At AFCA, Keith Grabowski talks with Dr. Timothy Royer, founder of Inner Armor, to explore what really drives performance under pressure.

Dr. Royer brings more than 30 years of clinical neuropsychology experience into the sports world, working with elite athletes, coaches, and organizations across the NFL, NBA, golf, and tennis. Rather than focusing solely on mindset or visualization, his work looks upstream—measuring real-time brain activity, nervous system balance, stress, focus, and physiological readiness.

This conversation dives into how coaches and athletes can use objective data to prepare for high-pressure moments, make better decisions, and sustain performance over time—and how this technology is now scalable and accessible for entire programs.

Meeting Inner Armor at AFCA

What Inner Armor Actually Measures

Looking “Upstream” in the Brain

Quarterbacks, Pressure, and Real-Time Data

Coaches Under Pressure

Scaling Performance Technology to Teams

Beyond Sports: Decision-Making and Resilience

Does This Actually Help You Win?

Final Thoughts on Sustainable Performance

This episode is part of the Coach and Coordinator Network ecosystem, where conversations like this don’t stop at theory.

Explore Smart Clinics—focused, practical learning experiences designed to help coaches apply ideas immediately and perform better when it matters most.

https://coachandcoordinator.com/

Learn more about Inner Armor:

https://www.forgeinnerarmor.com/

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At AFCA 2026, Keith Grabowski talks with Richie Gray to explore how contact training, tackling methodology, and innovation have reshaped modern football.

Richie shares lessons from his rugby background, his work with USA Football and the NFL, and his belief that better technique and better tools lead to safer, more effective play. The conversation focuses on accuracy, realism, and solving problems through coaching rather than rule changes.

The discussion also touches on the quarterback sneak and tush push. Richie explains how his insight contributed to the play’s early development and why its success comes from timing, personnel, and repetition rather than gimmickry. He emphasizes that defenses must solve the play through coaching detail and structure instead of relying on rule changes.

• How rugby principles influenced modern football tackling

Learn more about Smart Clinics at https://coachandcoordinator.com/

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@CoachKGrabowski

@RichieGrayGSI

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On this episode of Champions, presented by Signature Championship Rings, we sit down with Division III national championship coach Matt Walker to explore the journey, mindset, and culture behind building a championship program from the ground up.

Coach Walker reflects on defining moments in his career, including how the COVID era forced deep reflection and bold decision-making. Central to the conversation is the Palm Up mentality, a philosophy rooted in selflessness, trust, and empowering players to serve something bigger than themselves. He explains how this mindset reshaped team culture, strengthened leadership within the locker room, and became a competitive edge on the field.

The discussion also dives into the difference between real and fake toughness, why authenticity matters more than ever with today’s players, and how an intentionally built weight room culture reinforces standards every day. Walker shares how sustaining success brings new challenges, why an aggressive game philosophy must align with belief and preparation, and how clear values help programs continue to grow after winning it all.

This episode offers insight for coaches at every level who are looking to build tough, connected, and authentic teams and a reminder that championship culture is lived daily, not claimed after the fact.

This episode is paired with the Coach and Coordinator AI - Palm Up Program Builder, a custom GPT built entirely from Matt Walker’s interview, designed to help coaches translate Palm Up philosophy into clear standards, language, and systems. For coaches focused on building real toughness, developing player-led leadership, and aligning culture from the weight room to game day, this AI Companion offers a practical blueprint for sustainable program success.

Chapters

Connect on X:

Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski

Matt Walker: @CoachWalkerRF

Learn More About Our Partner: 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 https://signaturechampions.com/podcast/ .

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On this episode of Sprint Based Football, presented by Titan Sports, Tony Holler is joined by Monte Sparkman for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolution of sprint-based football and modern athletic training.

Monte Sparkman is an Athletic Performance / Strength Science Coach at Haltom High School (TX).

The two discuss how social media, particularly Twitter—has transformed the way coaches connect, share ideas, and build meaningful professional networks. They also explore the resurgence of sprint-based football in Texas and how strong culture, clear communication, and accountability are essential to athlete development.

Throughout the episode, Holler and Sparkman dive into the role of metrics and technology in coaching, highlighting why speed, vertical jump, and movement quality are key indicators of both performance and athlete health. They examine the balance between strength training and speed development, highlighting that sprinting not only enhances performance but also plays a critical role in injury prevention.

This conversation offers coaches practical insights on building a data-informed, athlete-first environment—where speed, health, and culture work together to drive long-term success.

Chapters

Connect X:

Tony Holler: @pntrack

Titan Sensor: @titansensor

Monte Sparkman: @MonteSparkman

Support our Partner: Titan Sensor

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. 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.

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On this episode of Coach and Coordinator, Coach Paul Kilby breaks down why the Slot-T offense continues to thrive in modern football, even as it’s often labeled outdated. He explains how tempo, huddle dynamics, and disciplined execution make the offense difficult for defenses to prepare for, while still allowing flexibility based on personnel.

Coach Kilby also dives into the importance of structured practice routines, building a culture rooted in selflessness, and recruiting players who fit the system rather than chasing athletic profiles alone. The conversation highlights how the Slot-T promotes a true team-first mentality, adapts to different skill sets, and remains sustainable by passing knowledge from one generation of coaches to the next.

Chapters

Connect on X:

Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski

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On this episode of Sprint Based Football, presented by Titan Sports, Tony Holler sits down with Nick Codutti, Head Football Coach at Klein HS (TX), to break down a modern, analytical approach to football training. Codutti shares his path from biochemical engineering to coaching and explains why sprint-based training sits at the core of his philosophy for improving performance while significantly reducing injuries.

The conversation explores how structured practices, performance-driven training days, and data-informed decisions can protect athletes while helping them peak when it matters most. Codutti also discusses the role of RPR (Reflexive Performance Reset), efficient weight training, recovery, and the importance of coach and player well-being. Throughout the episode, he highlights accountability, measurable effort, and the smart use of technology as key elements of sustainable success and a winning culture.

Chapters:

Connect on X:

Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski

Tony Holler: @pntrack

Nick Codutti: @coachcodutti

Titan Sensor: @titansensor

Support our Partner: Titan Sensor

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. 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.

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On this Best of 2025 episode of Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit a Culture OS conversation that stood out for how it showed what effective leadership and program alignment look like in real time. Our guest is Jason Eck, head football coach at the University of New Mexico. Coach Eck engineered a historic turnaround in his first season and was named Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year.

Hosted by Robert Pomazak, the discussion explores how culture is evaluated, how standards are set, and why consistency of self matters long before results show up on Saturdays. Coach Eck explains how he built trust with inherited players, aligned his staff around clear expectations, and created belief quickly, without taking shortcuts.

The conversation also addresses the challenges of transitioning families, delegating responsibility, and sustaining success once momentum is established. Throughout the episode, Coach Eck reinforces that culture shows up in daily behavior, accountability, and leaders who consistently model what they ask of others.

This Best of 2025 selection is paired with the Culture OS Companion, an AI learning tool built from Culture OS conversations, designed to help coaches apply these leadership and culture principles within their own programs. For coaches navigating transitions, rebuilding belief, or seeking lasting alignment, this episode remains essential listening.

Culture OS AI Companion

Chapters

Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025

Jason Eck’s First Season Turnaround

Navigating Coaching Transitions

Building Trust With Inherited Players

Establishing Standards Early

Leadership Alignment Within the Staff

Culture as Daily Behavior

Accountability and Expectations

Sustaining Success After Momentum

Applying Culture OS Principles

Help share your team’s story with Story of the Season.

Connect on X:

Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski

Robert Pomazak: @robertpomazak

Jason Eck: @Coach_Eck

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On this episode of Best of 2025 from the Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the year’s most impactful leadership conversations, featuring Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, recorded at the QB Collective.

While the event centers on quarterbacks, Weaver brings a defensive and leadership perspective that translates across position rooms, staffs, and every level of the game. The discussion centers on transparent teaching, building player-led environments, staying steady through adversity, and simplifying without losing effectiveness.

Coach Weaver explains why great coaching isn’t about chasing trends or quick answers, but about developing people, setting clear standards, and earning trust over time. He reflects on the experiences that shaped his journey, the value of authenticity, and how consistency in teaching and values helps teams hold up under pressure.

Chapters

Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025

Coaching Philosophy at the QB Collective

Developing People Before Players

Teaching With Clarity and Intent

Building Player-Led Environments

Consistency Through Adversity

Relationships and Trust in Coaching

Authenticity and Resilience

Advice for Aspiring Coaches

Leadership Standards That Hold Up

Connect on X:

Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski

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On this episode of Best of 2025 from the Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the year’s most eye-opening conversations on speed development and athlete preparation, featuring John Shaw, Assistant for Speed and Performance for the Tennessee Titans, with host Tony Holler.

The episode challenges the assumption that speed peaks early or can’t be developed at the highest levels of football. Shaw explains why speed remains trainable in the NFL, how consistent sprint exposure supports durability, and why intentional decision-making, knowing when to push and when to pull back—is essential to keeping athletes fast and available throughout the season.

The conversation also explores the importance of coach communication, the integration of sports science, and alignment between sprint work and the weight room to drive sustainable performance gains. Shaw reflects on his coaching journey, the value of relationships, and why speed development isn’t a phase or a preseason checkbox, but a year-round commitment directly tied to player health and longevity.

Chapters:

Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025

Can Speed Still Be Developed at the NFL Level

Intentional Training Decisions

Sprint Exposure and Durability

Aligning Speed Work With the Weight Room

Using Data to Guide Performance Decisions

Developing Speed in Big Players

Collaboration and Coaching Relationships

Speed Development Across All Levels

Building Fast, Available Athletes

Connect on X:

Coach John Shaw: ⁠@Coach_J_Shaw⁠

Tony Holler: ⁠@pntrack

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://titansensor.com

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On this Best of 2025 episode of the Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit a conversation that delivered applicable ideas for coaches looking to make practice more competitive and intentional. In this episode of Your Call, host Keith Grabowski sits down with Patrick Daberkow, head coach at Concordia University–Nebraska and co-founder of the Headset App, to break down the Dog Ball scoring system.

Coach Daberkow explains how he built, tested, and refined a practice competition model designed to reward the right behaviors, keep scores tight, and avoid runaway periods. The discussion details how offensive, defensive, and special teams plays are incorporated into the scoring system, and why decision-making pressure in practice must mirror what players face on game day.

The conversation also highlights how clear, efficient communication allows competition systems like Dog Ball to operate at full speed. Patrick shares how tools like the Headset App simplify practice and game-day communication, lower cost barriers, and help staffs rehearse real game-day mechanics throughout the week.

This Best of 2025 selection is paired with a Coach and Coordinator AI Companion built from this episode with Patrick Daberkow, designed to help coaches think through and create their own practice scoring systems using the same principles. For staffs looking to increase engagement, sharpen decision-making, and build competitive habits that translate to gameday, this episode is an essential listen.

Coach and Coordinator AI - Dog Ball Scoring

Chapters

Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025

The Purpose Behind Dog Ball Scoring

Designing Competition Without Runaway Scores

Rewarding Process Over Results

Offensive and Defensive Scoring Mechanics

Integrating Special Teams into Competition

Decision-Making Under Practice Pressure

Communication as the Engine of Competition

Using the Headset App in Practice

Building a Scoring System That Fits Your Program

Connect on X:

Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski

Patrick Daberkow: @PatrickDaberkow

Learn More About Our Partner:

The Headset App, Sideline Communication at a Fraction of the Cost.

Join the growing number of coaches making the switch and take your game-day decision-making to the next level.
Download the Headset App and start coaching smarter!

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