Usa Football Coach And Coordinator Podcast

In 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

The 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

In 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

In 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

The 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

The 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

Welcome 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

Geoff 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

In 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

In 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

Join 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

The 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

In 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

Carnegie 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

In this first episode of Culture OS hosted by Rob Pomazak, Army Offensive Line Coach Matt Drinkall shares insights drawn from his extensive coaching career and offers valuable leadership and program development lessons. Show Notes: Matt Drinkall's Personal Mission and Vision The Impact of Mentorship in Coaching Creating a Positive Environment for Coaches and Players Challenges of Being a Head Coach Learning to Let Go and Assign Leadership Roles Building Success vs. Sustaining It Follow Matt Drinkall on Twitter @DrinkallCoach. Series Episodes: Culture OS Series Kickoff Related Episodes with Matt Drinkall: Structuring Your Offense Tempo, Offensive Design, and Organization From the Archives - Matt Drinkall Running Game and Tempo Coaching Cues in the Class Room, On the Field and In Game Defeating the Tite Front Creating the Best Experience for Staff and Players Keeping the Team Focused and Motivated Mid Season Strategic Practice Management - Less is More Related Episodes with Rob Pomazak: Giving Your

In this episode, Jevaughn Codlin, graduate assistant/assistant defensive backs coach at West Virginia University, shares how he adds value to the program even though he is in an entry-level position. This episode has great reminders for any coach at any stage of his or her career about adding value to the program. Coach Codlin also provides valuable insight for coaches in entry-level positions looking to build their careers. Show Notes: Relationships in the Building Creating relationships with the players, building trust Not only being comfortable with your position group Everyday is an interview Recruiting Being eager to spend time with recruits when they come on campus  Be proactive Try to learn the little details about recruits in case a coach asks you something about them When guys come on campus and they ask about you is a sign of doing a good job building real relationships On-Field Value Putting ego to the side No one cares what you know about scheme Watch and learn Teach when the opportu

In the ever-evolving landscape of football, the concept of run fits has undergone significant transformations to adapt to the changing dynamics of offensive strategies. We are constantly faced with the challenge of staying ahead of the curve in devising effective defensive schemes that can counter the versatility and complexity of modern offenses and vice-versa on the opposite side of the ball. One of the key drivers of this evolution in run fits has been the rise of Run-Pass Options (RPOs), which have forced defensive coaches to rethink traditional approaches to defending the run. In this episode, defensive backs and safeties coach Kyle Cogan explains the evolution in run fits that addresses the dilemma posed by RPOs, where defenders are required to make split-second decisions between defending the run and covering potential pass options. This shift in offensive strategies has led to a paradigm change in defensive philosophies, emphasizing the importance of covering receivers first and fitting the run based

We are excited to kickoff our new series "Culture OS" with our guest host Rob Pomazak, Head Coach at St. Charles North High School in Illinois. Coach Pomazak has been a guest on the podcast multiple times, and we always enjoy his insight into building a program by design. In this series, he will interview coaches from all levels to gain insight into how they build the operating system that runs the culture of their programs. Coach Pomazak has outlined the mission, vision, and purpose for this series: Mission: Deliver helpful content for coaches in all phases of their journey. Vision: Help as many coaches as possible to develop their program systems. Purpose: Provide service to the profession. Whether you are new to the head coaching seat, a seasoned veteran head coach, an aspiring head coach, or just an assistant looking to be the best assistant you can be, this series is full of insight into how successful coaches build their Culture OS. Thank you for supporting our partners: Learn More about Playbook C

As we hit mid-February and start to see a little more sun and milder weather, utilizing field work in our strength and conditioning program begins to prepare our team to get back onto the field and develop some general skills that will translate on the field. Scott Leech is the Strength & Conditioning Coach at Rhode Island. In his presentation from the 2023 Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic, he shared his philosophy and approach to utilizing field work to prepare his team. In this segment, he explains why it’s important to incorporate this type of work into your offseason program and how it works with the skill of acceleration, which he feels can only be developed in this type of work. This entire presentation is available as part of the 2023 Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic Premium Pass right now. The pass gives you your ticket to the 2024 clinic and a year of replays, plus access to all the 2023 presentations right up to the kickoff of this year's clinic on February 29. Get your pass, or bring your whole staff a

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. Be sure to attend the D3 Top 25 Virtual Clinic presented by Coach and Coordinator: https://d3football.coachesclinic.com/ Thank you for supporting our partners: Learn More about Playbook Clinics: 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices