Coach and Coordinator Podcast

In this episode of The Give, A Lauren's First and Goal Podcast, Jack McDaniels shares how he structures and teaches option routes across multiple positions within the offense. He explains how to give players freedom without sacrificing timing, spacing, or quarterback confidence. The conversation focuses on teaching progression, route discipline, and decision-making within a defined framework. Jack also discusses how to build answers into your passing game, how to rep option concepts in practice, and how to help quarterbacks and receivers see the field the same way. The result is an offense that adapts to coverage without becoming loose or undisciplined. This session offers practical coaching tools for any staff looking to expand its pass game while maintaining structure and accountability. If you want to see the full presentation and learn how Jack teaches option routes within a complete offensive structure, join us at the LFG Clinic. Every session is built for practical application and every registration supports families fighting pediatric brain tumors through Lauren’s First & Goal. Secure your spot and invest in football that carries forward. https://lfgclinic.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Give - A Lauren’s First & Goal Podcast Episode: Kevin May – Manipulating Protections to Create Pressure In this episode of The Give, Kevin May, head coach at Seton Hill University, gives a preview of his LFG Clinic presentation which breaks down how his defense consistently generates pressure by manipulating pass protection rules. Before stepping into the head coach role, May and his staff were annual supporters of the Lauren’s First & Goal Foundation clinic, studying sessions, implementing ideas, and shaping a defense that finished near the top of Division II in sacks and tackles for loss. Now he gives back by sharing the system behind that production. This conversation is not about calling more blitzes. It is about understanding how offenses protect and forcing them into predictable breakdowns. What you'll Learn: How to identify big-on-big vs. slide protection pre-snap Why the “last man in the slide” is the key to breaking protection How to force offenses to become what they want to be Why built-in “if this, then that” rules matter in pressure design The difference between fast pressure and slow-developing schemes How to isolate the running back in protection Why understanding protection rules beats guessing on third down Register for Lauren's First and Goal Clinic: https://lfgclinic.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very thing you believe proves your control as a head coach is actually limiting your impact? In this solo episode, Keith Grabowski challenges one of the most common beliefs in football: that elite head coaches must call plays to prove their value. Drawing from NFL examples, high school and small college case studies, and firsthand coaching experience, Keith breaks down why delegation is not a loss of authority; it is often the path to stronger leadership and better outcomes. You don’t have to call plays to be elite. In many cases, you become more elite when you stop. Topics: The myth of control vs. true command Why calling every play can narrow leadership vision NFL examples of successful delegation A cautionary example of overload at the highest level High school and small college case studies Phased delegation and building trust within a staff How coordinators earn play-calling responsibility How head coaches evaluate whether it’s time to delegate Reducing cognitive load to improve game management Protecting culture in high-stress moments Making delegation operational, not emotional Using structure and simulation to transition responsibilities Leveraging analytics to maintain oversight without micromanaging Delegation as competitive advantage, not surrender Support our Partner Modern Football: If you want to take the overload out of game day and give your staff an edge in real-time decision-making, check out Book a demo with Modern Football Technology to see how live analytics can support delegation, sharpen adjustments, and free your head coach to lead the whole team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Slot-T Mafia, Coach Kilby sits down with Texas high school football veteran and Jarrell HS (TX) head coach Alan Haire to unpack a coaching journey defined by persistence, mentorship, and a commitment to building programs the right way. Coach Haire shares how he transitioned into the Slot T offense, the early challenges of installing it, and why an obsession with detail, offseason preparation, and daily standards ultimately changed the trajectory of his teams. The conversation dives into what it truly takes to build a culture opponents don’t want to face. From strength training and offseason buy-in to mentorship, belief, and learning through failure. Coach Haire reflects on missed playoff seasons, breakthrough years, and the coaches who shaped his philosophy, offering honest insight into why the Slot T isn’t just a system, it’s a commitment to toughness and trust. This episode is a must-listen for coaches looking to build sustainable success, embrace mentorship, and leave a lasting impact on their program and players. This episode is paired with the Slot-T Basics AI Companion — a free coaching tool built to help you master the language and structure of Paul Kilby’s Slot-T offense. From splits and alignments to numbering, formations, motion, and defensive identification, it helps you teach the system clearly and install it the right way from day one. ⁠Slot-T Basics AI Companion Chapters The Journey Into the Slot T Building a Winning Culture Mentorship, Learning, and Coaching Growth Belief, Persistence, and Program Buy-In Daily Practice and Attention to Detail Lessons From Adversity and COVID Game Day Strategy and Adjustments The Slot T as a Long-Term System Strength, Conditioning, and Toughness Championship Moments and Milestones Coaching Influences and Philosophy Leaving a Legacy and Passing It On Join the Slot-T Mafia Today⁠ | Learn the Slot-T With Paul Kilby If you’re ready to learn and teach the Slot-T the right way, start here. Join the Slot-T Mafia and get year-round access to Paul Kilby’s complete system, installs, and teaching progressions. Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Alan Haire: @coachahaire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Super Bowl Sunday, as the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots prepare to meet on the game’s biggest stage, this episode of the Coach and Coordinator Podcast looks beneath the surface of execution. Over the last six years, assistant coaches from both organizations have appeared on the podcast and in Coach and Coordinator Network clinics. Different staffs. Different roles. Different seasons. But when their conversations are placed side by side, a shared teaching mindset emerges. This episode brings those voices together to examine how NFL assistants think about preparing players to perform when decisions must be made quickly and mistakes are magnified. Rather than focusing on schemes or play design, the discussion centers on how the game is taught day after day, long before kickoff. Jeff Howard, Safeties Coach, Seattle Seahawks Howard explains why defensive execution begins with understanding offensive intent, not simply reacting to formations or motion. By studying what offenses are trying to accomplish in specific situations, defenders are better equipped to anticipate problems instead of chasing them. Jay Harbaugh, Special Teams Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks Harbaugh breaks down how performance improves when players are placed in roles that match their physical traits, experience level, and mental capacity. From veteran core players to young contributors, assignment design matters as much as effort. Andrew Janocko, Quarterbacks Coach, Seattle Seahawks Janocko discusses why quick game concepts remain a foundation across successful offenses. High-percentage throws, reduced hits, and defined reads help quarterbacks find rhythm while protecting the offensive line and creating catch-and-run opportunities. Jake Peetz, Pass Game Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks Peetz connects practice design to late-game execution. He explains how pocket movement and lower-body mechanics must be trained consistently so quarterbacks rely on ingrained habits when the game is on the line. Chris Partridge, Outside Linebackers Coach, Seattle Seahawks Partridge outlines how defensive rules simplify decision-making under pressure. By eliminating unnecessary movement and defining responsibilities, players can react decisively in high-leverage situations. Jason Houghtaling, Assistant Offensive Line Coach, New England Patriots Houghtaling explains why standards, not just rules, determine how teams play. From eye placement to footwork and finish, consistent expectations shape physical play and accountability across a program. Justin Hamilton, Cornerbacks Coach, New England Patriots Hamilton closes the episode by addressing modern roster dynamics. He emphasizes the importance of helping players understand how they fit, why their role matters, and how ownership drives long-term development and buy-in. This episode is made possible through conversations hosted by: Lauren’s First and Goal Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Louisiana Football Coaches Association Their clinics continue to provide spaces where coaches share real teaching practices across levels of the game. If this episode resonated, you can continue learning at the Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic, held February 19–21. The clinic features coaches like Chris Partridge and supports pediatric brain tumor research and cancer services. Learn more and register at https://lfgclinic.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Coach and Coordinator Network, powered by Modern Football Technology, Kegan and Madelyn Wirtz discuss building a sustainable game-day analytics workflow that improved sideline decision-making. Madelyn describes her progression from having little football experience to becoming a trusted in-game analytics coordinator. They explain how clear communication, intentional workflow design, and aligned decision-making integrates analytics into coaching operations. The discussion showcases how live data enabled smarter in-game adjustments, strengthened coaching relationships, and improved team performance, leading to a state championship. Kegan and Madelyn also address the human side of analytics, highlighting trust and relationship-building as key to effective data-driven coaching. This episode provides useful insights into how purposeful, straightforward analytics can empower coaches and staff at any level. Chapters Wirtz Family Introduction to Game Day Analytics Building a Sustainable Analytics Workflow The Role of Communication in Analytics Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Kegan Wirtz: @coachwirtz Modern Football: @modernFB Ready to gain an edge on game night? Modern Football Technology helps coaches make smarter real-time decisions with in-game analytics. It’s simple to get started, and you can be up and running by Friday night. Book a demo today and see the difference this week: https://www.modernfootball.com/demo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Champions, presented by Signature Championship Rings, Keith Grabowski sits down with Wes Schroeder, head coach of Olentangy Orange HS (OH), to break down the principles behind a perfect 15–0 season and a state championship run. Coach Schroeder outlines the foundational pillars of his program: physicality, accountability, and emotional regulation. He explains how these standards are reflected in daily practices, preparation, and player relationships. He also discusses how efficient practice planning prevents burnout, the importance of pairing toughness with genuine care for players, and how emotional control under pressure distinguishes championship teams. The discussion covers innovative offseason training, staff alignment, and creating a culture where players celebrate each other's success. Coach Schroeder provides practical advice for new coaches on leadership, managing expectations, and building programs, emphasizing authenticity and consistency in everything you do. This episode offers insight into building championship programs from within, highlighting the importance of culture, communication, and intentional training before results appear on the scoreboard. Chapters Introduction to a Champion Coach Building a Winning Culture The Balance of Physicality and Efficiency Emotional Regulation in Competitive Practices Preparing for the Future: Transitioning Teams Innovative Approaches to Off-Season Training Staff Dynamics and Team Cohesion Advice for New Coaches Conclusion and Future Aspirations Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Wes Schroeder: @wes_schroeder Learn More About Our Partner: Signature Championship Rings Signature Championship Rings is a leading designer and supplier of championship rings, serving over 10,000 teams and organizations. With a focus on quality craftsmanship, easy team ordering processes, and affordability, Signature Champions celebrate every champion and their achievements, making their moment last a lifetime. For more information, visit https://signaturechampions.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Slot-T Mafia, Coaches Thad Wheeler and Nick Kepa break down their journey transitioning Lafayette High School from the Wing-T to the Slot-T offense, sharing lessons from changing systems, language, and expectations. They explain how they built player buy-in, why coaching alignment mattered as much as scheme, and how professional development visits accelerated their advancement and certainty in the system. The conversation covers the practical issues of transition: adjusting terminology, rethinking practice tempo, maximizing skill players, and staying patient when early results do not show up on Friday nights. Wheeler and Kepa also discuss how performance standards, self-evaluation, and community coaching resources refined their approach. This episode shows that moving to the Slot-T is not only about installing plays. It is about developing a coaching philosophy, creating staff cohesion, and building an offense that fits your players. A must-listen for coaches considering a system change or aiming to sharpen how they teach, adapt, and grow within the Slot-T world. This episode is paired with the Slot-T Basics AI Companion — a free coaching tool built to help you master the language and structure of Paul Kilby’s Slot-T offense. From splits and alignments to numbering, formations, motion, and defensive identification, it helps you teach the system clearly and install it the right way from day one. ⁠Slot-T Basics AI Companion Chapters Introduction to the Lafayette Slot T Transition From Wing T to Slot T Philosophy Aligning the Coaching Staff Building Player Buy-In Learning Through Professional Development Adjusting Language and Practice Structure Maximizing Skill Players Speed, Tempo, and Practice Efficiency Overcoming Challenges During the Transition Game-Day Adjustments and Evaluation Using Metrics and Film for Growth The Future of the Slot T at Lafayette Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Thad Wheeler: @coachtwheeler Nick Kepa: @Coach_Kepa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Coach and Coordinator Network, Keith Grabowski breaks down why visualization is one of the most misunderstood and powerful tools in coaching. Using a real-world example from Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald, Keith explains how intentional visualization can shape team identity, sharpen decision-making, and prepare athletes to operate under pressure before the moment arrives. The conversation dives into the science behind visualization, exploring how the brain filters information, builds self-image, and influences behavior during high-stress situations. Keith outlines what effective visualization looks like: specific, emotional, and repeated. He explains why generic or passive approaches do not work to create long-term impact. Coaches will walk away with useful techniques for implementing visualization in their programs, from reinforcing positive identity to helping players replace negative experiences with clear, confident mental imagery. This episode provides a well-defined framework for using visualization not as motivation but as a teaching tool that directly supports performance, leadership, and athlete development. Chapters The Power of Visualization in Coaching Understanding the Science Behind Visualization Shaping Identity Through Visualization Practical Steps for Effective Visualization Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan Irsik (Defensive Coordinator, Folsom High School) breaks down his full process for building a defensive call sheet, from Saturday corrections through Sunday game-planning and late-week refinements. He explains how Folsom uses tagged film, opponent data entry, and real-time in-game analytics to stay organized, adjust faster, and call defense with clarity using a simple "Set–Stress–Break" progression. Our Guest: Jordan Irsik — Defensive Coordinator at Folsom High School, 2025 CIF Division 1-AA State Champions. Former offensive coordinator who applies offensive structure and sequencing to defensive game management and call sheet design. Topics Covered The Weekly Workflow That Makes the Call Sheet Work Breaking Down Opponents Faster (and Smarter) The Sunday Game Plan Meeting Checklist Practice Scripting With Intent How the Call Sheet is Organized Set–Stress–Break: The Core Calling Framework Using In-Game Analytics Without Overthinking It Handling Explosives and Busts Communication on Game Day Why Tech Fails When the Operation Isn’t Trained Links and Resources Get Jordan Irsik’s Call Sheet: modernfootball.com/callsheet Modern Football Technology: modernfootball.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices