We continue our countdown of our “Best 11” interviews of 2023 with an episode from SUNY Cortland Head Coach Curt Fitzpatrick. Cortland just defeated defending D3 national champion North Central in a thriller at the Stagg Bowl 38-37 to win their first national championship.
Coach Fitzpatrick joined us earlier this year at the New York State High School Football Coaches Association Clinic. We discussed the process of evolving an offense each year to be able to attack opponents and best utilize personnel.
As you sit down to plan what your offense will look like in the next season, this conversation is a good one to revisit.
Congratulations to Coach Fitzpatrick and the Red Dragons on their 2023 National Championship. Here is our #9 interview of 2023. Enjoy!

Show Notes:

Being multiple

Advantages of niche offenses

Defining multiplicity

Approach to researching ideas

There are many ways to coach one play: Find the one that fits best

Approach to evolving an offense

Looking at it from an opponent's point of view

Finding a new play isn’t always the answer

Grounding things in your identity

Building complements around the base play

Exercise to figure out if you are attacking the whole defense

Finding the discipline to know what fits your identity is the magic

Embracing new ideas but figuring out how they fit you

Ability to execute is the filter

Andy Kotelnicki: Making the game finite


Follow Coach Fitzpatrick on Twitter @_CoachFitz.

Additional Curt Fitzpatrick Episode:
Devotion Leads to Promotion

Additional Episodes Recorded at the 2023 New York State High School Football Association Clinic:

Michael Toerper, Head Coach, Ithaca College

Nate Milne, Head Coach, Muhlenberg College

Joe Gerbino, Offensive Coordinator, Utica College

Andrew Jackson, Defensive Line Coach, West Virginia


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Best Eleven of 2023, #9: The Process of Evolving an Offense – Curt Fitzpatrick, Head Coach, SUNY Cortland

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.

Sports

In this Clinic Series episode from the 2024 COOL Clinic, we gain insight into becoming a head coach after starting as an offensive line coach from Andy Reid and Sherrone Moore. Andy Reid discusses why offensive line coaches excel as head coaches, emphasizing the unique qualities they bring to leadership roles.
Then Sherrone Moore reflects on his journey from an offensive line coach to a head coach, shedding light on the challenges and transitions he encountered along the way.

Show Notes:

Andy Reid on Why O-Line Coaches Make Great Head Coaches

Sherrone Moore's Journey to Head Coach

The Transition from Coach to Head Coach

Importance of Continuous Learning in Coaching

Coaching Individuals and Player Development

Responsibilities of an Offensive Line Coach

Advancing from O-Line Coach to Coordinator

Managing Time and Responsibilities as a Coordinator

The Story of the Game from an O-Line Perspective

The Role and Challenges of a Head Coach


Full Presentations from the 2024 C.O.O.L. Clinic™:
Andy Reid - From OL Coach to Head Coach
Sherrone Moore - Coaching Transition & Two Back Run Game Development

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Battle-tested, Modern Football’s platform provides real-time self-scout and opponent tendencies, while eliminating manual tagging into HUDL, DV Sport, and XOS. 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.
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From OL Coach to Head Coach – Andy Reid, HC, Kansas City Chiefs, and Sherrone Moore, HC, Michigan

This Clinic Series episode is a segment from a 2015 COOL Clinic presentation with Bill Callahan, now the Offensive Line Coach for the Tennessee Titans.
Coach Callahan shares his knowledge and expertise, discussing the impact of different offensive schemes and highlighting the importance of adapting to evolving trends in the game. He shares how he divides up run game preparation as well as the role of the assistant in bringing the head coach’s vision to life.

Show Notes:

Mentors and Coaching Staff

Offensive Coordinator's Role

Organizing the Running Game

Consulting with Coach McNally

Continuous Learning and Coaching Techniques

Importance of Fulfilling the Head Coach's Vision

Head Coach's Philosophy on Running the Ball

Focus on Rush Attempts and Completions

Importance of Rushing the Ball for Success

Winning Edge


Related Links:
The 42nd Annual C.O.O.L. Clinic™
Bill Callahan - The 6/7 Hole Zone Play
Coach McNally’s OL Learning Lab

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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.

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Insight into Coaching & the 6/7 Hole Zone Play – Bill Callahan, Offensive Line Coach, Tennessee Titans

In this inspiring episode of Kileleni: To the Summit presented by Global Football, we look at coaching excellence and leadership with Jeff Thorne, the national champion head coach of the North Central College Cardinals.
Joined by guest host Patrick Steenberge, founder of Global Football, Coach Thorne shares his insights on effective communication, building a strong team culture, and the power of dreaming big while trusting in God's plan.
Discover the key takeaways from Coach Thorne's coaching philosophy and how it has led to success both on and off the field.

Show Notes:

Jeff Thorne's Background and Mentors

Overcoming Adversities in Early Life

Dealing with Challenges as a Coach's Son

Seeking Approval and Significance

Transition to Playing for Eastern Illinois

Winning Edge


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/

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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.

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Kileleni: To the Summit – Jeff Thorne, Former Head Coach of 2019 National Champion North Central College

Welcome to this special episode, presented by Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation, featuring the Head Coach of the Washington Commanders Dan Quinn. In this discussion, Coach Quinn shares his wisdom on leadership, coaching philosophy, and team development.
The video version of this conversation is available on CoachTube for free. The entire Lauren’s First and Goal library of almost 500 courses is also available on CoachTube. These courses are designed to help you develop professionally in all areas of the game. Remember that proceeds go to supporting pediatric brain tumor research and cancer services.

Show Notes:

Coach Quinn's Leadership Style

Challenges in Creating Team Leadership

Building Team Alignment

Creating an Inclusive Team Environment

Defining Important Team Behaviors

Importance of Team Behaviors and Culture

Learning from Adversity

Advice for Coaches Starting Out

Importance of Understanding Players' Strengths

Advantage of Gaining Perspective as a Head Coach

Focus on What Is Most Important as a Coach

Making an Impact in Coaching

Winning Edge


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Learn More about Lauren's First and Goal:
Make Lauren's First and Goal your go-to resource for professional development. With over 500 courses in the library, essentially any topic you wish to dig into is available. You can find the library on CoachTube: Lauren’s First and Goal.

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.

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Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn on Leadership and Developing a Team

In this segment from the 2023 COOL Clinic, Scott Fuchs, the assistant offensive line coach for the Tennessee Titans, discusses his preference for the short-set technique in pass blocking.
Coach Fuchs emphasizes the importance of effort over technique, highlighting how maximum effort on each play is crucial for success on the football field. He explains the concept of task versus result, focusing on the importance of understanding and executing the task at hand rather than being reactive to the defense. Fuchs also touches on creating distortion for protection, simplifying pass-blocking techniques, and the significance of maintaining a wide base for effective pass-blocking.
Fuchs also addresses the technique of angle sets, stressing the importance of turning shoulders to the defender and avoiding oversetting to prevent the defender from gaining an advantage. Additionally, he highlights the role of guards in handling stunts and games to disrupt the defense and maintain control in pass protection.

Show Notes:

The Importance of Effort Over Technique

Reasons for Setting Short in Pass Blocking

Simplifying Pass-Blocking Techniques

Moving Towards the Defender to Block Effectively

Importance of the First Meaningful Touch in Blocking

Explanation of the Dish Concept in Offensive Line Play

Setting Shorter for Guards and Centers

Angle Sets and Stretching the Dish Concept

Technique Tips for Effective Pass-Blocking

Winning Edge


Full Presentation from Coach Fuchs:
Pass Blocking (Short Sets and Techniques)

Register for the 2024 COOL Clinic:
https://cool2024.coachesclinic.com/

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.

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Best Eleven of 2023, #9: The Process of Evolving an Offense – Curt Fitzpatrick, Head Coach, SUNY Cortland

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