In this episode of Champions presented by Signature Championship Rings, three state champion coaches discuss their strategies for installing their systems during the spring and summer months. They emphasize the importance of off-season preparation, efficient practice structures, and the need to accommodate multi-sport athletes. 

Each coach shares insights into their philosophies and methods for maximizing participation and effectiveness in training, while also developing a supportive culture for their players. 

Our Champions:

Mark Spader

Bowling Green Purples

2024 Kentucky Class 5A State Champion

X: @PurplesFootball

John Hart

Brownsburg Bulldogs

2024 Indiana Class 6A State Champion

X: @BHSdogsfootball

John Merritt

De Smet Jesuit Spartans

2024 Missouri Class 6 State Champion

X: @JHMerrittJr

Chapters

Introduction to Installation Strategies

Coaching Backgrounds and Success Stories

Philosophy of Installation in Spring and Summer

Maximizing Practice Efficiency and Participation

Managing Multi-Sport Athletes

Building a Supportive Culture for Athletes

Navigating Coaching Challenges

Embracing Technology in Coaching

Key Insights for Successful Installations

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.

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In this episode of The Coaching Coordinator Podcast, host Keith Grabowski sits down with Delaware State Defensive Coordinator Brandon Blackman for an insightful conversation on leadership, mentorship, and building a championship-caliber defense. Coach Blackmon reflects on the lessons learned from his mentors and the principles that guide his coaching style—emphasizing poise, trust, and accountability both on and off the field.

Coach Blackmon dives into developing a strong defensive identity, creating meaningful player relationships, and mastering situational football.

Chapters

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In this installment of The Next Move presented by Coach Portal, Keith Grabowski and Deon Broomfield, Passing Game Coordinator/Safeties Coach for Iowa State,  discuss the essential habits coaches need to develop to get promoted in their careers. They emphasize the importance of initiative, relationship-building, continuous learning, and readiness for new opportunities. Broomfield shares a success story of Taylor Mouser, who exemplified these habits and advanced his career through hard work and dedication.

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Teachable Moments – Taylor Mouser, Iowa State

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On this episode of Your Call presented by the Headset App, Dave Mastroianni, assistant coach and leadership coordinator at New Canaan High School, discusses the evolution of leadership strategies in athletic programs, shifting from traditional teaching methods to a player-driven model. He prioritizes emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and real-world problem-solving, recognizing the unique developmental needs of athletes aged 14 to 18. Mastroianni emphasizes the significance of understanding players' personal challenges and fostering open communication through weekly leadership council meetings. This adaptable approach has led to a supportive team culture, focused on mental well-being and accountability, and has resulted in the New Canaan football team winning three state championships. The program cultivates diverse leadership styles among athletes while preparing them for challenges on and off the field, signaling a promising future for character development and leadership growth.

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Join the growing number of coaches making the switch and take your game-day decision-making to the next level.

⁠Download The Head Set App today and start coaching smarter⁠!

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In this Clinic Series episode from Lauren’s First and Goal, we’re joined by Oregon State Defensive Line Coach Ilaisa Tuiaki, who delivers a data-driven breakdown on how to build a defense that disrupts offensive rhythm, limits points, and takes back possession.

Drawing from both offensive and defensive experience, Coach Tuiaki shares how concepts like Down Series Success Rate (DSSR), third-down creation, and explosive play prevention can reshape defensive strategy. His unique approach reverse-engineers offensive analytics to maximize impact on the scoreboard and field position.

This episode is just a segment of his full clinic talk—available as part of our 120+ speaker virtual clinic series on CoachTube.

Key Takeaways

Why possession and points are the two most important defensive goals

The role of DSSR (Down Series Success Rate) in defensive planning

How to reverse-tool offensive analytics to create smarter calls

The importance of third-down creation and explosive play prevention

Why some high-sack teams actually underperform in scoring defense

Watch the Full Talk:

Full clinic session available on CoachTube here Or purchase the full 120+ speaker clinic for year-round access

About our Partner, 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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In this episode of Champions presented by Signature Championship Rings, coaches Tom Lombardo and CJ Cesario discuss the intricacies of player development in high school football, emphasizing the importance of developing players as individuals first. They share their unique perspectives based on their experiences at different school sizes and divisions, exploring how to manage player reps, practice logistics, and the balance between player safety and effective training. The conversation highlights the significance of having a clear mission statement for a football program and the need for accountability, teamwork, and personal growth within the sport. 

Head Coach, St. Edward High School (Lakewood, OH) Tom Lombardo is a six-time state champion and one of Ohio’s most respected high school football coaches. He leads the powerhouse program at St. Edward High School, a Catholic institution in the Holy Cross tradition located just outside Cleveland. Under his leadership, St. Edward has become a model of sustained excellence in Ohio’s highest classification, consistently developing elite players and fielding one of the deepest rosters in the state. Lombardo emphasizes holistic development, balancing physical preparation with values like accountability, brotherhood, servant leadership, and faith. His approach blends measurable athletic development with deep investment in character-building and culture.

Head Coach, Chicago Christian High School (Palos Heights, IL) CJ Cesario led Chicago Christian High School to a state championship in his first season as head coach, an impressive feat in Illinois' 2A division. With a roster of just 35 players, Cesario has built a program centered on developing both elite football players and strong, authentic men. In addition to coaching, he serves as the school’s Director of Admission, playing a key role in student recruitment and shaping school culture. His philosophy emphasizes person-first development, intentional culture-building, and maximizing every rep in practice through efficient, high-impact training. Cesario’s leadership and attention to detail have made him a rising figure in the coaching profession.

Chapters

Introduction to Coaching Perspectives

Philosophy of Player Development

Developing the Person First

Practical Approaches to Player Development

Balancing Practice and Player Safety

Measuring Player Performance

Building Team Depth and Player Roles

Navigating Player Development and Parental Influence

Maximizing Practice Efficiency

Creating Synergy Among Coaching Staff

Balancing Player Workload and Recovery

Annual Development Process for Players and Coaches

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.

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In this installment of The Next Move Powered by Coach Portal, Keith Grabowski and Josh Crawford, Bowling Green State's running backs coach, discuss how to handle unexpected job opportunities in coaching. They emphasize the importance of professionalism, being prepared, and consulting with mentors. Coach Crawford shares personal experiences and tips for evaluating opportunities, maintaining faith, and ensuring family support during career transitions.

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Build a searchable profile

Get real-time alerts on job movement

Sign up for your free 6-month trial today with the code CCPODCAST at coach-portal.com and make your next move.

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In this interview from the 2024 C.O.O.L. Clinic, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo discusses the interplay between defensive and offensive line play with Coach Bob Wylie. He shares insights from his coaching journey, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with offensive line coaches for developing defensive strategies. Spagnuolo elaborates on evaluating opponents' offensive lines, identifying weaknesses, and adapting to complex protections. He advocates for focusing on essential schemes over excessive data analysis to enhance player readiness while balancing practice intensity with player health. The conversation also covers goal line defense, the run-action pass game, and the strategic awareness needed for defending screen passes.

Chapters

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In this episode of The Turnaround Podcast presented by CoachTube, Coach Ken Krause shares his journey of rebuilding high school football programs at West Allis Central and Muskego. He dives into the strategies behind creating a winning culture, including building a strong coaching staff, developing player leadership through a leadership council, and engaging the community. Coach Krause emphasizes the power of belief, unity, and continuous improvement in sustaining success. He also reflects on balancing the demands of a high-achieving program with family life, redefining success beyond the scoreboard by focusing on the lasting impact coaches have on their players.

About Coach Ken Krause

Ken Krause, the head football coach at Muskego High School, is entering his 28th season as a head coach and his 17th leading the Warriors. Under his leadership, Muskego has become a powerhouse program, winning seven Classic Eight Conference titles, making seven state quarterfinal appearances, and capturing back-to-back state championships in 2018 and 2019. Krause’s teams have earned 26 playoff wins, a 41-game winning streak—the eighth longest in Wisconsin history—and national recognition with a No. 23 USA Today ranking in 2019.

A Wisconsin High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame inductee and a past Wisconsin Coach of the Year (by the Packers, WFCA, AP, and USA Today), Krause has built a consistent winner, averaging 35 points per game offensively and sending 59 players on to college football, including 14 to Division I programs. Beyond coaching, Krause teaches special education at Muskego and is a proud husband and father of four sons, all Muskego alumni.

Chapters

Introduction to Coach Ken Krause

Turning Around West Allis Central

Changing the Mindset of a Losing Team

Establishing a Leadership Council

Transitioning to Muskegon High School

Implementing Change at Muskegon

The Role of Coaches in the Turnaround

Building Staff Unity and Culture

Transforming Community Engagement through Football

Defining Success: Growth and Impact

Managing Expectations and Staying Focused

Balancing Family and Coaching Life

Support Our Sponsor – CoachTube

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Explore courses at ⁠CoachTube.com⁠ or contact [email protected] to learn how to share your expertise.

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In this episode of the Art of Practice presented by GoRout, Head Coach of D3 National Champion North Central College, Brad Spencer discusses the key aspects of onboarding freshmen into a football program. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships, effective playbook installation, and the role of technology like GoRout in enhancing learning. He shares practical strategies for coaches to ensure that new players feel comfortable and are adequately prepared for the challenges of college football, while also highlighting the significance of mentorship from older players.

Chapters

About Our Partner - GoRout

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