Podcast
Coach and Coordinator Podcast
Hosted by Keith Grabowski · EN
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.
66episodes
Episodes
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Faith, Family, Football - Vision, Surrender, and Leading with Love - Andrew Didonato and Kurt Hines
3d ago01:08:39Tap to summarizeFaith, 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
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Football IQ - Football Is a Language - Danny Mitchell, Asst Coach, UAB
5d ago00:48:17Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Football IQ, presented by American Football IQ, we explore the global gridiron with Danny Mitchell, a former University of San Diego quarterback, European Hall of Famer, champion, and current UAB running backs coach. This episode explains how football serves as an international language that bridges cultures and builds championship teams. Coach Mitchell tells his story around continents, showing how a “people-first” approach forms the basis of any successful program. We explore his core principles of high football IQ, focusing on route recognition, defensive anticipation, and teaching adaptability to the modern athlete. From recruiting multi-sport athletes to the unique logistics of coaching international professional locker rooms, this interview offers masterclass-level insights on communication, relationship-building, and holistic player development. Chapters Football IQ & Navigating the Game with Danny Mitchell From San Diego to Europe: A Global Football Journey Building Complete Athletes: The Value of Multi-Sport Backgrounds The People-First Philosophy: Onboarding & Connecting with Players Decoding the Game: Teaching Football as a Universal Language Mastering the Backfield: Coaching Philosophy for Running Backs Mentorship & Legacy: The Impact of Influential Coaches Culture Shock & Comedy: Unforgettable Coaching Experiences in Europe Overseas Perspective: What European Football Teaches Us About Adaptability 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/ Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Doug Brady: @CoachDougBrady Danny Mitchell: @CoachD_Mitch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Art of Practice - The Efficient Coach - Joe Furco, Assistant Coach, College of Dupage
6d ago00:51:51Tap to summarizeOn 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
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Every Snap is Situational Football - Dan Carrel, DC, Moody HS (AL)
1w ago00:46:05Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Coach and Coordinator Podcast presented by Modern Football Technology, we dive into the vital world of game context and situational awareness with former USFL and D1 Defensive Coordinator Dan Carrel. In this episode, Coach Carrel breaks down why "every down is a situational down" and shifts the focus toward preparing players for the exact moments that win or lose ball games. We explore the tactical transition from static playbooks to backward practice design, ensuring that every drill directly translates to live-game context. From improving on-field communication to cutting out fluff for maximum practice efficiency, this interview delivers actionable strategies to elevate your team’s Football IQ and defensive execution when the pressure is highest. Chapters The Core Philosophy of Situational Football Contextualizing Defensive Strategy & Player Understanding Simplifying Playbooks for Clear On-Field Communication Efficient Practice Design: Utilizing Backward Design Building Better Training Habits for Defensive Players Audit Your Practice: Evaluating Drill Effectiveness Maximizing Practice Efficiency & Rep Distribution Game Planning Around the Situations That Kill You Fine-Tuning Your Coaching Framework for Continual Improvement 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Mushroom Society - Dick Vermeil on Common Sense Principles of Coaching
1w ago00:36:59Tap to summarizeOn 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
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Football IQ - Super Bowl Lessons from the O-line Room - David Diaz-Infante, Former NFL Player & Coach
2w ago00:56:26Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Football IQ, presented by American Football IQ, we explore the trenches of the NFL with two-time Super Bowl champion David Diaz-Infante. This conversation moves beyond the X’s and O’s to explore the cerebral side of the game. David shares his perspective on transitioning from a gritty NFL offensive lineman to a high-level coach and broadcaster. We discuss the true definition of “Football IQ,” which David describes as the power of anticipation. We also explore how leadership evolves when you move from the huddle to the sidelines. Whether you are a coach hoping to refine your teaching tools or a student of the game wanting to better understand the evolution of offensive tactics, this interview offers a masterclass in resilience and lifelong learning from a true veteran of the sport. Chapters Intro: Defining Football IQ with David Diaz-Infante Super Bowl Rings & Championship Team Dynamics The Grind: A Veteran Lineman’s Journey Crossing the Line: Transitioning from Player to Coach The Power of Mentorship & Coaching Evolution Modern Techniques & Understanding Offensive Strategy Innovative Teaching Tools for Today’s Athletes Player Development & The Communication Gap Lifelong Learning: Future Aspirations in Football 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/ Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Doug Brady: @CoachDougBrady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Developing Linemen with Trench Training - Joel Nellis, HC, Brookfield Central HS (WI)
2w ago00:30:03Tap to summarizeOn 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
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Slot-T Mafia - The Slot-T vs. The Wing-T
2w ago00:18:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Paul Kilby explains the shared foundation of both offenses, including power, trap, sweep, bootleg, play-action pass, man blocking rules, and misdirection football. From there, he shows how the Slot-T expands those ideas by attacking both sides, hitting the trap faster, creating rigid paths for backs, and stressing defenses with quick backfield action. The episode also features Wade Lawson, head coach at Waskom High School in Texas, sharing how the Slot-T community has helped him and his staff learn, teach, and keep improving inside the offense. Join the free clinic on Wednesday, May 13 at 8:30 PM Eastern Click to Register Connect on X: @SlotTmafia @CoachKGrabowski 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Mushroom Society - Find Solutions - Bobby Johnson, Cleveland Browns
2w ago00:26:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Mushroom Society Podcast, Bobby Johnson, assistant offensive line coach for the Cleveland Browns, shares lessons from more than 30 years of coaching offensive line play, including building game plans, teaching the “why” behind schemes, staying aligned with the offensive coordinator, and solving problems before they show up on game day. Johnson also explains how he thinks through personnel groupings, formations, motions, and complementary run schemes to create advantages and protect core concepts within the game plan. This presentation was originally delivered at the C.O.O.L. Clinic. Topics Covered Have a plan, work the plan, and prepare for the unexpected Why offensive line coaches are problem solvers Teaching players the “why” behind the scheme Staying aligned with the offensive coordinator Building answers for defensive adjustments Using formations and motions to create advantages Protecting your best runs with complementary schemes Maximizing personnel strengths within the offense Get Your Ticket to the 2026 C.O.O.L. Clinichttps://thecoolclinic.com Join the Mushroom Societyhttps://mushroom-society.com Connect on XKeith Grabowski: https://x.com/CoachKGrabowski Presented by Coach and Coordinator Networkhttps://coachandcoordinator.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Football IQ - Studying the Game Like a Pro - Will Blackmon, NFL Veteran & CFB Analyst
3w ago01:00:34Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Football IQ, presented by American Football IQ, former NFL player Will Blackmon joins us for an in-depth conversation about his path from football fan to NFL veteran and coach. Will shares how players can develop football IQ through film study, mental preparation, and situational awareness. He also discusses his transition from player to mentor and offers valuable coaching insights on player development and potential maximization. Outside of football, Will explores his passions for boxing and wine, showing how a well-rounded mindset contributes to success on and off the field. This episode is a must-listen for coaches, players, and sports enthusiasts hoping to elevate their game. Chapters Introduction to Football IQ Will Blackmon's Journey and Passion for Football Transitioning from Player to Student of the Game The Art of Studying Film and Game Preparation Communication and Mentorship in the NFL Maximizing Opportunities as a Punt Returner Coaching Philosophy and Developing Young Players Building Trust with Players Understanding Defensive Schemes Inspiration Beyond Football Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Doug Brady: @CoachDougBrady Will Blackmon: @WillBlackmon 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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