Coach and Coordinator Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

On this episode of Hansen Ratings D3 Coach and Coordinators of the Week, presented by Tully, hosts Logan and John spotlight four outstanding Division III coaches who share how preparation, mindset, and strategy drive consistent performance on and off the field. First, Carnegie Mellon HC Ryan Larsen and OC Andy Helms discuss how practice efficiency, game simulation, and structured communication elevate their program’s offensive execution. They also detail how balancing academics with athletics keeps players focused and disciplined throughout the season. Next, Susquehanna DC Tim Kologrivov breaks down his philosophy of setting high expectations for players every day. He explains how treating each play as its own opportunity builds resilience and accountability — and how strategic thinking can elevate performance beyond physical ability. Finally, UW River Falls HC Matt Walker offers insights into game-day decision-making, exploring the connection between team dynamics, player psychology, and sports science. He reflects on how confidence and versatility influence strategy, and how success often depends on clear communication and trust within the team. Chapters Trends in D3 Football Carnegie Mellon’s Offensive Strategy and Practice Efficiency Balancing Academics and Athletic Preparation Tim Kologrivov on Defensive Mindset and Daily Expectations Developing Strategic Thinking Beyond Physical Talent Matt Walker on Game-Day Strategy and Team Dynamics Sports Science and Player Confidence in Decision Making Adapting Coaching Philosophy for Sustained Success Closing Reflections on Collaboration and Preparation Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski John Snell: @jsnellbwfb Logan Hansen: @LogHanRatings Ryan Larsen: @CoachRyanLarsen Andy Helms: @CoachAndyHelms Tim Kologrivov: @CoachKolo Matt Walker: @CoachWalkerRF Tully: @TullyTracking Presented by Tully — the perfect tool for high school and Division III programs. Tully helps coaches track readiness, performance, and player development so teams can stay strong and confident deep into the season. Learn more at tully.app Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of National Coach of the Week, presented by Modern Football, Keith Grabowski sits down with Chris Greisen, head coach at West De Pere High School, to discuss how he’s built a football program defined by culture, accountability, and innovation. Coach Greisen shares how his team lives by the acronym GRIT — Grind, Responsibility, Intensity, and Trust — and how that mindset drives both player development and strong team chemistry. He also breaks down his approach to simplifying complex offensive concepts, teaching players to “flip the switch” with urgency, and promoting a staff culture built on shared ownership and leadership. Chapters Introduction and Coach Recognition Building a Unified Coaching Staff Defining GRIT: The Four Pillars of Culture Simplifying Offense for Player Success Innovative Play Calling and Team Execution Developing Leadership and Accountability Closing Reflections on Growth and Future Goals Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Chris Greisen: @CGQBAcademy Modern Football Technology: @modernFB Ready to gain an edge on game night? Modern Football Technology helps coaches make smarter real-time decisions with in-game analytics. It’s simple to get started, and you can be up and running by Friday night. Book a demo today and see the difference this week: https://www.modernfootball.com/demo Tune into Kegan Wirtz's Modern Football story mentioned in the podcast here: Kegan Wirtz Story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of National Coach of the Week presented by Modern Football Technology, Head Coach Marvin Rushing of Cass Tech HS (MI) shares how he develops not just great players, but great people. He outlines a coaching philosophy built on accountability, structure, and trust — showing how empowering both coaches and athletes drives lasting success. Coach Rushing also discusses balancing discipline and freedom in practice, the role of mentorship and leadership training, and why preparing players for life beyond football is his ultimate goal. His insights remind us that true coaching goes beyond the game — it’s about building character, confidence, and community. Chapters Introduction to Coach Marvin Rushing Coaching Philosophy and Game Day Approach Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Practice Life Lessons Beyond Football Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Marvin Rushing: @CoachRush_CTFB Ready to gain an edge on game night? Modern Football Technology helps coaches make smarter real-time decisions with in-game analytics. It’s simple to get started, and you can be up and running by Friday night. Book a demo today and see the difference this week: https://www.modernfootball.com/demo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Champions Series, presented by Signature Championship Rings, we sit down with Wayne Alofipo, HC, Crimson Cliffs HS (UT), Ty Harper, HC, Chautauqua Lake HS (NY), and Dwight Lundeen, HC, Becker HS (MN). The group explores what truly builds a team destined for greatness. The conversation covers everything from personal coaching journeys and philosophies to the vital role of offseason training — especially weightlifting — in athlete development. The coaches highlight the importance of teaching fundamentals, developing collaboration among staff, and adapting to new technologies in sports. More than strategy, they share powerful reflections on coaching their staff as well as their players, mentorship, team culture, and the life lessons that football imparts to young athletes. This episode offers valuable insight into what it takes to lead, inspire, and sustain excellence both on and off the field. Chapters Introduction to the Coaches Coaching Backgrounds and Achievements Offseason Strategies and Team Development Weight Training and Physical Preparation Coaching Philosophy and Staff Development Engaging Players and Building Team Culture Collaborative Coaching and Cultural Development The Importance of Culture in Coaching Embracing Technology in Coaching Creating a Positive Practice Environment Teaching vs. Reteaching: The Importance of Fundamentals The Evolution of Coaching Through Generations Impact Beyond the Game Final Thoughts on Culture and Life Lessons   Learn More about Signature Championship Rings: Signature Championship Rings is a leading designer and supplier of championship rings, serving over 10,000 teams and organizations. With a focus on quality craftsmanship, easy team ordering processes, and affordability, Signature Champions celebrate every champion and their achievements, making their moment last a lifetime. For more information, visit www.signaturechampions.com/podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining host Keith Grabowski on today’s podcast is Chicago Bears Running back Coach David Walker. Having been a prolific college running back at Syracuse, Walker went back to his roots for his first college coaching career where he served as the Orange RB coach from 1995-03. After his time at Syracuse, he went on to Pittsburgh where he coached from 2004-10. Walker then coached the running backs for the Indianapolis Colts from 2011-14 and from 2016-18. Walker is considered one of the premiere runningback coaches in football. He joins the podcast today to talk about Coaching RB reads. Show Notes: 1:23 How Walker determined he wanted to Coach 3:15 What Walker believes makes a successful coach 5:43 Walkers platform for helping coaches grow 9:21 Developing the every down back 11:15 Owing the offensive line as a runningback 14:02 The responsibility of the coach to teach an elite runningback 16:34 What Walker teaches in his gap scheme 25:23 Outside zone 29:30 Walker's role in developing the game plan 35:36 Winning Edge 36:53 Connecting with Coach Walker’s CoachTube Course: https://coachtube.com/course/football/developing-the-complete-running-back/13031370 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Coach and Coordinator Podcast, host Keith Grabowski is joined by John Hart, Head Football Coach at Brownsburg High School in Brownsburg Indiana. Hart has been a head coach for over 30 years in multiple different programs and got his first head coaching job at just 22 years old. Coach has multiple State Championship Titles and is known for his ability to turn programs around. Hart speaks with Grabowski today about the challenges of building a program from the ground up and how he managed those challenges. Show Notes: 1:07 Hart explains the process of becoming an HC at age 22 2:17 Biggest challenges he faced when he became a HC 4:01 How is program actually “outworks” their opponents 5:47 How organization helps maximize the offseason 8:12 Developing athletes in the offseason 9:35 Balancing cutting edge systems with what has worked for you in the past 12:31 Clubs Coach set up in his training program 18:10 What he looks for when figuring out what needs to change when taking over a program 23:44 How to create realistic expectations and execute them 26:45 Importance of being in a strong conference to increase your level of competition 29:45 Scheduling impact 31:26 What Coach will detail in his talk at the IHSFCA 34:38 Winning Edge 35:28 Connect with coach Illinois Coaches Clinic: http://ihsfca.coachesclinic.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Coach and Coordinator Podcast, we continue with our “Game Plan for Your Next Job” series. Host, Keith Grabowski is joined by Brian Rzeppa, author of “You’re Hired: A Guide to Working in Sports.” Rzeppa is an expert in every aspect of the job search process. He joins Grabowski today to talk about the best practices when getting an interview and how to make the most of those opportunities. Show Notes: 1:01 Rzeppa’s background and journey 2:31 How his tools and background relate to football 3:36 Advice for landing an interview 5:42 Determining what value you can bring to an organization 7:31 Value of building connections 9:06 Prepping for an interview 11:10 Finding the right fit for you 13:21 Advice for adapting to an interview and the process during the pandemic 15:34 Most common failures in interviews 17:23 How you approach a job after you’ve accepted it 20:10 Dealing with unexpected Challenges that arise after you’ve accepting a job 22:22 Key takeaways to pass along to coaches 25:04 How he came up with his coaching philosophy template 27:06 Connecting with Rzeppa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s podcast, host Keith Grabowski is joined by 4-Time State Champion Head Coach, Steve Steele. Despite losing high profile seniors to graduation as well as dealing with the struggles of Covid-19, Steele guided a young Pierre Riggs High School team to a 4th State Championship. Steele joins Grabowski today to talk about how his team overcame adversity on the way to their 4th title. Show Notes: 1:32 How his team dealt with replacing players from previous years especially at the QB position 3:31 Role of analytics in Coach’s program 4:45 Which numbers they look at to determine who should get more touches 6:21 Their process for logging and recording data 8:26 Their approach to keeping the offense rolling despite massive player turnover 10:16 Keeping focus this year with Covid and other adversity 13:05 What they learned and would pass on to coach’s who have young teams after championship seasons 15:11 Their approach going into 2021 season 16:55 What his staff is looking forward to learning during clinic season 19:18 Adding TE’s and FB’s into his scheme despite the “spread craze” 20:50 Winning Edge 22:20 Connect with Coach Related Podcasts: https://soundcloud.com/user-804678956/pierre-tf-riggs-high-school-south-dakota-coach-steve-steele-talks-analytics-and-team-culture https://soundcloud.com/user-804678956/steve-steele-head-coach-riggs-hs-pierre-south-dakota Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s podcast, Host Keith Grabowski is joined by current Maryland Senior Analyst Ron Zook. Coach has been in football for over 40 years including stints in the NFL with the Steelers (96-98), Chiefs (99), Saints (00-01) and Packers (14-18). Zook was also the Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2007 for his work as Head Coach at Illinois. Zook joins Grabowski today to talk about how his experiences across football have helped him in today’s game. Show Notes: 1:26 Coach’s journey 6:07 Coach’s mentors and who he took his biggest lessons from 15:52 How big special teams was to Coach’s career 19:14 Coach’s approach to offense as a ST/Defensive Coordinator background 22:06 What he looked for philosophically in an offensive coordinator 25:02 The importance of analytics 27:38 Winning Edge 28:40 What Coach will talk about at Illinois clinic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Quickcast, University of Buffalo Offensive Coordinator Andy Kotelnicki shares his insight on defeating the Tite Front. -Using a perimeter play to stress an off the ball contain player -Staying with your inside runs -The need for a multifaceted approach -Game planning and prep or the Tite Front Get Coach Kotelnicki's clinic on Developing a Game Plan: https://coachtube.com/course/football/developing-an-offensive-game-plan-andy-kotelnicki/11825990?ambassador=325306f59bb543b6883ff4baa Get our FREE digital magazine Coach and Coordinator Monthly: http://coachandcoordinator.com/magazine/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices