and McMurry University. Neal stresses prioritizing the run game, understanding team strengths and weaknesses, and adapting to opponents' defensive strategies. Emphasis is placed on coaching what you know, adapting during games, and optimizing play calling for first downs and third-down efficiency. This clinic segment provides a checklist of things to think about while Coach Neal also drops some important details on how to put together a game plan and approach calling plays on game day. Show Notes: Developing a Tight Protocol for Communication Weekly Game Goals for Offensive Balance Taking Shots Down the Field Having Answers for Defensive Blitzes Focused Practice Reps for O-Line and Tight Ends Intense Skill Player Competition Day Blitz Period and Screen Draw Period Detailed Pr
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The Go-Go Offense – Brennan Marion, Offensive Coordinator, UNLV
25/03/2024 Duración: 36minBrennan Marion, the offensive coordinator at UNLV, joins us to discuss the “Go-Go Offense”. He explores the origins and evolution of the offense, emphasizing its strategic approach to combine the option game with a strong passing attack. Coach Marion highlights the importance of adapting the offense to players' strengths and shares his coaching journey, emphasizing continuous learning and adaptation. Marion introduces the concept of the five Vs in the Go-Go Offense and focuses on team culture, player development, and maximizing talent. We dig into recruiting based on skill set, effective communication, and creating a supportive environment for players. Then we wrap up the conversation by underlining the importance of togetherness, love, and selflessness among players for team success, expressing optimism for the future of the UNLV Rebels. Show Notes: Introduction to the Go-Go Offense Transition to Coaching at UNLV The Five Vs in the Go-Go Offense Maximizing Skill Sets in High School Football Recruiting
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Champions - A Commitment to Balance - Ben Reaves, Head Coach, Milton HS (GA)
21/03/2024 Duración: 26minThis week’s installment of the Champion Series presented by Signature Championship Rings is with Ben Reeves, the head coach of the State Champions at Milton High School in Georgia. Coach Reeves discusses the importance of celebrating the team's success, emphasizing the fleeting nature of championships and the need to savor each moment. He also explains the "two-position philosophy" employed in the program, where players are trained in two positions to maximize their impact on the field and increase competition within the team. Reeves highlights the benefits of this approach, such as enhancing depth, promoting camaraderie, and ensuring the best players are on the field during crucial moments. Furthermore, Reeves delves into the program's focus on achieving balance throughout the season, aiming to peak in December rather than exerting maximum effort early on. He stresses the significance of managing player workloads to maintain physical, mental, and emotional freshness as the season progresses. Reeves also dis
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Culture OS, Brad Spencer, Head Coach, North Central College
20/03/2024 Duración: 51minIn this episode of Culture OS, Brad Spencer, head coach at North Central College, shares his coaching journey emphasizing values like faith, family, and academics. He discusses challenges and successes shaping his coaching style, highlights recruiting local talent, and fostering a supportive team culture. Insights on maintaining high standards, effective communication, and leveraging technology for success are shared, providing actionable insights for coaches aiming to inspire their teams to achieve new heights. After a stellar playing career as a wide receiver for the Cardinals, Brad Spencer joined the North Central College coaching staff as a wide receivers/tight ends coach in 2004. After 11 seasons as the wide receivers coach, Spencer was promoted to assistant head coach and offensive coordinator prior to the 2015 season. In January 2022, he was appointed the 26th head coach in the history of the Cardinals' program. The 2022 season saw the Cardinals post the program's first undefeated season, a 15-0 campa
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Creating a "Get To" Culture - Sean Saturnio, Special Teams Coordinator, Army West Point
19/03/2024 Duración: 26minToday's episode is a clinic segment from the 4th Annual Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic featuring Coach Sean Saturnio, special teams coordinator from the United States Military Academy. In this episode, Coach Saturnio shares valuable insights on creating a team culture of excellence, love, and leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience as a high school coach in Hawaii and his current role at West Point, Coach Saturnio provides practical strategies and an inspirational vision for fostering a strong team culture. Coach Saturnio delves into the importance of enthusiasm, competitiveness, discipline, and leadership in building a successful program. Show Notes: Importance of Creating a Positive Culture Establishing an Inspirational Vision The Vision and Identity of Special Teams Traits of a Successful Special Teams Unit Enthusiasm, Competitiveness, and Discipline Relentlessness and Toughness Building Positive Feedback Loops The Sauce Team Hui and Peer Coaching Developing Personal Characteristic
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Establishing Defensive Identity - Luke Butts, Head Coach, Westminster College (MO)
18/03/2024 Duración: 32minIn today’s Clinic Series episode from the D3 Top 25 Clinic, Luke Butts, former defensive coordinator at Lake Forest and current head coach at Westminster College, shares his expertise on building a strong defensive identity. Coach Butts delves into the key elements of an elite defense, emphasizing the importance of effort, tackling, and takeaways. He shares the strategies and philosophies that have led to success on the field and helped his team focus on creating a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This past season, his defense led all of NCAA Division III in scoring defense, third down percentage, total defense, and passing efficiency defense. This success has led to Coach Butts being named one of five finalists for the 2023 Football Scoop Division III Coordinator award. He covers all of the important aspects of building an identity on defense and how those translated to on-field excellence, We will share our winning edge takeaways after this clinic segment. Links to the D3 Top 25 Clin
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Champions: Built By Boyle – Justin Haddix, Head Coach, Boyle County High School (KY)
15/03/2024 Duración: 32minThe journey to championship success is often paved with unique challenges and opportunities for growth. One such inspiring story comes from Boyle County High School in Kentucky, where head coach Justin Haddix led his team to an impressive four-peat state championship in 2023. When Coach Haddix took the reins at Boyle County, he inherited a program with a rich history of success under the guidance of the legendary Chuck Smith. However, rather than simply replicating what was done to accomplish past achievements, Coach Haddix brought his distinctive touch to the program. He emphasized the importance of putting his fingerprint on the team, blending the existing winning culture with his innovative ideas to propel the team to new heights. Coach Haddix navigated the transition smoothly by instilling a sense of ownership and adaptability within the players and staff. A key component of Boyle County's success under Coach Haddix's leadership has been the relentless focus on offseason training and development. Implemen
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Culture OS – Anthony Shiffman, Head Coach, Waterford High School (WI)
13/03/2024 Duración: 36minIn this episode of Culture OS, guest host Rob Pomazak sits down with Tony Shiffman, head coach of Waterford High School in Wisconsin. Coach Shiffman emphasizes the importance of being authentic and confident in one's coaching approach. He highlights that being genuine and passionate about what you do resonates more with players than simply following a set playbook. Authenticity breeds trust and connection – essential elements in building a strong team culture. Coach Shiffman also shares his experiences with finding an equilibrium between coaching responsibilities and family life. By prioritizing family time and setting boundaries, he exemplifies the importance of self-care and nurturing personal relationships outside of the football field. Show Notes: Building Great Young Men Initial Meeting and Rapport Building Program Changes and Buy-In Leadership Style and Balance Program Development in the Offseason Maintaining Program Alignment Navigating Work-Family Relationship Advice for Aspiring Coaches Fo
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A Modern Approach to Play Calling – Jordan Irsik, Defensive Coordinator, Folsom High School (CA)
12/03/2024 Duración: 42minIn an era becoming dominated by data and AI, the integration of technology and analytics has come to the forefront in coaching. In its ability to enhance decision-making processes and optimize performance on the field, these technology trends are definitely worth paying attention to. Whether some coaches like it or not, technology is revolutionizing the way offenses and defenses are called during games. In this episode, Jordan Irsik, the new defensive coordinator for the 2023 California state champion Folsom High School Bulldogs, dives into how he uses a modern approach to calling plays and making adjustments. This past year, while the head coach and offensive coordinator for El Capitan High School, Coach Irsik deployed coaching software from Modern Football Technology to optimize in-game decision making and preparations throughout the week. He brings this solution with him to Folsom in 2024. Show Notes: Employing Technology in Offensive Play Calling Balancing Technology and Human Decision-Making Preparat
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Empowering Others to Do Their Best – Jeff Traylor, Head Coach, UTSA
11/03/2024 Duración: 37minThe journey of a coach is often a story of evolution and growth. In this episode, Jeff Traylor, head coach at the University of Texas, San Antonio (UTSA), provides a compelling narrative of his transformation in the game. Transitioning from a high school coach to a college coach, Coach Traylor reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his coaching philosophy. From his early focus on offensive prowess to a more holistic approach encompassing defense, special teams, and player development, his journey exemplifies the continuous learning and adaptation required in the coaching profession. Coach Traylor's emphasis on humility and self-reflection offers valuable insights for coaches at all levels. His willingness to take a step back and embrace new roles, such as serving as a passing game coordinator before assuming head coaching responsibilities, underscores the importance of continuous learning and growth in one's coaching career. His philosophy of empowering assistant coaches and providing them with clear job
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Champions Series: Strategic Evolution – Chad Johnson, Head Coach, Mission Viejo High School (CA)
07/03/2024 Duración: 38minThe journey from season to season is a dynamic process that requires a multifaceted approach encompassing player development, coaching strategies, and fostering strong relationships. Chad Johnson, the head coach at Mission Viejo High School and a state champion from California, emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships as the foundation of the program. By investing time in youth camps, offseason training programs, and community engagement, Coach Johnson and his staff aim to cultivate meaningful connections with players and parents, demonstrating care and commitment to the players' holistic development. Adaptability and continuous improvement are at the core of Coach Johnson's approach to coaching. By evaluating the team's strengths and weaknesses each season, the staff ensures that they strategically evolve their game plans to optimize player performance. Whether adjusting offensive formations based on personnel strengths or refining defensive strategies to counter opponents effectively, the progr
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Culture OS – Derek Leonard, Head Coach, Rochester HS (IL)
06/03/2024 Duración: 01h03minWelcome to another episode of our Culture OS series! In this episode, our guest host Rob Pomazak sits down with Derek Leonard, the esteemed head coach at Rochester High School in Illinois. Coach Leonard has won nine state championships, including a perfect 14-0 season in 2023. During the engaging conversation, Rob and Derek delve into the legacy of the Leonard family, with Derek sharing insights into his unique coaching journey shaped by his father, Ken Leonard, a legendary figure in Illinois high school football. Derek's ability to blend traditional influences with his own innovative approach has propelled the Rochester High School football program to great success, making it a cornerstone of the local community. Tune in to discover more about Derek Leonard's coaching philosophy, his journey in the world of football, and the winning strategies that have defined his career. Stay tuned until the end for valuable winning edge takeaways and ideas for implementation from this enlightening discussion. Follow Derek
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Creating Defensive Mayhem – Geoff Collins, Defensive Coordinator, North Carolina
05/03/2024 Duración: 28minGeoff Collins is the new Defensive Coordinator for North Carolina. Coach Collins recently presented at the 4th Annual Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic, and this clinic series episode is a segment from that presentation. The focus on creating chaos without succumbing to chaos itself is a defining principle of the Tar Heel defensive plan. Referred to as the "Minister of Mayhem," Coach Collins aims to have the Tar Heel defense disrupt opposing offenses with precision and efficiency. By implementing tempo-killing strategies and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations, the team seeks to lead the nation in generating game-changing plays, such as sacks, tackles for loss, and turnovers. The emphasis on delivering, blowing, disengaging, and finishing exemplifies the meticulous attention to detail and relentless pursuit of excellence ingrained in this defensive philosophy. Show Notes: Establishing Coaching Philosophy and Confidence Winning the Game Before the Ball Is Snapped Implementing Diverse Defensive S
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Taking a CEO Approach to Coaching – Pete Lembo, Head Coach, University of Buffalo
04/03/2024 Duración: 29minIn the competitive coaching world, adopting a CEO approach can set a leader apart. Coach Pete Lembo, the new head coach at the University of Buffalo, exemplifies this approach through his emphasis on organization, development, and creating a balanced team. His success can be attributed to his innate inclination towards meticulous planning and continuous improvement. Coach Lembo's journey in various coaching roles highlights the importance of adapting and evolving in the coaching profession. One key aspect of Coach Lembo's approach is his commitment to personal and professional development. His belief in continuously honing skills and seeking growth opportunities is evident in his career choices, such as transitioning to a Special Teams Coordinator role at South Carolina. This willingness to step out of his comfort zone and embrace new challenges underscores the importance of staying open-minded and adaptable in the ever-changing landscape of coaching. There is a ton to learn from this episode. Get your notebo
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Champions Series: The Annual Plan – Brad Zelenovich, Head Coach, Southeast Polk HS (IA)
29/02/2024 Duración: 34minIn 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 eac
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Culture OS – Kyle Ralph, Head Coach, New Palestine High School (IN)
28/02/2024 Duración: 56minJoin 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 Bu
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Leveraging the Quarterback in the Run Game – Patrick Rotchford, Offensive Coordinator, SUNY Cortland
27/02/2024 Duración: 19minThe 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 Involvemen
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Field Work & Prep for Contact – Scott Leech, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Rhode Island
26/02/2024 Duración: 36minIn 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 mo
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#1 Red Zone Offense Keys to Success – Ryan Larsen, Head Coach, Carnegie Mellon University
22/02/2024 Duración: 19minCarnegie 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. Follow All We Are Doing: Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski. Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices