On this episode of Best of 2025 of Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the most actionable conversations of the year from the Defensive Think Tank series. As offenses continue to stress defenses with tempo, formation variation, and option concepts, this episode focuses on how strong defensive systems are built to solve problems through structure, communication, and clear decision-making.

In this discussion, Eric Kasperowicz, head coach at Mars High School, Grant Caserta, linebackers coach at three-time national champion Ferris State, and Mike Fox, defensive coordinator at SUNY Brockport, break down how effective defenses move beyond chasing schemes and instead rely on shared language and organized structure. The coaches explore game planning against elite players, simplifying calls, organizing call sheets, and empowering players to make checks on the field.

The conversation also dives into coverage adjustments, pressure strategies, handling empty and unbalanced formations, and the importance of disguising intent without sacrificing execution. Across every topic, the message is consistent: defensive success depends on transparency that holds up when the game speeds up.

This Best of 2025 episode is paired with the Coach and Coordinator AI Defensive Design and Structure Companion, a reflective learning tool built directly from this conversation to help coaches apply these principles to their own defensive systems, teaching process, and communication structure. For coaches looking to build defenses that play faster, communicate better, and execute with confidence, this episode remains an essential listen.

Coach and Coordinator AI Defensive Design and Structure Companion

Chapters

Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025

Defensive Structure and Shared Language

Communication as a Defensive Advantage

Game Planning Against Elite Offenses

Simplifying Calls Without Losing Control

Wristbands and On-Field Communication

Pressure and Coverage Adjustment Philosophy

Handling Empty and Unbalanced Formations

Organizing the Call Sheet for Game Day

Building Defensive Systems That Hold Up

Connect on X:

Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski

Grant Caserta: @GrantCaserta

Mike Fox: @coachmfox1

Eric Kasperowicz: @CoachKasper

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