Coach and Coordinator Podcast

What if the best youth offense isn't the one with the fanciest playbook—but the one that develops the best young men? In this episode of the Slot-T Podcast, Paul Kilby is joined by longtime Liberty Hill youth coach Shawn Lapuszynski to discuss why the Slot-T is uniquely built for youth football. After spending 12 years coaching youth football—including seven seasons running the Slot-T exactly as Liberty Hill installed it—Shawn's teams compiled an incredible 70-4 record while helping prepare generations of players for one of Texas' most successful high school football programs. But this conversation goes well beyond X's and O's. Shawn explains why youth coaches should stop lowering expectations for young players, why every child deserves a meaningful role within the offense, and how the Slot-T teaches toughness, confidence, accountability, and teamwork long before players ever reach varsity football. Whether you're coaching fourth graders or building an entire youth program, this episode provides a blueprint for creating better football players—and better young men. The Slot-T isn't just an offensive system. It's a framework for teaching discipline, toughness, teamwork, and responsibility—qualities that serve players long after their football careers are over. As Shawn shares throughout this conversation, those lessons may be the greatest victory youth coaches can give their players. Chapters The Power of the Slot-T in Youth Football Beyond the X's & O's: Developing Courage and Character Raising the Bar: Setting High Expectations for Young Athletes Trench Mechanics: The Core Advantages of Rule Blocking Feeder System Integrity: Aligning Youth Programs with High School Varsity Building the Gridiron Grind: Fostering Toughness and Resilience Creating Versatility: Developing Dual-Threat Linemen System-Based Backfields: Maximizing Backfield Speed and Efficiency Accountability Culture: Teamwork and Lifelong Lessons Through Football Learn all the details of the Slot-T with a Slot-T Mafia Membership - Whiteboards, Game Film, Practice Film, All the Drills plus Q&A, Office Hours and all the interaction you need to succeed with the offense and join the Slot-T Mafia today. Connect on X: Slot-T Mafia: ⁠@SlotTMafia Keith Grabowski: ⁠⁠@CoachKGrabowski⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most offensive coaches spend time preparing for pressure. The best offensive coaches have a plan for it before the game ever starts. In this special preview from Move the Chains: Situational Offense, Caleb Corrill is joined by Tyler Bolen, Brandon Labath, Billy Hug, Lane Little, and Andrew Weeks to discuss one of the most important aspects of offensive game planning: building a blitz plan. The conversation explores how successful coordinators identify tendencies in pressure, prepare quarterbacks and offensive linemen to communicate protections, create answers to blitzes, and structure practice to prepare players for game-day adjustments. Whether you're an offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, quarterback coach, or head coach, this discussion provides practical insights you can immediately apply to your offensive process. In This Episode: Building a weekly blitz plan Identifying defensive pressure tendencies Organizing protection rules and adjustments Quarterback and offensive line communication Creating answers against pressure Practicing blitz pickup during the week Preparing players for unexpected defensive adjustments Developing rules players can trust under pressure Learn More About Move the Chains This episode is a preview of Move the Chains: Situational Offense, a Smart Clinic designed to help coaches improve their offensive process and situational decision making. The full clinic includes more than 15 on-demand presentations covering: Open Down Play Calling Third Down Planning Red Zone Offense Two-Minute Football Call Sheet Organization Situational Game Planning In-Game Adjustments Offensive Process Development Featuring presentations from Caleb Corrill, Tyler Bolen, Brandon Labath, Billy Hug, Lane Little, Andrew Weeks, and keynote presenter Andrew Coverdale. https://smartclinics.coachandcoordinator.com/movethechains Presented By Modern Modern Football helps coaches turn information into better decisions when it matters most. From live tendencies and situational data to AI-powered reports and in-game insights, Modern Football provides actionable information that can help coaches make better decisions before the next series—not after the game is over. Learn more at https://www.modernfootball.com/. Subscribe to the Coach and Coordinator Network for more conversations with football coaches from every level of the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before Stanford Offensive Coordinator Terry Heffernan gets into crowd sets and aggressive pass protection, he shares the coaching lessons that shaped his career. In this presentation from the 2026 C.O.O.L. Clinic, Heffernan discusses how the clinic community helped him grow from a young Division II coach to the NFL and Power Four football. He explains why curiosity matters, how great offensive line coaches become great teachers, the importance of relationships and culture, and why offensive line coaches are uniquely prepared to lead an entire offense. If you're an offensive line coach looking to grow professionally, build a better room, and expand your impact beyond technique, this is a presentation worth hearing. Topics: How the C.O.O.L. Clinic influenced Terry Heffernan's coaching journey Building relationships that create opportunities in coaching Why great offensive line coaches never stop learning The importance of teaching over technology Creating meaningful relationships with players Building culture inside the offensive line room Blooming where you're planted as a coach Transitioning from offensive line coach to offensive coordinator Why offensive line coaches can coach anything Becoming a problem solver instead of a gatekeeper Expanding your understanding of formations, RPOs, and offensive structure Modern coaching interview trends and preparation Introduction to crowd sets and aggressive pass protection About Terry Heffernan: Terry Heffernan is the Offensive Coordinator at Stanford Cardinal Football. A longtime offensive line coach, Heffernan has coached at every level of football, including the NFL, and previously served on staffs at Virginia, Buffalo, Wayne State, and Michigan. He is widely respected for his teaching ability, offensive line development, and commitment to coaching education. Learn More: Replay access to the 2026 C.O.O.L. Clinic is available now. Visit TheCOOLClinic.com for clinic presentations, individual sessions, and year-round coaching education. C.O.O.L CLINIC STORE Interested in joining the offensive line coaching community? Visit Mushroom-Society.com to learn more about The Mushroom Society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Mushroom Society on the Coach and Coordinator Network, Texas Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach Kyle Flood shares the foundation of how he teaches offensive line play and installs outside zone. Flood begins by explaining a simple framework he uses to coach and evaluate blocks: approach, contact, and follow through. He then applies that framework to Texas' outside zone scheme, detailing running back aiming points, offensive line targets, backside cutoff techniques, and the communication that helps define cuts for the runner. Whether you're an outside zone team or not, this presentation provides a clear look at how one of the top offensive line coaches in football organizes his teaching progression and develops consistency across his unit. Topics Covered Teaching and evaluating blocks through approach, contact, and follow through Why every successful run separates the defense The philosophy behind Texas' outside zone scheme Running back aiming points and reads Strong-side and weak-side outside zone landmarks "Controlled speed to burst" for running backs Teaching runners to understand offensive line targets Play-side gap responsibility and zone principles Using backside hand technique to create seams Defining cuts for the running back Creating backside cutoffs through man-blocking principles Personnel and formation flexibility within outside zone Incorporating the read game and RPOs into outside zone About Kyle Flood Kyle Flood is the Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach at Texas Longhorns Football. One of the most respected offensive line coaches in the game, Flood has coached at the high school, FCS, Division I, and NFL levels and has developed offensive lines for championship-caliber programs throughout his career. Resources Learn more about The Mushroom Society at https://mushroom-society.com/ Looking for additional C.O.O.L. Clinic presentations? Visit the new C.O.O.L. Clinic Store. All future clinic content and individual presentations will be available there. The link is in the episode description. https://www.thecoolclinic.com/ Subscribe to The Mushroom Society on the Coach and Coordinator Network for conversations and presentations from the top offensive line coaches in football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Champions, presented by Signature Championship Rings, Henry Wise Head Coach, Steve Rapp, discusses effective program-building strategies. As part of the Coach and Coordinator Network, the episode features the structures and systems needed to develop a high school roster into a championship-caliber team. Coach Rapp introduces his "4-in-1 Mentality," a framework that promotes player accountability on and off the field. The discussion tackles current challenges in program management, including implementing daily discipline, engaging alumni to strengthen program foundations, and adjusting to the evolving, transactional nature of today's athletic culture. The interview covers topics such as building strong team habits and preparing for the postseason, offering useful insights into transformational leadership for coaches seeking continuous success and championship performance. Chapters Taking the Reins: Transitioning to Head Coach & Carrying a Legacy Keeping It in the Family: The Power of Alumni on Your Coaching Staff The 4-in-1 Mentality: Defining Everyday Accountability Navigating the New Landscape: Adapting to Societal Changes in Prep Football The Need for Structure: Replacing Chaos with Consistent Team Habits Shift the Focus: Transformational Coaching in a Transactional World Preparing for Success & Winning the Championship Ring 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/ Give your players better college exposure with Story of the Season’s new web-based recruiting profiles. You can build a custom team recruiting page with interactive player profiles, highlights, headshots, stats, academic info, Hudl links, coach comments, and more. Set up is quick, easy, and free to try until 2027 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠storyoftheseason.com ⁠⁠ Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: ⁠@CoachKGrabowski⁠ Steve Rapp: ⁠@CoachRapp_O⁠ Signature Championship Rings: ⁠@signaturerings⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Art of Practice, presented by GoRout, host Keith Grabowski interviews Brian Lowery, Head Football Coach at Brentsville District High School. They discuss successful strategies for building program depth and maximizing each player's development. Coach Lowery outlines his philosophical and practical methods for designing practice plans that intentionally develop non-starters. He explains how precise scripting, strategic personnel groupings, and dedicated developmental periods keep role players and scout team members motivated, engaged, and progressing throughout the season. Coach Lowery also discusses how modern technology, such as GoRout, streamlines player communication, improves practice efficiency, and supports player load management and long-term health during the season. Learn More About Our Partner - GoRout GoRout helps coaches eliminate huddles, increase reps, and maximize efficiency with their game-changing technology. Sign up using code “coordinator” for up to 50% off setup fees at ⁠https://gorout.com/podcast/⁠ Chapters Welcoming Brentsville District Head Coach Brian Lowery Total Program Development: Why Every Player Matters Roster Philosophy: Engaging and Coaching Non-Starters Structuring Practice for Maximum Rep Distribution Personnel Groups & Scripting as Player Motivation Tools Flipping the Script: Elevating the Value of the Scout Team Tech on the Turf: Enhancing Rep Efficiency with GoRout Load Management & Adapting Practices for Smaller Rosters Creating a Culture Where Every Role is Valued Longevity Tactics: How Practice Efficiency Drives Late-Season Success Give your players better college exposure with Story of the Season’s new web-based recruiting profiles. You can build a custom team recruiting page with interactive player profiles, highlights, headshots, stats, academic info, Hudl links, coach comments, and more. Set up is quick, easy, and free to try until 2027 at ⁠⁠⁠storyoftheseason.com ⁠⁠ Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: ⁠⁠@CoachKGrabowski⁠⁠ Brian Lowery: ⁠⁠@CoachLow_⁠⁠ GoRout: ⁠⁠@Go_Rout⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of No Free Yards, host Dan Carrel sits down with Coach Adam Harvey, head football coach at Long Creek High School in Texas. They pull back the curtain on what it takes to build an elite program culture while maintaining schematic adaptability in modern high school football. Drawing on over two decades of coaching experience, Coach Harvey shares his blueprint for building a program anchored in the core values of Family, Integrity, Resiliency, and Elite Execution (F.I.R.E.). The conversation explores the practical mechanics of modern defensive coaching, breaking down how to disguise coverages, manage the pace against high-tempo offenses, and use the play clock to a defense's advantage. More than a strategic deep dive, this episode delivers an expert lesson in leadership, showing how coaches can teach true resilience through storytelling and help athletes understand the unglamorous work behind the highlight videos. Attend the Smart Clinic - No Free Yards - Situational Defense: ⁠https://smartclinics.coachandcoordinator.com/nofreeyards-2026⁠ 18 sessions, including 3 live and interactive sessions from top high school and college defensive coaches. Chapters Welcoming Long Creek (TX) Head Coach Adam Harvey Then vs. Now: Navigating 23 Years of High School Football Evolution Beyond the X's & O's: The Foundation of Trust and Relationship Building Teaching the Grind: Using Storytelling to Highlight Effort Over Highlights Chess on the Grass: Schematic Adaptability & Disguising Defensive Schemes Controlling the Tempo: Clock Management Strategies for Defenses Taking the Reins: Overseeing Leadership & Standard-Setting in a New Program Sideline Mechanics: Streamlining Communication and Practice Habits Catching F.I.R.E.: Implementing Core Values That Transform School Culture Previewing the Upcoming No Free Yards Situational Football Clinic Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: ⁠@CoachKGrabowski⁠ Dan Carrel: ⁠@DanCarrel⁠ Adam Harvey: ⁠@coach_harvey18 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Football IQ presented by American Football IQ, host Doug Brady sits down with Fred Guidici, a veteran football coach with more than three decades of elite experience across the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. Part of the Coach and Coordinator Network, this episode explores how the best programs intentionally cultivate, evaluate, and maximize football intelligence. Coach Guidici questions traditional coaching methods while explaining how to properly assess a recruit’s true conceptual understanding, including his classic test: “Draw me your favorite pass play.” The conversation dives deep into purposeful drill design, stressing that practice scripts must directly translate into live-game action rather than become mindless routines. From the influence of legendary minds like Bill Walsh to the foundational importance of trust, respect, and lifelong learning, this interview serves as an actionable playbook for coaches aiming to sharpen their coaching methods and build a high-IQ team culture. Presented by American Football IQ American Football IQ is a leading platform dedicated to helping players, coaches, and fans truly understand the game, not just memorize it. Through film-room style breakdowns, tactical education, and widely used training flashcards, AFIQ teaches you how to read defenses, recognize coverages, and process the game faster so you can play faster. Trusted by thousands worldwide, it is built for anyone serious about elevating their football IQ. Learn more at ⁠https://americanfootballiq.com/⁠ Chapters Football IQ & 30 Years on the Gridiron with Fred Guidici The Bay Area & Beyond: Lessons from a Three-Decade Coaching Journey The Foundation of Winning: Building Authentic Relationships in Sport Crossing Over: Navigating the Mindset Shift from Player to Coach The Draft Board Evaluation: Strategies for Assessing a Recruit's Football IQ Beyond the Routine: Designing Purposeful Drills That Show Up on Game Day Classroom to Concrete: Teaching Situational Awareness and Strategy Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: The Lasting Impact of Bill Walsh The Coach's Creed: Establishing Respect, Trust, and Lifelong Education Family, Global Travel, and Defining Life Beyond the Whistle Give your players better college exposure with Story of the Season’s new web-based recruiting profiles. You can build a custom team recruiting page with interactive player profiles, highlights, headshots, stats, academic info, Hudl links, coach comments, and more. Set up is quick, easy, and free to try until 2027 at ⁠⁠storyoftheseason.com ⁠⁠ Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: ⁠@CoachKGrabowski⁠ Doug Brady: ⁠@CoachDougBrady⁠ Fred Guidici: ⁠@Fredguidici1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Faith, Family, Football Podcast launches its first episode with a powerful conversation featuring Andrew DiDonato and Kurt Hines. Coach DiDonato and Coach Hines open up about the role faith has played in their coaching journeys, the importance of being present with family while leading a program, and how football can become a platform for serving others instead of serving self. Throughout the episode, the conversation moves from leadership and vision to marriage, parenting, mentorship, prayer, surrender, and the responsibility coaches carry every day. Both coaches share personal stories about failure, growth, relationships, and the lessons they learned through football and life. Whether you are balancing a demanding coaching schedule, navigating family relationships, or seeking to redefine manhood and success for the next cohort of athletes, this episode provides an actionable roadmap for coaching with a higher and lasting purpose. Chapters The Intersection of Faith, Family, and Football Purpose in the Huddle: The Essential Role of Faith in Coaching Walking the Walk: Personal Testimonies & The Power of Prayer Leading through Surrender: Stepping Back to Let God Lead The Balancing Act: Prioritizing Family and Relationships in Sport Being Present: Mindfulness and Radical Engagement at Home Sowing Seeds: Spiritual Growth and Impactful Coaching Vision Over Opinion: Rooting Leadership in Eternal Purpose Redefining Manhood: Cultivating Relationships Over Ring Chasing Final Thoughts: The Blueprint for Integrating Life & Leadership About Andrew DiDonato: Andrew DiDonato is the head football coach at Grove City College, where he has built one of the premier Division III programs in the country through a foundation centered on faith, vision, relationships, and player development. After inheriting a program in the middle of a 33-game losing streak, DiDonato helped transform Grove City into a championship contender while developing a culture focused on purpose and servant leadership. Known for his passion, authenticity, and ability to connect football to life lessons, he has become a respected voice among coaches nationwide. Coach DiDonato frequently speaks on leadership, culture building, faith-driven coaching, and developing young men through the game of football. About Kurt Hines: Kurt Hines is a longtime high school football coach, educator, and mentor known for his passion for leadership, faith, and building meaningful relationships through coaching. Over nearly three decades in football, Coach Hines built programs centered on culture, accountability, service, and personal growth. Beyond the field, he has become widely respected for his honesty and transparency when discussing leadership, marriage, parenting, adversity, and faith. A teacher, speaker, and mentor to coaches across the country, Hines continues to use football as a platform to encourage others to lead with humility, purpose, and authenticity. Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Andrew DiDonato: @CoachDiDonato Kurt Hines: @CoachKurtHines Smart Clinics No Free Yards - Win the Situation: https://smartclinics.coachandcoordinator.com/nofreeyards-2026 RPO Symposium: https://smartclinics.coachandcoordinator.com/rpo-symposium-2026-148356 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Art of Practice, presented by GoRout, we explore the blueprint for maximizing coaching efficiency and preventing burnout. Join host and guest Joe Furco, COO of GoRout and veteran college football coach, as they explain how to work smarter, not harder, on the field and in the office. Discover strategies for balancing demanding coaching schedules with family life, leveraging technology like GoRout to streamline scout work, and maintaining consistent language across your staff. Whether you want to eliminate “time leaks” in film sessions, structure more effective visual walkthroughs, or optimize weekly game prep using the 80/20 rule, this episode shows how intentional planning can deliver big results on game day while preserving your life off the field. Chapters Introduction & The Modern Coaching Challenge Joe Furco: From College Coach to GoRout COO Balancing the Whistle & Home: Family-First Routines System-Wide Language Consistency & Streamlined Tech The 80/20 Rule: Targeting Your Highest-Impact Efforts Eradicating Time Leaks in Meetings & Film Sessions Revolutionizing On-Field Communication & Scout Prep Personnel-Driven Schemes: Simplifying Your Playbook Data-Driven Game Plans & Avoiding Overcomplication Practice Volume vs. Teaching Quality for Longevity Learn More About Our Partner - GoRout GoRout helps coaches eliminate huddles, increase reps, and maximize efficiency with their game-changing technology. Sign up using code “coordinator” for up to 50% off setup fees at https://gorout.com/podcast/ Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: ⁠@CoachKGrabowski⁠ Joe Furco: ⁠@CoachFurco7⁠ GoRout: ⁠@Go_Rout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special episode the Mushroom Society from the 2026 C.O.O.L. Clinic, Hall of Fame coach Dick Vermeil shares the leadership lessons, coaching philosophies, and relationship-building principles that shaped his career across high school football, college football, and the NFL. Introduced by legendary offensive line coach Bob Wylie, Coach Vermeil reflects on the coaches who influenced him, the importance of offensive line play, building trust inside a locker room, handling adversity, creating culture, teaching hard work, and why players must know their coach truly cares about them. This keynote moves far beyond scheme. It is a conversation about coaching people, building teams, and creating environments where players can grow on and off the field. Topics include: Coaching offensive linemen and why football starts up front Lessons learned from Sid Gillman, George Allen, John Wooden, and Bill Walsh Why players must know their coach cares Building culture through hard work and accountability Developing trust and credibility inside a locker room Handling losing, adversity, and criticism Why relationships matter in coaching Creating belief in your plan and leadership Offensive line development and practice philosophy The role of discipline, structure, and consistency in winning programs Get your C.O.O.L. Clinic replays including Coach Vermeil's hour+ presentation at https://www.thecoolclinic.com/ Join the Mushroom Society for Year-Round Professional Development: mushroom-society.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Coach and Coordinator, presented by Modern Football Technology, we explore the essential principles of offensive line coaching with Coach Joel Nellis. Focusing on trench training and balancing coaching with family life, Coach Nellis shares how to maximize player performance and improve practice efficiency using modern technology. Nellis also discusses strategies for developing offensive linemen, building team depth, and promoting long-term success while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This episode is a must-listen for coaches at all levels wanting to refine their coaching techniques and enhance player development. Chapters Introduction to Offensive Line Coaching Balancing Coaching and Family Life The Role of Trench Training in Player Development Building a Winning Culture through Coaching Utilizing Technology to Enhance Practice Efficiency Maximizing Player Development with Simple Drills Coaching the Fundamentals of Offensive Line Play Teaching Team Cohesion and Individual Development Strategies for Offensive Line Success and Sustainability Maintaining Long-Term Success in Coaching Presented by Modern Football: Modern Football helps coaches chart and tag in real time, delivers sideline reports to keep the booth and sideline aligned, and makes self-scout faster with on-demand reports. Visit https://www.modernfootball.com for more information. Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: ⁠@CoachKGrabowski⁠ Joel Nellis: ⁠@Mr_Nellis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices