The Coaching 101 Podcast

Kenny Simpson and Daniel Chamberlain

Welcome to The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosted by Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson, where football coaching takes center stage! Whether you're a seasoned football coach, a rookie on the sidelines, or just a die-hard fan eager to learn more about the game, this podcast is your playbook for success. Join Daniel and Kenny as they break down game strategies, share insights on player development, explore leadership on and off the field, and tackle the challenges of coaching at every level. Featuring interviews with top coaches, athletes, and experts, every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies to help you build winning teams and inspire greatness. Step onto the field and into the minds of coaching pros—because greatness starts with the right game plan!

  1. How to Teach Football Concepts to HS Players (not just coaches)

    1D AGO

    How to Teach Football Concepts to HS Players (not just coaches)

    On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Coach Kenny Simpson discuss clinic season in Houston and Daniel’s new head coaching job, then share a quote: “The best competitors have a short memory and have a long focus,” emphasizing competing without fear of failure. They highlight sponsors and Kenny’s resources, then dive into teaching high school players concepts rather than memorized plays by starting with the big picture, using rules-based “families,” layering installs, and keeping language modular and consistent to avoid “wasted words.” They explain using formations, tags, and simple blitz/coverage rules to appear complex to opponents while staying simple for players, plus crawl-walk-run and pressure-testing in practice. They close with a game-management scenario on when to sub up 28 and the risks of doing it too early. 00:00 Clinic Season Check In 00:59 New Head Coach Buzz 02:44 Honeymoon Phase Advice 04:48 Quote of the Week 06:25 Sponsor Shoutouts 08:57 Teaching Concepts Not Plays 13:43 Rules Based Offense Defense 16:15 Families and Simple Rules 19:52 Consistent Language and Tags 24:30 Defensive Word Examples 25:55 Sticks Tag Cover Three 26:59 No Wasted Words 30:37 Rules Over Memorization 31:43 Making It Work Fridays 37:59 Install Crawl Walk Run 41:05 Situation Of The Week 46:44 Sponsors Books Clinics 50:46 Final Sign Off Daniel Chamberlain: @CoachChamboOK ChamberlainFootballConsulting@gmail.com chamberlainfootballconsulting.com Kenny Simpson: @FBCoachSimpson fbcoachsimpson@gmail.com FBCoachSimpson.com

    55 min
  2. Why Simple Football Offenses win More Game Than Complex Schemes

    MAR 5

    Why Simple Football Offenses win More Game Than Complex Schemes

    Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson close out a shorter Coaching 101 Podcast episode by discussing why coaches should keep their football systems simple during clinic season, when it’s easy to overload an offense or defense with new ideas. They define “simple” as being simple for players (not necessarily for coaches or opponents), emphasizing fundamentals, clear rules, fewer mental errors, and the ability to make in-game adjustments through tags and modular layering rather than constantly adding new concepts. They argue that simplicity improves execution, confidence, tempo, and problem-solving, and they describe a funnel approach where coaches handle complexity while younger or less experienced players receive streamlined responsibilities. Kenny shares examples of building depth from a core concept like stick by changing who runs it, adding reads, and attaching it to runs as RPOs, while stressing that drawing up layers doesn’t matter without blocking, throwing, catching, and tackling. The episode includes a quote on poise from John Wooden about “just being you,” notes upcoming clinics (including a 4-2-5 defensive clinic in Boston March 13–14 and Kenny’s GUN-T clinic schedule), and sponsor mentions for Aport video boards, Winning Edge Performance Analytics, and Blended Threads, plus updates on Kenny’s books and the GUN-T System website and system owner pricing. 00:00 Welcome to Coaching 101 + Why This Episode Is Short 00:24 Clinic Season Danger: Don’t Bloat Your System 02:09 Fundamentals First: Simple Done Well Beats Creative Too Soon 02:50 Book Updates & the Buck Book Restock 04:27 Quote of the Week: John Wooden on Poise (Be Yourself) 07:38 Sponsor Shoutouts: Aport, Winning Edge Analytics, Blended Threads 09:43 Upcoming Clinics: 4-2-5 Boston + Gun-T Tour Dates 11:53 Part 1 Begins: What “Simple Scheme” Really Means 12:57 Simple for Players, Complex for Opponents: How to Layer Without Overload 22:56 Why Simplicity Wins: Faster Adjustments & Players Recognize Answers 25:08 Simple Systems = Confident Kids (Adjustments & Tempo) 26:34 How Simple Is Simple? Tempo, Two-Way Players & Football IQ 27:43 Keep Rules Small: Coverages, Checks & the “Funnel” Teaching Model 29:22 Why Two-Minute Offense Works (and Why Not Use It More?) 30:20 Why Simple Wins: Fundamentals, Fewer Errors & Smarter Line Roles 32:52 Modular Tags: Add “Looks” Without Adding Complexity 34:15 Burn It Down to an Identity: Core Runs + Layering Concepts 35:29 Stick Concept Deep Dive: Tags, Reads, Motions & RPO Attachments 39:51 Defense Version of Layering: Edge Blitzes + Coverage Rolls 41:40 Crockpot the Playbook: Trim, Master the Basics, Then Expand 43:20 Wrap-Up, Sponsors, and Where to Find the Hosts 48:05 Final Thanks & Closing Message: “Find a Way” Daniel Chamberlain: @CoachChamboOK ChamberlainFootballConsulting@gmail.com chamberlainfootballconsulting.com Kenny Simpson: @FBCoachSimpson fbcoachsimpson@gmail.com FBCoachSimpson.com

    53 min
  3. In-Game Adjustments in High School Football: How to Adapt without Overthinking

    FEB 26

    In-Game Adjustments in High School Football: How to Adapt without Overthinking

    Daniel Chamberlain and Coach Kenny Simpson open with February coaching updates, including state conventions, the coaching carousel, and clinic season, and discuss the difference between social/job-networking clinics and scheme-intensive clinics. They share an Abraham Lincoln discipline quote and relate it to the GWAT 100 February mileage challenge. Kenny promotes his books (Complete Guide to Buck Sweep from the Shotgun and O-10 to 10-0), the Gun-T system update (7.0), and the move of Gun-T resources to gunteesystem.com, then lists upcoming Gun-T clinics (Sacramento, Houston, Ohio, Boston, and a newly added Tampa clinic March 20–21). Daniel promotes the 4-2-5 Defense Clinic in Boston (March 13–14), possible Naples, Florida dates, speakers including Brady Bradbury and a Massachusetts state-championship coach host, and notes early-bird pricing and hotel deadlines. The main topic is in-game adjustments: defining them as planned, built-in counters to unexpected looks or opponent changes (personnel, fronts, coverages, or targeted matchups), not desperation play-calling. They emphasize preparing adjustments in the offseason, keeping a small, concept-based system with tags, practicing answers during the week, assigning coaches specific “eyes” (front, back end, formations, fits), and communicating clearly between drives and at halftime, with great coaches adjusting in real time. Examples include flood-and-go, pop pass, false pulls, and formation changes when opponents struggle to align. They discuss evaluating adjustment ability (between drives vs halftime vs “we’ll fix it next week”), and the importance of writing down halftime plans. A “situation of the week” covers facing an unexpected bear front after preparing for two-high; Kenny explains abandoning dead scripted calls, using numbers/space and built-in tools, and coordinating quick conversations with line and QB coaches to adjust run game, protections, and pass/RPO answers before the next series. They close with sponsor mentions (Aport video boards and fundraising, Winning Edge Performance Analytics, Blended Threads), and share where to find them and the podcast on social media. 00:00 Welcome + February Coaching Carousel & Clinic Season 00:30 State Conventions: Networking, Gossip, and What Clinics Are Really For 02:55 Quote of the Week: Discipline (Lincoln) + Team Themes Update 04:14 G-Watt 100 Challenge: Discipline in Real Life 05:42 Books, Gun-T System Updates, and New Website Resources 07:56 Upcoming Clinics Tour + 4-2-5 Boston Details 12:45 Today’s Topic: What Are In-Game Adjustments? 19:03 Why In-Game Adjustments Matter (Neutralize Strengths, Exploit Weaknesses) 24:39 How Great Coaches Adjust: Between Drives, Halftime, and Preparation 30:16 Practical Steps: Defensive Adjustment Process (Don’t Chase Ghosts) 31:29 Defensive End-Game Adjustments: Stop the Star, Pressure the Backup QB 33:03 Offensive Built-In Answers: Tags, Flood-and-Go, and Planning for Counters 34:08 Practice Like Friday: Scout-Team Freedom & Midweek Adjustment Reps 35:51 Coach’s Eyes & In-Game Communication: Assigning Keys and Spotting Trends 36:50 Halftime Case Study: Real Adjustments vs Desperation Calls 38:24 Pregame Film Study & Learning from Officials’ Keys 41:46 Write It Down: Call Sheets, Walking Halftime Meetings, and Staying Organized 43:15 System Design: Modular Tags, Communicable Calls, and Player Ownership 49:11 Situation of the Week: Too-High to Bear Front—Immediate Game-Day Response 55:37 Sponsors, Clinics, Where to Find Us, and Daniel Chamberlain: @CoachChamboOK ChamberlainFootballConsulting@gmail.com chamberlainfootballconsulting.com Kenny Simpson: @FBCoachSimpson fbcoachsimpson@gmail.com FBCoachSimpson.com

    1h 4m
  4. Football Simplified: Mastering Box Counting and What it Means For Your Offense

    FEB 19

    Football Simplified: Mastering Box Counting and What it Means For Your Offense

    In this episode of the Coaching 101 Podcast, co-hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss strategies for simplifying football by effectively counting the box and leveraging formations. They share insights on handling snow days, recent clinics they've attended, and upcoming events. The episode dives into the importance of understanding numbers and leverage in both the run and pass game, and offers tips on using formations, shifts, and motions to gain an advantage. They also discuss how to teach players, particularly quarterbacks, to recognize and exploit defensive weaknesses. Tune in to make football coaching simpler and more effective! 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:33 Weather and School Updates 01:36 Clinic Experiences and Travel Stories 03:47 Upcoming Clinics and Events 06:37 Quote of the Week and Announcements 12:43 Counting the Box: Basics and Importance 20:21 Edge Setting and Defensive Intentions 21:25 Formations and Motions to Gain Advantage 22:07 Run Game Solutions and RPO Strategies 22:54 Utilizing Shifts and Motions in Offense 24:31 Condensed Formations and Blocking Strategies 25:46 Quarterback Run Game and Defensive Challenges 28:57 Counting the Box and Leveraging Advantages 33:31 Teaching Players to Read Defenses 36:52 Coaching Strategies and Player Autonomy 40:13 Conclusion and Announcements Daniel Chamberlain: @CoachChamboOK ChamberlainFootballConsulting@gmail.com chamberlainfootballconsulting.com Kenny Simpson: @FBCoachSimpson fbcoachsimpson@gmail.com FBCoachSimpson.com

    48 min
  5. The Key to Long-Lasting Coaching Success w/ Kevin Swift

    FEB 12

    The Key to Long-Lasting Coaching Success w/ Kevin Swift

    Join hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson on the Coaching 101 Podcast as they welcome special guest Kevin Swift from Oregon. In this episode, they delve into the importance of making football simple for success, exploring Coach Swift's impressive 41-year career. They cover topics like avoiding coaching burnout, evolving as a coach without losing core identity, the importance of relationships over X's and O's, and sustaining longevity in the coaching profession. Additionally, hear insights about balancing personal life with a coaching career, building a supportive community, and the significance of player relationships. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge and experience from seasoned coaches who have thrived in the football industry. 00:00 Introduction to the Coaching 101 Podcast 00:34 Meet Coach Kevin Swift 01:50 Coach Swift's Coaching Journey 05:27 Quote of the Week and Sponsor Shoutouts 09:36 Discussing Longevity in Coaching 16:30 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching 36:46 Evolving as a Coach 39:37 The Importance of Innovation in Coaching 40:19 Building a Collaborative Coaching Environment 41:18 Adapting to New Defensive Strategies 41:48 The Journey of Becoming a Head Coach 42:52 Challenges of Coaching in Small Towns 43:52 Developing Assistant Coaches from Scratch 45:32 The Role of Senior Players in Coaching 46:14 Creating a Winning Culture 48:34 Balancing Football and Personal Life 54:54 Evolving Coaching Philosophies 56:06 The Importance of Relationships in Coaching 01:00:39 Sustaining a Long Coaching Career 01:08:21 Closing Thoughts and Resources for Coaches Daniel Chamberlain: @CoachChamboOK ChamberlainFootballConsulting@gmail.com chamberlainfootballconsulting.com Kenny Simpson: @FBCoachSimpson fbcoachsimpson@gmail.com FBCoachSimpson.com

    1h 20m
  6. Mastering Offensive Line Development and Recruiting Insights with Coach Joel Nellis

    FEB 5

    Mastering Offensive Line Development and Recruiting Insights with Coach Joel Nellis

    In this episode of The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss offensive line development and recruiting with Joel Nellis, Head Football Coach at Brookfield Central High School and owner of Trench Training. Coach Nellis covers the fundamentals of offensive line play, the importance of get-off, footwork, and core strength. He provides insights on the height and weight benchmarks for different levels of play. The discussion also explores the value of non-padded showcases and how to recognize a well-coached offensive line. Additionally, Coach Nellis talks about his trench training program and the importance of aligning with high school coaches to best serve the athletes. 00:00 Introduction to the Coaching 101 Podcast 00:49 Meet Coach Joel Nellis 01:22 Joel Nellis' Coaching Journey 02:55 Family and Community Involvement 04:30 The Importance of Offensive Linemen 06:03 Quote of the Week and Sponsor Messages 11:10 Recruitment Insights for Offensive Linemen 31:33 Coaching High School Basketball: Adjusting to Player Sizes 32:07 Strategies for Overcoming Depth Issues 33:23 Teaching Versatility in Player Positions 34:07 Protecting Weaker Players in Offensive Line 35:42 Importance of Consistent Coaching and Culture 42:29 Adapting to Different Player Levels and Development 44:15 The Value of Repetition in Training 47:36 Evaluating the Effectiveness of Camps and Showcases 53:07 Identifying Well-Coached Offensive Lines 56:48 Promoting Trench Training Camps and Resources 01:01:07 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Daniel Chamberlain: @CoachChamboOK ChamberlainFootballConsulting@gmail.com chamberlainfootballconsulting.com Kenny Simpson: @FBCoachSimpson fbcoachsimpson@gmail.com FBCoachSimpson.com

    1h 10m
4.9
out of 5
53 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosted by Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson, where football coaching takes center stage! Whether you're a seasoned football coach, a rookie on the sidelines, or just a die-hard fan eager to learn more about the game, this podcast is your playbook for success. Join Daniel and Kenny as they break down game strategies, share insights on player development, explore leadership on and off the field, and tackle the challenges of coaching at every level. Featuring interviews with top coaches, athletes, and experts, every episode is packed with tips, stories, and strategies to help you build winning teams and inspire greatness. Step onto the field and into the minds of coaching pros—because greatness starts with the right game plan!

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