Join us for an insightful interview with Greg Nelson, Senior Vice President at Hudl and Offensive Coordinator at Concordia University in Nebraska. Coach Nelson shares his unique experiences of balancing a dual career in tech and coaching football at both high school and collegiate levels. We delve into the challenges and rewards of being an off-campus assistant and head coach, the importance of family time, and the transition from high school to college coaching. Don't miss this engaging conversation packed with practical advice and inspiring stories for all football coaches and enthusiasts! Takeaways -The importance of building relationships and being open-minded in coaching. -The impact of COVID-19 on coaching dynamics and the evolving nature of coaching relationships. -The challenges and strategies of being an off-campus coach in high school football. -The transition from high school head coach to college assistant coach and the process of calling plays at the college level. Transitioning to the OC role involved collaboration, open communication, and blending strengths to build a successful offense. -Effective work-life balance is achieved through technology, efficient time management, and family-friendly scheduling. -Game planning involves detailed documentation, collaborative input, and efficient meeting structures. -Communication with players is facilitated through technology, notes, and involving players in scouting activities. -The implementation of tempo in the offense requires creative play calling, simplified terminology, and practice drills to replicate game tempo. -Family prioritization within the coaching staff is a unique and impactful approach that influences coaching practices and team dynamics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:05 Challenges of Being an Off-Campus Coach 09:51 The Importance of Being Open-Minded and Curious in Coaching 33:08 The Transition to Offensive Coordinator 34:25 Balancing Work and Family in Coaching 35:20 Effective Game Planning and Communication 41:35 Implementing Tempo in the Offense 56:19 Family Prioritization in Coaching

Summary In this conversation, Coach PJ Gibbs discusses the three high safety coverages in football. He emphasizes the importance of having athletes on the field and using the middle safety as a chess piece. Coach Gibbs shares his experience implementing the three safety system and how it helped his teams have successful defenses. He also explains different coverages and adjustments for various offensive formations, including trips, two by two, and empty sets. The conversation highlights the flexibility and multiple options that the three high safety defense provides. In this conversation, Coach Gibbs and Kyle Bradburn discuss various coaching strategies and unique aspects of their programs. They emphasize the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new trends in football. Coach Gibbs shares his experience of being a 'thief' and learning from different coaches throughout his career. They also discuss the significance of building relationships with players and creating a positive team culture. Coach Gibbs highlights the use of the Havoc Rate metric to measure defensive performance. They also touch on the importance of efficient practice sessions and the value of film study. Overall, the conversation provides insights into effective coaching techniques and the dedication required to succeed in the sport. Takeaways -The three high safety defense allows for flexibility and multiple options to adjust to different offensive formations. -Having athletes on the field is crucial in the three safety system. -The middle safety, known as the Rover, plays a key role in the defense and needs to be the team's best player. -Different coverages, such as Tampa two, trap, and bracket, can be used based on the offensive formation and game plan. -The three high safety defense provides depth and allows for speed and athleticism on the field. -Adjustments can be made to defend against specific offensive strategies, such as motion, empty sets, and 12 personnel. -The three high safety defense is effective in disrupting RPO (run-pass option) plays and creating confusion for the offense. Continuous learning and adapting to new trends is crucial for coaches to stay ahead in the game. -Building relationships with players and creating a positive team culture are essential for success. -Metrics like Havoc Rate can be used to measure defensive performance and motivate players. -Efficient practice sessions and film study are key to improving player skills and team performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:54 The Three High Safety System and the Role of the Rover 06:27 Coverages for Three by One and Two by Two Formations 08:45 Bracket Coverage and Specific Rules for Corner and Safety 11:33 Defending Empty Sets and Making Adjustments 23:09 Building Depth and Creating Pressure on the Quarterback 26:20 Learning from Different Coaches 29:13 Building Relationships and Team Culture 35:14 Measuring Defensive Performance with Havoc Rate 39:17 Efficient Practice Sessions and Film Study

Summary

In this episode, Kyle and Matt interview Cody Hughes, an experienced strength and conditioning coach. They discuss the importance of a gradual approach to training during the summer months for high school football programs. Cody emphasizes the need to prioritize the health and well-being of athletes, rather than pushing them too hard in the early stages. He advises coaches to focus on building capacity for work through a balanced approach to exercise selection and intensity. Cody also shares his thoughts on the power clean exercise and suggests alternative movements that can be more effective for developing strength and power. He provides insights on structuring a weekly training schedule, including the importance of sprinting and plyometrics. The conversation covers various topics related to strength and conditioning in football. The hosts discuss the importance of incorporating sprints and short sprints into training, as well as the need for adequate rest between sets and exercises. They also emphasize the importance of individualizing training based on the athlete's body type and capabilities. The conversation touches on the value of measuring power and momentum in athletes, as well as the need for transparency and buy-in from players. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of a well-rounded and individualized approach to strength and conditioning in football. In this conversation, Cody Hughes discusses the importance of strength and conditioning for high school athletes and the role of the weight room in athletic development. He emphasizes the need for coaches to have a solid understanding of strength and conditioning principles and the importance of seeking out knowledge and resources. Hughes also introduces the concept of Velocity Based Training (VBT) and its benefits in optimizing training loads and developing power. He provides valuable resources for coaches, including his website, clhstrength.com, and the Simply Faster website for strength and conditioning articles.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction of Cody Hughes

02:08 The Need for a Gradual Approach to Training

12:56 Alternative Movements to the Power Clean

30:59 The Role of Sprinting and Plyometrics in Training

34:45 The Impact of Sprints and Short Sprints in Training

37:05 The Importance of Rest in Strength and Conditioning

44:23 Measuring Power and Momentum in Athletes

53:17 Creating Transparency and Buy-In in Training

59:16 The Importance of Strength and Conditioning

01:06:09 Optimizing Training Loads with VBT

01:09:07 The Role of the Weight Room

01:13:28 Valuable Coaching Resources

Summary

In this episode, the hosts interview Scott Leech, the head strength and conditioning coach at Rhode Island, about strength and conditioning at the high school level. They discuss the challenges faced by high school coaches who don't have a certified strength and conditioning coach on their staff, as well as the importance of adapting and staying up-to-date with training methods. Scott shares his principles for training in the weight room, emphasizing the importance of starting with easier exercises and gradually progressing to more challenging ones. He also discusses his approach to off-field training, including acceleration, top speed training, change of direction, and contact prep. The hosts stress the importance of continually seeking improvement and being open to new ideas. In this part of the conversation, Scott Leech and Kyle Bradburn discuss the importance of balancing different types of training and conditioning for high school football players. They emphasize the need to prioritize acceleration, top speed, and change of direction in training. They also discuss the importance of managing practice intensity and avoiding overtraining. Scott shares his approach to structuring practices and incorporating different drills and movements to improve performance. They also touch on the use of technology, such as laser units, to track and measure speed. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of smart and strategic training to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injuries. In this conversation, Coach Scott Leech discusses the importance of contact preparation in football training. He explains how rolling, crawling, and other contact prep drills can help athletes build muscle memory, reduce soreness, and prevent injuries. Coach Leech also shares his unique approach to conditioning and the incorporation of football drills into training.

Takeaways

• High school coaches without a certified strength and conditioning coach face challenges in providing effective training
• Adapting and staying up-to-date with training methods is crucial for high school coaches
• Starting with easier exercises in the weight room and gradually progressing to more challenging ones is recommended
• Off-field training should focus on acceleration, top speed training, change of direction, and contact prep

• Prioritize acceleration, top speed, and change of direction in training.
• Manage practice intensity and avoid overtraining to reduce the risk of injuries.
• Incorporate a variety of drills and movements to improve performance.

• Contact prep is especially important during periods of time when athletes are not regularly engaging in contact, such as the offseason.
• Incorporating football drills into conditioning can help athletes develop specific skills and improve performance on the field.
• Creating a fun and engaging culture within a program, such as sharing funny pictures on social media, can help build team camaraderie and motivation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:01 Strength and Conditioning at the High School Level

07:12 Progressive Approach to Weight Room Training

09:34 Getting Away from Olympic Lifting

11:25 The Importance of Effort over Technique

14:24 Continual Improvement and Sharing Knowledge

21:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

23:59 Balancing Training and Conditioning

33:06 Managing Practice Intensity

39:02 Prioritizing Acceleration, Top Speed, and Change of Direction

43:29 Incorporating Drills and Movements

46:49 Using Technology to Track and Measure Speed

48:43 Optimizing Performance and Reducing the Risk of Injuries

49:01 Introduction and Background

49:50 The Importance of Rolling and Contact Prep

52:31 Reducing Soreness and Preparing for Contact

54:53 Creating a Fun and Engaging Culture

01:00:30 Incorporating Football Drills into Conditioning

01:05:19 The Coolest and Most Unique Aspect of the Program

Summary

In this conversation, Coach Mitch Johnson discusses the concept of mesh in football. He explains the different variations of mesh, including mesh post wheel and mesh rail. He emphasizes the importance of timing and communication between the quarterback and receivers in executing the mesh concept. Coach Johnson also shares examples of successful plays using mesh and provides insights on how to counter different defensive coverages. In this conversation, Coach Mitch Johnson discusses various concepts related to the mesh route in football. He explains different variations of the mesh route, such as mesh post wheel and mesh switch, and how they can be used to protect the main concepts of the offense. Coach Johnson also emphasizes the importance of expanding on what the team is already good at and finding answers to weaknesses. He shares his experience of studying other coaches and incorporating their ideas into his own coaching philosophy. Additionally, he highlights the unique aspect of his program, which involves bringing in a military influence and promoting teamwork and selflessness.

Takeaways

• Mesh is a passing concept in football that involves two receivers crossing paths at a shallow depth to create confusion for the defense.
• Timing and communication between the quarterback and receivers are crucial in executing the mesh concept effectively.
• Mesh can be run with different variations, such as mesh post wheel and mesh rail, to exploit different defensive coverages.
• The running back can be incorporated into the mesh concept by running swing or wheel routes, adding another dimension to the passing game.
• Defenses often struggle to defend against mesh due to the complexity of matching up with crossing routes and the potential for miscommunication.
• Coaches should teach their players to read the defense and make quick decisions based on the coverage to maximize the effectiveness of the mesh concept. Different variations of the mesh route, such as mesh post wheel and mesh switch, can be used to protect the main concepts of the offense.
• Expanding on what the team is already good at and finding answers to weaknesses is crucial for improvement.
• Studying other coaches and incorporating their ideas can enhance coaching philosophy.
• Bringing in a military influence can promote teamwork and selflessness within the program.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:05 Understanding the Mesh Concept

07:16 Executing the Mesh Concept

10:12 Variations of Mesh

21:36 Incorporating the Running Back and Defensive Strategies

28:02 Coaching Tips and Takeaways

31:25 Exploring Variations of the Mesh Route

35:08 Expanding on Strengths and Addressing Weaknesses

37:11 Incorporating Ideas from Other Coaches

53:31 Promoting Teamwork and Selflessness with a Military Influence

Summary: This discussion covers the recruiting process at the NAIA level, specifically at Kaiser University. Coach Chris Ortiz explains the importance of evaluating a recruit's character, grit, GPA, and athletic abilities. Camps and showcases hosted by the university play a crucial role in this evaluation process. Social media, particularly Twitter, is highlighted as a valuable tool for prospects to reach out to coaches, share their film, and showcase their brand. The recruiting process involves multiple steps, including evaluation by area and position coaches, and the availability of different types of scholarships. Parents are essential in this process, and prospects should be aware of the differences between NAIA and NCAA programs. Campus visits, completing necessary documents like applications and FAFSA, and the NAIA clearinghouse are also discussed.

Takeaways:

• Recruiting at the NAIA level is a year-round process with no dead periods.
• Character, grit, and GPA are highly valued qualities in recruits at Kaiser University.
• Camps and showcases are important for evaluating and recruiting players.
• Social media, especially Twitter, is valuable for prospects to reach out to coaches and share their film.
• Prospects should have a clear and professional Twitter handle and be persistent in communication.
• The recruiting process at Kaiser University involves multiple steps and evaluations.
• Different types of scholarships are available, including athletic, academic, and state aid.
• Parents play a crucial role in the recruiting process and should understand the differences between NAIA and NCAA programs.
• Campus visits, applications, FAFSA, and the NAIA clearinghouse are part of the recruitment process.

Summary

In this episode, Coach Kyle Gallagher discusses the recruiting process in college football. He explains the timeline for recruiting, starting with the current class and then moving on to the next year's class. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with recruits and evaluating their film. Coach Gallagher also discusses the significance of camps and visits, both unofficial and official. He highlights the role of high school coaches in helping their players navigate the recruiting process and stresses the importance of honesty and open communication. In this conversation, Coach Kyle Gallagher discusses the recruiting process for Division III football. He emphasizes the importance of communication and building relationships with coaches. He also explains the differences between Division III and other divisions, such as the lack of athletic scholarships. Coach Gallagher provides insights on how players can express interest in a school, including sending emails and attending camps. He also highlights the significance of the application process and submitting transcripts. The conversation concludes with a discussion on team chemistry and the unique culture of the program.

Takeaways

The recruiting process in college football starts with evaluating the current class and then moves on to the next year's class.

Building relationships with recruits and evaluating their film are key aspects of the recruiting process.

Camps and visits, both unofficial and official, play a significant role in the recruiting process.

High school coaches can help their players by maintaining open communication and being honest about their prospects' abilities.

Honesty and open communication are important for both college coaches and high school coaches in the recruiting process. Communication and building relationships with coaches are crucial in the recruiting process.

Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but they can help with admissions.

Players can express interest by sending emails and attending camps.

The application process and submitting transcripts are important steps in the recruiting process.

Team chemistry and program culture play a significant role in the success of a team.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Congratulations on the National Championship

01:32 The Timeline and Process of College Football Recruiting

13:07 The Role of High School Coaches in the Recruiting Process

29:24 Dealing with Parents in the Recruiting Process

30:31 Differences: Division III vs. Other Divisions

32:36 Expressing Interest: Emails and Camps

38:03 The Importance of the Application Process and Transcripts

43:38 Building Team Chemistry and Program Culture

Summary In this part of the conversation, Coach Holzer discusses the implementation and execution of the Go Route in his offense. He explains the origins of the route and how it fits into his overall offensive scheme. He also discusses the different reads and adjustments that the quarterback and receivers make based on the defensive coverage. Coach Holzer emphasizes the importance of repetition and practice in teaching the Go Route to the players. He also shares some film examples to illustrate the concepts and execution of the route. In this part of the conversation, Richard Holzer discusses the go route and the choice route in the run and shoot offense. He explains the different reads and options for the receivers based on the defensive coverage. He also emphasizes the importance of adjusting splits and using rub routes to create opportunities for completions. Holzer provides examples and analysis of specific plays to illustrate these concepts. In this conversation, Coach Richard Holzer discusses the go and choice concepts in the run and shoot offense. He breaks down the key components and reads for each concept, providing valuable insights for coaches. The conversation also touches on the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the game, as well as the unique tradition of seniors painting the team logo on the field every Thursday. Overall, this episode offers a deep dive into the run and shoot offense and provides practical knowledge for coaches. Takeaways -The Go Route is a key component of Coach Holzer's offensive scheme -The route is designed to attack different coverages and create opportunities for big plays -The quarterback and receivers make reads and adjustments based on the defensive coverage -Repetition and practice are crucial in teaching and executing the Go Route -Film examples provide visual illustrations of the concepts and execution of the route The go route and the choice route are key components of the run and shoot offense. -The go route is a vertical release by the receiver, with the quarterback having the option to throw over the top or back shoulder. -The choice route involves three options for the receiver based on the defensive coverage: go vertical, run a speed out if the corner's butt is to the sideline, or run a skinny post if the corner's butt is to the field. -Adjusting splits and using rub routes can create opportunities for completions. -The quarterback's reads and decisions are based on the coverage and the actions of the defenders. -The run and shoot offense can be adapted and customized based on the personnel and the specific needs of the team. The go concept in the run and shoot offense involves the single receiver running a vertical route to clear out space for other receivers. -The choice concept in the run and shoot offense gives the quarterback multiple options based on the defense's coverage. -Flexibility and adaptability are crucial in coaching, as things don't always go according to plan in a game. -The tradition of seniors painting the team logo on the field every Thursday fosters team unity and pride. Understanding the key components and reads of offensive concepts can help coaches effectively teach and implement them. Chapters 00:01:43 Introduction and Background 00:41:23 The TTS and Cheesy Theme 07:11:53 The Go Drill 10:28:10 Coverage Route 13:05:47 Versatility and Coverage Solutions 25:50:32 Film Examples: Coverages and Execution 29:28:10 Throttling Down and Adjusting 32:46:28 Execution and Challenges 53:14:56 Mastering the Go Route and Choice Route 56:07:49 Creating Opportunities with Adjusted Splits and Rub Routes 57:48:48 Reading Defenses and Making Decisions 01:01:32 Adapting the Run and Shoot Offense 00:08:49 Introduction 15:01:42 Mastering the Choice Concept 45:31:32 The Unique Tradition of Seniors Painting the Team Logo 01:01:32 Understanding Offensive Concepts 01:16:42 Conclusion