Coach and Coordinator Podcast Keith Grabowski

Today’s episode is presented by our partner, Vertical Raise, the premier digital fundraising platform for coaches Vertical Raise is dedicated to helping your teams and organizations reach new heights by simplifying the fundraising process and maximizing your campaign's success.

In this episode of Coach and Coordinator, host Keith Grabowski sits down with AJ Howard, a promising young coach whose career began with the New England Patriots shortly after his stint as an NFL player. AJ, who holds a Super Bowl ring from the 2018-2019 season, shares insights from his journey, including his transition from player to scout, and the invaluable lessons he learned from the Patriots' organization. Named among the AFCA's 35 Under 35 for the class of 2024, AJ discusses his strategies for player development, the importance of professional growth, and how he fosters a culture of engagement and accountability within his team. He shares App State experiences, offseason visits to top programs, and unwavering commitment to the game. 

Chapters:

AJ Howard's coaching influences from New England Patriots

Lessons learned from the Patriots' culture

Transition from player to scout

Scouting experience and its impact on coaching

Professional development through visiting other programs

Engaging players and empowering them

Balancing fun and productivity in coaching

Evaluating and giving feedback to players

Recruiting and attributes for outside linebackers

Winning Edge


Learn More about Vertical Raise:
Vertical Raise is the premier online fundraising platform, using innovative technology to create the easiest and most efficient system available. Raise more money in less time, with a local fundraising coach who works with your team every step of the way to customize the ideal fundraiser. With options for online donations, digital discount cards, premium product sales, and even spirit shops, Vertical Raise has top-of-the-line solutions for every fundraising style. To find out more, visit VerticalRaise.com, and get connected with an exclusive offer on your first fundraiser.

The 10% Tool Kit:
Explore these pages for helpful tips, a winning edge, and special promotions for Coach and Coordinator Podcast listeners. The link is in the show notes.
Sign up for the Weekly Tip Sheet:
Be sure to sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Every Tuesday morning, we email out our Weekly Tip Sheet Newsletter – the best ideas from recent Coach and Coordinator Podcast episodes, as well as additional coaching development resources and recommendations sourced specifically for the 10% Coach.

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On this episode of Kileleni - To the Summit, Patrick Steenberg, founder and President of Global Football, has the privilege of having an in-depth conversation with the legendary Rocky Bleier. Hosted by Patrick Steenberg, founder and President of Global Football, this episode delves into the incredible life and career of Rocky Bleier, a man whose journey from the football fields of Wisconsin to the battlefields of Vietnam and back to the gridiron with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is nothing short of extraordinary.

Rocky shares his experiences of teamwork, leadership, and resilience, highlighting the key mentors and influencers who shaped his path. From his high school coach, Torchy Clark, to the iconic Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian, and later, the unparalleled leadership of Chuck Noll and Dan Rooney with the Steelers, Rocky offers a treasure trove of stories and lessons that are sure to resonate with anyone striving for excellence in their own life.

Chapters:

Discussing Teams and Early Influences

High School Coach Torchy Clark

Notre Dame's Sixth National Championship

Role of Assistant Coaches at Notre Dame

Pittsburgh Steelers and Dan Rooney's Leadership

Chuck Noll's Coaching Philosophy

Organizational Structure of the Steelers

Final Motivational Message from Rocky Bleier


Learn more about Global Football and how you can create an experience that will provide an impactful life experience for your football program.

https://www.globalfootball.com/

Learn more about Vertical Raise - Elevate your program's Online  Fundraising to new heights
Use Vertical Raise’s online fundraising system and raise more money in less time:

https://verticalraise.com

Multiple fundraising solutions to fit all your program needs

Leverage best-in-class technology, texting & email deliverability.

An in-person local fundraising coach walks your team through every step of the process.


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This week’s Clinic Series episode of Coach and Coordinator Podcast features Nate Milne, the head coach of Muhlenberg College. He was a speaker at the D3 Top 25 Clinic this past winter, sharing his valuable insights and experiences.

He underscores the practicality of scoring on opening drives, citing their team's impressive success rate in recent seasons and the broader implications of scoring early in both halves. The speaker also delves into various practical aspects of their coaching strategy, such as ball security, scoring after defensive turnovers, and balancing running and passing plays. He stresses the importance of adapting their approach based on the situation and ensuring their team is well-prepared for different scenarios, including varying tempos and personnel packages.

Coach Milne's perspective will be very useful if you are looking for an approach to calling the beginning of a half. 

Chapters:

Topic Overview

Team Success and Coaching Staff

Weekly Objectives and Ball Security

Offensive Strategy and Play Calling

Personnel Packages and Recruiting

Game Planning and Efficiency

Field Zones and Play Calls

Scoring Strategy and Loose Script

Third Down Strategies

Shot Plays and Getting the Best Players Involved

Winning Edge


Previous Episode with Coach Milne:
Ideas for Building Culture and Using a 'Loophole' in Play Action

Coach Milne’s Presentation:
Keys to Opening Drive Success

Also part of this bundle:
Strategies for Offensive Success

The 10% Tool Kit:
Explore these pages for helpful tips, a winning edge, and special promotions for Coach and Coordinator Podcast listeners. The link is in the show notes.

Sign up for the Weekly Tip Sheet:
Be sure to sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Every Tuesday morning, we email out our Weekly Tip Sheet Newsletter – the best ideas from recent Coach and Coordinator Podcast episodes, as well as additional coaching development resources and recommendations sourced specifically for the 10% Coach.

Learn More about Vertical Raise:
Vertical Raise is the premier online fundraising platform, using innovative technology to create the easiest and most efficient system available. Raise more money in less time, with a local fundraising coach who works with your team every step of the way to customize the ideal fundraiser. With options for online donations, digital discount cards, premium product sales, and even spirit shops, Vertical Raise has top-of-the-line solutions for every fundraising style. To find out more, visit VerticalRaise.com, and get connected with an exclusive offer on your first fundraiser.
Learn More about FirstDown Playbook:
FirstDown PlayBook is a coaching tool and program management system with over 35,000 customizable plays, defenses, and special teams schemes. With tools such as video pairing, practice schedules, wristband creation, practice scripts, scouting reports, and a player app, FirstDown PlayBook helps save time and organize your program all in one place. Schedule a 15-minute Zoom meeting with former NFL coach Charlie Coiner or call  (512) 814-6158 to receive a one-week free trial. Or use the coupon code COACH24 to receive a $100 discount on a team membership.
Learn More about Modern Football Technology:
Battle-tested, Modern Football’s platform provides real-time self-scout and opponent tendencies, while eliminating manual tagging into HUDL, DV Sport, and XOS. Trusted by teams at every level, see how top coaches leverage this platform for in-game decision-making and play-calling success. To book a demo, visit www.teammofo.com/demo. Mention Coach and Coordinator Podcast or use the coupon code CC10 when signing up for a demo to receive 10% off your first year.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, AJ Antonescu, Offensive Live Coach at Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas, discusses how the Cavaliers deploy technology to improve their self-scouting and game planning.
Through real-time data analysis and opponent tendencies from Modern Football Technology, Coach Antonescu explores how this technology platform enhances game strategy, player performance, and staff efficiency. Antonescu also highlights time-saving benefits and workflow improvements, emphasizing the crucial role Modern Football Technology plays in optimizing game plans and program efficiency.

Show Notes:

Rule Changes in Texas

Live Data in California

Workflow Efficiency Benefits

Utilizing Technology on Game Day

Position-Specific Data Analysis

Impact of Technology on the Program

Workflow Streamlining with Technology

Future of Technology in Football

Work-Life Balance Benefits

Winning Edge


Follow AJ Atonescu on X at @AJAntonescu.

Additional Coach Antonescu Episode:
The Use of Technology for a More Efficient and Effective Self-Scout

Learn More About Modern Football Technology:
Battle-tested, Modern Football’s platform provides real-time self-scout and opponent tendencies, while eliminating manual tagging into HUDL, DV Sport, and XOS. Trusted by teams at every level, see how top coaches leverage this platform for in-game decision-making and play-calling success. To book a demo, visit www.teammofo.com/demo. Mention Coach and Coordinator Podcast or use the coupon code CC10 when signing up for a demo to receive 10% off your first year.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of Coaching Coordinator presented by Vertical Raise, we are joined by Rob Zimmerman, the head coach of the DeWitt Panthers, who has had a remarkable career spanning 27 years. Under his leadership, the team has achieved an impressive record of 250 wins and 54 losses, reaching the semifinals or finals 14 times and winning the state championship in 2020. Zimmerman shares his sustained passion for coaching and discusses the importance of adapting to the evolving nature of the game. He emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships with players, the community's support, and the stability provided by his long-term coaching staff.

Zimmerman also shares his challenges, particularly during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and his strategies to maintain consistency and success in his program. He highlights the importance of making football enjoyable for players through team activities and community involvement and the joy he brings to the game. Additionally, he touches on the effective use of the fundraising platform Vertical Raise, which has significantly streamlined their fundraising efforts. Zimmerman concludes by discussing his offensive strategies, emphasizing the adaptability of their schemes to fit their players' strengths, which keeps the game exciting and challenging for both the team and their opponents.

Chapters:

Coach Zimmerman's Energy and Passion

Adapting to Changes in Football Coaching

Challenges Faced During the Season

Building Consistency in the Program

Utilizing Technology for Fundraising

Offensive Schemes and Strategies

Simplifying Complex Plays for Players

Making Football Fun for Players

Importance of Building Relationships

Winning Edge


Learn More about Vertical Raise:
Vertical Raise is the premier online fundraising platform, using innovative technology to create the easiest and most efficient system available. Raise more money in less time, with a local fundraising coach who works with your team every step of the way to customize the ideal fundraiser. With options for online donations, digital discount cards, premium product sales, and even spirit shops, Vertical Raise has top-of-the-line solutions for every fundraising style. To find out more, visit VerticalRaise.com, and get connected with an exclusive offer on your first fundraiser.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode of Coach and Coordinator, Tyler Hopperton, the head football coach at Mount St. Joseph, joins us to discuss his innovative approach to building a program and ideas that raise the bar.

Coach Hoperton was named head coach at 27 years old, without prior coordinator experience. In his first 7 seasons as Head Football Coach, Hopperton has earned a 51-17 overall record (41-9 HCAC) and has led the Lions to the program’s 5th HCAC Championship in 2018, 6th HCAC Championship and NCAA Playoff appearance in 2022, and 7th HCAC Championship and NCAA Playoff appearance in 2023. He was named the HCAC Coach of the Year in 2022 and 2023. 

In our conversation, he shares his journey and coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and transparency with his players. He discusses organizing his coaching staff, focusing on transparency, and aligning with the program's values. He offers unique insights into special teams, highlighting the need for clear drills and efficient practice time. 

We highlight one of his innovative strategies: not having a traditional depth chart during training camp. This promotes competition and accelerated learning among players and benefits the program.

Show Notes:

Setting the Bar High

Building the Coaching Staff

Focusing on Special Teams

Revolutionizing Training Camps

Nurturing True Depth

Embracing Change and Growth

Reflecting and Improving

Adding Value and Solving Problems

Winning Edge


Coach Hopperton's Course on Special Teams:
Systematizing Your Return Units

Thank you for supporting our partners:
Learn More about Vertical Raise:
Vertical Raise is the premier online fundraising platform, using innovative technology to create the easiest and most efficient system available. Raise more money in less time, with a local fundraising coach who works with your team every step of the way to customize the ideal fundraiser. With options for online donations, digital discount cards, premium product sales, and even spirit shops, Vertical Raise has top-of-the-line solutions for every fundraising style. To find out more, visit VerticalRaise.com, and get connected with an exclusive offer on your first fundraiser.
Learn More about FirstDown Playbook:
FirstDown PlayBook is a coaching tool and program management system with over 35,000 customizable plays, defenses, and special teams schemes. With tools such as video pairing, practice schedules, wristband creation, practice scripts, scouting reports, and a player app, FirstDown PlayBook helps save time and organize your program all in one place. Schedule a 15-minute Zoom meeting with former NFL coach Charlie Coiner or call  (512) 814-6158 to receive a one-week free trial. Or use the coupon code COACH24 to receive a $100 discount on a team membership.
Learn More about Modern Football Technology:
Battle-tested, Modern Football’s platform provides real-time self-scout and opponent tendencies, while eliminating manual tagging into HUDL, DV Sport, and XOS. Trusted by teams at every level, see how top coaches leverage this platform for in-game decision-making and play-calling success. To book a demo, visit www.teammofo.com/demo. Mention Coach and Coordinator Podcast or use the coupon code CC10 when signing up for a demo to receive 10% off your first year.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices