Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Keith Grabowski

Keith Grabowski interviews the most knowledgeable 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.

  1. The Position Room - Developing the  Modern Running Back - David Walker, Brandon Linney, Cory Colder, Juwan Lewis

    1 DAY AGO

    The Position Room - Developing the Modern Running Back - David Walker, Brandon Linney, Cory Colder, Juwan Lewis

    On this episode of The Position Room, Former NFL Coach David Walker joins RB coaches, Juwan Lewis of Alabama State, Cory Colder of Furman University, and Brandon Linney of Presbyterian to explore what it takes to develop complete running backs in today’s game. From individualized development blueprints to decision-making under pressure, the coaches break down how to build players who can think, react, and perform within the system. The discussion analyzes why every back needs a customized approach, how learning styles impact development, and why building trust in the position room is as important as technique work. The coaches unpack the traits that separate good backs from great ones: vision, leverage awareness, yards-per-carry efficiency, and the ability to win with speed, quickness, and elusiveness. Pass protection receives special attention, with technique, effort, and situational awareness emphasized as non-negotiables for earning trust on the field. The episode also highlights practice design, drill construction, player evaluation, and the importance of fitting talent into the right system instead of chasing raw ability. For young coaches, the episode offers clear advice: invest in yourself, study the game holistically, and build a player-led room rooted in accountability and adaptability. This is a masterclass in coaching the modern running back—focused not just on carries, but on complete player development. Chapters Foundational Plans for Player Development Individualized Coaching and Learning Styles Embracing Roles and Building Trust Preparing for Depth and Special Teams Impact Decision-Making and Vision in the Run Game Pad Level, Angles, and Playing Behind Your Pads The Three Ways to Make Defenders Miss Measuring Efficiency Through Yards Per Carry Evaluating Fit Within the System Pass Protection Technique and Toughness Practice Design and Position-Specific Drills Advice and Growth for Young Coaches Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: ⁠@CoachKGrabowski⁠ David Walker: ⁠@CoachWalk33⁠ Juwan Lewis: ⁠@Coach_Jlew⁠ Cory Colder: @⁠CoachColder⁠ Brandon Linney: ⁠@CoachLinney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 25m
  2. Slot-T Mafia: Leadership Under Fire - Andon Thomas, LB, Team Captain, Army Black Knights

    18 FEB

    Slot-T Mafia: Leadership Under Fire - Andon Thomas, LB, Team Captain, Army Black Knights

    On this episode of Slot-T Mafia, Army linebacker and team captain Andon Thomas shares his journey from high school football to one of the most intense environments in college athletics. He reflects on managing academics, leadership responsibilities, and the physical demands of Army football while competing at a high level. Andon discusses how his experience in the Slot-T offense shaped his football IQ, discipline, and toughness, and why the Army–Navy Game is one of the defining moments of his career. The conversation also explores leadership beyond the field, including public speaking, personal growth, faith, and the culture of accountability that defines the Army program. He opens up about preparing for the next chapter, both pursuing NFL opportunities or serving as an Army officer, and explains how gratitude, respect, and teamwork guide his decisions. This episode brings a powerful look at leadership forged through structure, sacrifice, and belief. It shows how the principles behind the Slot-T go well beyond the playbook. Chapters Introduction to Andan Thomas Life as an Army Team Captain The Slot T Experience and Football IQ Memorable High School and Army-Navy Moments Offseason Discipline and Physical Preparation Leadership Responsibilities On and Off the Field Navigating Injuries and NFL Aspirations Public Speaking and Personal Growth Culture, Gratitude, and Team Commitment Faith, Service, and Life Beyond 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: Keith Grabowski: ⁠@CoachKGrabowski⁠ Andon Thomas: ⁠@ThomasAndon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min
  3. Is It Time to Delegate Play Calling?

    15 FEB

    Is It Time to Delegate Play Calling?

    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

    19 min
  4. Transitioning to the Slot-T - Alan Haire, HC, Jarrell HS (TX)

    10 FEB

    Transitioning to the Slot-T - Alan Haire, HC, Jarrell HS (TX)

    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. 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. 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 Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Alan Haire: @coachahaire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 9m

Trailer

About

Keith Grabowski interviews the most knowledgeable 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.

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