On this episode of Best of 2025 of Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the most practical conversations of the year, featuring AJ Smith, former UFL and XFL offensive coordinator. As coaches move from the end of one season into the offseason, this episode zeroes in on the hardest questions to answer: what stays, what gets cut, and what truly fits the players you’ll line up with next season.

AJ walks through his approach to evaluating personnel honestly, studying the game across levels, and narrowing an offense down to what can be executed at a high level. The conversation emphasizes why effective offenses are built on fit, rhythm, and timing. The answer isn’t adding, it’s removing with purpose so what remains fits together on game day.

They also explore how analytics, when used intentionally, can support quarterback evaluation and offensive decision-making without adding unnecessary workload. Throughout the discussion, AJ explains how simplification and clear standards aren’t shortcuts. They’re the reason execution holds up week after week.

This Best of 2025 re-air is paired with the Coach and Coordinator AI Companion built exclusively around AJ Smith’s conversations, designed to help coaches apply his decision-making frameworks, execution standards, and analytics-informed thinking within their own programs. For coaches preparing for the offseason and looking to bring clarity into evaluation, teaching, and offensive structure, this episode is an essential listen.

Coach and Coordinator AI: AJ Smith Structure & Decision Companion

Chapters

Preparing for the Next Season

Evaluating Roster Changes and Personnel Fit

The Impact of the Transfer Portal

Cutting the Playbook Without Losing Continuity

Offensive Fit and Execution Standards

Timing and Rhythm in Offensive Design

Simplifying Practice and Teaching Plans

Using Analytics for Offensive Clarity

Quarterback Evaluation and Decision-Making

Applying AJ Smith’s Frameworks with AI

Connect on X:

Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski

AJ Smith: @AustinJamesXFL

Modern Football Technology: @modernFB

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