In this episode, Coach Andrew DiDonato shares his remarkable journey of transforming the Grove City football program from an 0-20 team to a powerhouse with six consecutive winning seasons. He delves into the power of vision in leadership, the challenges of shifting team culture, and the strategies that fueled their success.

From overcoming initial setbacks to establishing a mindset of perseverance, Coach DiDonato explores how commitment, adaptability, and authentic leadership played a vital role in the team's turnaround. He discusses the pivotal 2018 season, the impact of past players, and the "vision, process, love" philosophy that became the foundation of their program.

Whether you're a coach, leader, or anyone striving for growth, this conversation is filled with actionable insights on navigating challenges, building a winning culture, and leading with purpose. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how a clear vision can turn adversity into triumph.

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Support Our Partner – CoachTube

If you're working to turn a program around, having the right resources and proven strategies is essential. CoachTube is a technology platform that connects you with on-demand

courses from elite coaches, state associations, and charities—helping you learn, grow, and develop your program.

If you're a coach with knowledge to share, CoachTube makes it easy to create and distribute your own training content. Teach what you know, help other coaches, and build your brand.

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

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Today, on the Coach and Coordinator Podcast we’re diving into an aspect of coaching that is important to all phases of the game - how to build a smarter, more disciplined unit. We will focus specifically on how that is done for the defensive side of the ball, but the concepts apply to offense and special teams as well.

This clinic segment from the most recent Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic is from Joe Bowen, the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at the University of Buffalo, who was named the 2024 FootballScoop Linebackers Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, Buffalo produced the top two tacklers in the nation, while dramatically improving their overall defensive performance.

In this segment, Coach Bowen shares his proven framework for structuring a defense, teaching players how to study offenses, and developing linebacker fundamentals that translate directly to game-day success. He covers key topics like offensive identification, defensive meeting structure, and film study techniques that build instincts, discipline, and execution on the field.

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The Lauren's First & Goal Clinic with 100+ presentations including Coach Bowen's is available here: lfgf2025.coachtube.com

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In this episode of The Turnaround presented by CoachTube, host Michael Echaves is joined by Coach Steve Pyne, who shares his wealth of experience in transforming high school football programs, from Wilson High School to Central Catholic and now Union High School. He dives into the importance of building strong relationships, fostering accountability, and creating a positive team culture while navigating the challenges of coaching transitions. Coach Pyne reflects on the lessons he's learned throughout his career, emphasizing the value of adaptability, clear vision, and investing in players both on and off the field. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or sports enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and the true purpose of coaching beyond the scoreboard.

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Related episode:

Three Keys to Building a Championship Program - Steve Pyne

Support Our Sponsor – CoachTube

Having the right resources and proven strategies is essential if you're working to turn a program around. CoachTube is a technology platform that connects you with on-demand

courses from elite coaches, state associations, and charities—helping

you learn, grow, and develop your program.

If you're a coach with knowledge to share, CoachTube makes it easy to create and distribute your own training content.

Teach what you know, help other coaches, and build your brand.

Explore courses at CoachTube.com or

contact [email protected] to learn how to share your expertise.

Subscribe, rate, and review to stay current with more insights from top turnaround coaches.

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In this episode, coaches Scott Strohmeier, Head Coach of Iowa Western and Keegan O’Hara, Assistant QB Coach, Minnesota dive into the role of tempo in football practice. They explore strategies for creating efficient, engaging, and up-tempo sessions that maximize player focus and coaching effectiveness. From procedural efficiency in huddle and no-huddle systems to optimizing scout team performance, they discuss common coaching mistakes and provide actionable insights for improving practice structure. Key takeaways include staff alignment, clear communication, and adjusting routines to keep players engaged. This episode is packed with valuable tips to enhance your team's performance.

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About Our Partner - GoRout

GoRout helps coaches eliminate huddles, increase reps, and maximize efficiency with their game-changing technology. Sign up using code “coordinator” for up to 50% off setup fees at gorout.com/podcast 

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In this episode, Tony Holler interviews Ric Arand, the highly successful head football coach at Lena Winslow High School, with an impressive record of 270-68. They discuss the impact of community support, the adoption of the 'Feed the Cats' sprint-based training philosophy, and the importance of a unified coaching staff.

Ric shares insights on innovative practice structures, injury prevention strategies, and the challenges of competing against private schools. He also reflects on the role of family in coaching, the broader purpose of shaping athletes beyond the game, and the continuous pursuit of improvement in coaching practices. Tune in for an insightful conversation on leadership, innovation, and the lasting impact of coaching.

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Support our Partner: Titan GPS

Founded and based in Texas, Titan GPS is your key to sprint-based football success. Designed specifically for high school football, Titan tracks the metrics that matter, like top speed, explosive acceleration, and even the powerful 'truck stick'—speed times weight for the ultimate performance insight. Whether it’s optimizing practice, spotlighting players with 3D highlights, or giving recruiters verified in-game stats, Titan delivers. And with no minimums to get started, Titan walks you through every step. Message them on X @titansensor to learn more. Titan GPS—performance measured, potential unlocked.”

https://www.titansensor.com/

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Tony Holler @pntrack

Ric Arand @LWHSPanters

Coach and Coordinator @CoachKGrabowski

Resources On CoachTube:

Sprint-Based Football Bundle

Feed the Cats Football Bundle

TFC Sprint-Based Football

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In this episode of The Turnaround powered by CoachTube, Coach Brett Mertens takes us inside the playbook of rebuilding struggling football programs. From starting from scratch to building a championship mindset, he shares the strategies, challenges, and leadership lessons that fueled success at Crean Lutheran and Montrose High School. Coach Mertens highlights the power of relationships, community support, and a strong coaching philosophy in shaping winning teams—on and off the field. Whether you're a coach or athletic director, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, vision, and the true impact of coaching.

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Support Our Sponsor – CoachTube

If you're working to turn a program around, having the right resources and proven strategies is essential. CoachTube is a technology platform that connects you with on-demand courses from elite coaches, state associations, and charities—helping you learn, grow, and develop your program.

If you're a coach with knowledge to share, CoachTube makes it easy to create and distribute your own training content. Teach what you know, help other coaches, and build your brand.

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

Subscribe, rate, and review to stay current with more insights from top turnaround coaches.

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In this episode of Champions, Keith Grabowski is joined by three state champion head coaches to break down one of the most important aspects of a successful football program—developing an off-season calendar. From structuring strength and conditioning programs to integrating leadership development, the discussion covers a wide range of strategies that have helped these coaches build championship teams.

Our State Champions:

Bradley Zelenovich

Southeast Polk Rams

Iowa Class 5A State Champion

Hunter Cantwell

Christian Academy-Louisville Centurions

Kentucky Class 3A State Champion

Dillon Mitchell

Choctaw County Chargers

Mississippi Class 3A State Champion

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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.

Support Our Partners + Offers for Our Listeners:

10% Tool Kit

Coach and Coordinator pledges to source the latest and greatest products and services available in the coaching marketplace. We call this repository The 10% Toolkit for The 10% Coach. These resources are proven to help coaches win games and achieve all program objectives. Think of it as a buyers guide for vendors and suppliers we trust with our seal of certification.

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In this Coach and Coordinator Podcast episode, host Keith Grabowski and Aaron Young, co founder of Coach Portal, dive into the evolving coaching job market and the challenges coaches face in advancing their careers.

They discuss the importance of networking, the hidden nature of many job opportunities, and the role athletic directors play in hiring. Aaron shares his journey in coaching and how it led to the creation of Coach Portal, a platform designed to help coaches expand their networks, increase visibility, and be better prepared for career opportunities.

More than just winning games, success in coaching is about building relationships, staying prepared, and positioning oneself for the right opportunities at the right time.

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Sign-up for Coach Portal:

Go to coach-portal.com

Early sign-ups get six months free.

Get a free month for referring other coaches.

Support Our Partners + Offers for Our Listeners:

10% Tool Kit

Coach and Coordinator pledges to source the latest and greatest products and services available in the coaching marketplace. We call this repository The 10% Toolkit for The 10% Coach. These resources are proven to help coaches win games and achieve all objectives for their programs. Think of it as a buyer's guide for vendors and suppliers we trust with our seal of certification.

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In this episode of The Turnaround Series, host Michael Echaves sits down with Charlie TeGantvoort, a coach with a track record of rebuilding struggling programs and turning them into winners. Coach T shares his approach to building relationships, changing team culture, and creating a winning mindset—all key elements in a program's transformation.

From inheriting teams with years of losing seasons to leading them to playoff victories and championships, Coach T details the strategies, leadership principles, and culture shifts that made success possible. He emphasizes the power of one-on-one connections, how to handle negative mindsets, and why winning starts before the first game is even played.

Whether you're a coach looking to revive a struggling program or someone fascinated by leadership and culture change, this episode delivers valuable lessons on commitment, strategy, and resilience.

Topics Covered

Support Our Sponsor – CoachTube

If you're working to turn a program around, having the right resources and proven strategies is essential. CoachTube is a technology platform that connects you with on-demand courses from elite coaches, state associations, and charities—helping you learn, grow, and develop your program.

If you're a coach with knowledge to share, CoachTube makes it easy to create and distribute your own training content. Teach what you know, help other coaches, and build your brand.

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

Subscribe, rate, and review to stay current with more insights from top turnaround coaches.

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Summary

In this episode of Champions presented by Signature Championship RIngs, three state championship coaches -John Daley, Jake McCrae, Derek Tuttle discuss their insights on high school football coaching, focusing on preparation strategies, evaluating new trends, player development, and innovative offensive and defensive strategies.

Today's Champions:

Derek Tuttle

Andover Central Jaguars

Kansas Class 4A State Champion

Jake McCrae

Deerfield-Windsor Knights

Georgia 2026 GIAA Class AAA Football State Champion

John Daley

Mascoma Royals

New Hampshire Division IV State Champion

The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to changes, collaborating with other coaches, and ensuring that players are effectively utilized in game plans. In this conversation, the coaches discuss various strategies for enhancing team performance, focusing on recognizing player contributions, maintaining consistency in practice, building trust, and adapting game plans. They emphasize the importance of performance-based dynamics, collaboration with other programs, and assessing defensive weaknesses. The dialogue also covers the balance of introducing new concepts while ensuring players understand their roles, ultimately aiming for a successful upcoming season.

Chapters

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.

Support Our Partners + Offers for Our Listeners:

10% Tool Kit

Coach and Coordinator pledges to source the latest and greatest products and services available in the coaching marketplace. We call this repository The 10% Toolkit for The 10% Coach. These resources are proven to help coaches win games and achieve all program objectives. Think of it as a buyers guide for vendors and suppliers we trust with our seal of certification.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices