This is the weekly recap of this past week’s Coach and Coordinator podcasts! Host Keith Grabowski was joined by two coaches in the FBS Power Five, a super bowl champion with the Indianapolis Colts and a college football hall of famer. On the shows were University of Michigan offensive analyst Tanner Engstrand, Mississippi State head coach Joe Moorhead, former NFL linebacker Freddy Keiaho and former college football all-American quarterback Jim Ballard. Listen in to hear a preview of each show!

Today’s guest on the Coach and Coordinator podcast is Thad Wells, head coach at Mooresville (North Carolina) High School. Wells begins his first season as head coach at Mooresville, after he was the head coach at Blacksburg (Virginia) High School for three seasons. Under Wells, Blacksburg went 27-12 overall, including winning a state title in 2016. Last season, Blacksburg went 11-2 overall, but lost in the regional final game by a single point.

Before coming to Blacksburg, Wells spent one season as a head coach at Colleton Preparatory Academy in Walterboro, South Carolina. Wells was 27 years old when he was hired to be a head coach at Colleton in 2014. Prior to becoming a head coach, Wells spent a year as an offensive coordinator at Virginia High School in Bristol, Virginia. Before coaching, Wells played football at Richlands High School before playing at Emory & Henry College. He graduated from Radford University, where he was a football assistant at Radford High School during that time. Wells also returned to Richlands as an assistant coach after college.

On today’s show, Wells and host Keith Grabowski talk about Wells’ outside-the-box philosophy to formation, his purpose in life, and how he inspires others to follow their passion.

Show Notes

1:23 Inspired to coach by a video game

3:52 Video games being a helpful distractor

5:58 Different approach to game planning during the week

11:12 Adapting formation from its starting point

13:07 Personnel changes adjusting the schemes

16:33 Formation according to position on the field

19:29 His passion for coaching

27:10 Becoming aware of a coach’s program

29:46 Developing a culture through choice

31:49 The Winning Edge

Today’s guest on the Coach and Coordinator podcast is Thad Wells, head coach at Mooresville (North Carolina) High School. Wells begins his first season as head coach at Mooresville, after he was the head coach at Blacksburg (Virginia) High School for three seasons. Under Wells, Blacksburg went 27-12 overall, including winning a state title in 2016. Last season, Blacksburg went 11-2 overall, but lost in the regional final game by a single point.

Before coming to Blacksburg, Wells spent one season as a head coach at Colleton Preparatory Academy in Walterboro, South Carolina. Wells was 27 years old when he was hired to be a head coach at Colleton in 2014. Prior to becoming a head coach, Wells spent a year as an offensive coordinator at Virginia High School in Bristol, Virginia. Before coaching, Wells played football at Richlands High School before playing at Emory & Henry College. He graduated from Radford University, where he was a football assistant at Radford High School during that time. Wells also returned to Richlands as an assistant coach after college.

On today’s show, Wells and host Keith Grabowski talk about Wells’ outside-the-box philosophy to formation, his purpose in life, and how he inspires others to follow their passion.

Show Notes

1:23 Inspired to coach by a video game

3:52 Video games being a helpful distractor

5:58 Different approach to game planning during the week

11:12 Adapting formation from its starting point

13:07 Personnel changes adjusting the schemes

16:33 Formation according to position on the field

19:29 His passion for coaching

27:10 Becoming aware of a coach’s program

29:46 Developing a culture through choice

31:49 The Winning Edge

Today’s guest on the USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast is Jim Ballard, College Football Hall of Famer and founder of the Jim Ballard Quarterback Academy. He also had a long professional career across a variety of leagues. Ballard played in the NFL, CFL, NFL Europe and Arena Football from 1994 to 2003. Some of the teams included the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Scottish Claymores, Toronto Argonauts and the Indiana Firebirds. Ballard had his most success during his collegiate career at Mount Union College, an NCAA Division III school in Alliance, Ohio. Including being induced to the College Football Hall of Fame for his play at Mount Union, Ballard was also an All-American while in college.

Ballard started his college career at D-III Wilmington (Ohio) College for one season before transferring to Mount Union. Across his career, Ballard broke 17 D-III passing records and was named all-conference all three seasons. In addition to being an all-American, Ballard was also awarded the Gagliardi Trophy for the Division III college football player of the year in 1993. Today, Ballard works with developing high school quarterbacks at the Jim Ballard Quarterback Academy.

On today’s podcast, Ballard and host Keith Grabowski talk about Ballard’s Quarterback Academy, the challenges of coordinating with high school coaches and parents, and how Mount Union prepared him to teach young athletes.

Show Notes

1:16 Mentoring local quarterbacks into college

2:36 Working alongside high school coaches

3:53 Beginnings of the quarterback development camp

6:16 Developing players going to Mount Union

7:55 Being flexible in teaching how to be a quarterback

10:50 Increasing Football IQ of the quarterback

12:29 Advice to parents of players going through the academy

14:54 Helping athletes gain exposure through camps

16:32 What to show on highlight tapes for quarterbacks

18:50 Having a strong base when throwing the ball

20:51 Being a leader in the huddle and knowing everyone’s role

22:25 Building confidence into leadership

23:42 The Roll Pass at Mount Union

25:15 Simulating the RPO

26:52 How can coaches develop players in-season

28:35 Providing 1-on-1 teaching with the quarterbacks

Today’s guest on the USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast is Jim Ballard, College Football Hall of Famer and founder of the Jim Ballard Quarterback Academy. He also had a long professional career across a variety of leagues. Ballard played in the NFL, CFL, NFL Europe and Arena Football from 1994 to 2003. Some of the teams included the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Scottish Claymores, Toronto Argonauts and the Indiana Firebirds. Ballard had his most success during his collegiate career at Mount Union College, an NCAA Division III school in Alliance, Ohio. Including being induced to the College Football Hall of Fame for his play at Mount Union, Ballard was also an All-American while in college.

Ballard started his college career at D-III Wilmington (Ohio) College for one season before transferring to Mount Union. Across his career, Ballard broke 17 D-III passing records and was named all-conference all three seasons. In addition to being an all-American, Ballard was also awarded the Gagliardi Trophy for the Division III college football player of the year in 1993. Today, Ballard works with developing high school quarterbacks at the Jim Ballard Quarterback Academy.

On today’s podcast, Ballard and host Keith Grabowski talk about Ballard’s Quarterback Academy, the challenges of coordinating with high school coaches and parents, and how Mount Union prepared him to teach young athletes.

Show Notes

1:16 Mentoring local quarterbacks into college

2:36 Working alongside high school coaches

3:53 Beginnings of the quarterback development camp

6:16 Developing players going to Mount Union

7:55 Being flexible in teaching how to be a quarterback

10:50 Increasing Football IQ of the quarterback

12:29 Advice to parents of players going through the academy

14:54 Helping athletes gain exposure through camps

16:32 What to show on highlight tapes for quarterbacks

18:50 Having a strong base when throwing the ball

20:51 Being a leader in the huddle and knowing everyone’s role

22:25 Building confidence into leadership

23:42 The Roll Pass at Mount Union

25:15 Simulating the RPO

26:52 How can coaches develop players in-season

28:35 Providing 1-on-1 teaching with the quarterbacks

The guest on today’s USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast is former linebacker and 2007 Super Bowl champion with the Indianapolis Colts, Freddy Keiaho. He played five years in the NFL, with the Colts from 2006-09, and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2010. In his rookie season, Keiaho helped the Colts win the 2007 Super Bowl over the Chicago Bears. Throughout his career, Keiaho recorded 243 tackles, forced two fumbles and had an interception.

Keiaho came to the NFL after a stellar career at San Diego State University. Prior to San Diego State, Keiaho graduated and played at Buena High School in Ventura, California. He and his family came to California after moving from Keiaho’s birthplace, Suva, Fiji. Today, Keiaho lives in Carlsbad, California, with his wife Tracey and their three children. Keiaho has worked with Scott Peters at the USA Football Tip of the Spear Contact System clinic.

In today’s podcast, Keiaho and host Keith Grabowski discuss the difficulty of transitioning away from football, player safety, and new techniques to protect players while preserving contact.

Show Notes

1:18 The hardships of transitioning away from football

4:02 Adjusting to life after sports

8:08 Using coaching to build player’s character

11:01 Coaching techniques from his playing career

13:02 New technology helping high school coaches

14:51 Lessons and practices from Tip of the Spear

19:22 Being smart with football techniques and safety

22:55 Alternatives to schools changing youth football

The guest on today’s USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast is former linebacker and 2007 Super Bowl champion with the Indianapolis Colts, Freddy Keiaho. He played five years in the NFL, with the Colts from 2006-09, and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2010. In his rookie season, Keiaho helped the Colts win the 2007 Super Bowl over the Chicago Bears. Throughout his career, Keiaho recorded 243 tackles, forced two fumbles and had an interception.

Keiaho came to the NFL after a stellar career at San Diego State University. Prior to San Diego State, Keiaho graduated and played at Buena High School in Ventura, California. He and his family came to California after moving from Keiaho’s birthplace, Suva, Fiji. Today, Keiaho lives in Carlsbad, California, with his wife Tracey and their three children. Keiaho has worked with Scott Peters at the USA Football Tip of the Spear Contact System clinic.

In today’s podcast, Keiaho and host Keith Grabowski discuss the difficulty of transitioning away from football, player safety, and new techniques to protect players while preserving contact.

Show Notes

1:18 The hardships of transitioning away from football

4:02 Adjusting to life after sports

8:08 Using coaching to build player’s character

11:01 Coaching techniques from his playing career

13:02 New technology helping high school coaches

14:51 Lessons and practices from Tip of the Spear

19:22 Being smart with football techniques and safety

22:55 Alternatives to schools changing youth football

Today’s guest on the USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast is Joe Moorhead, head coach at Mississippi State University. Moorhead is starting his first season at Mississippi State this year after spending two seasons as the offensive coordinator at Penn State. At Penn State, Moorhead was named National Offensive Coordinator of the Year by 247Sports in 2016 and helped lead Penn State’s offense to being one of the best in country. The Nittany Lions ranked in the top 25 nationally last season in points per game, yards per play and red zone conversion percentage. Moorhead developed quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley while at Penn State, helping them to become finalists in several national awards.

Moorhead has worked as a coach in college football for close to 20 years. Prior to Penn State, Moorhead was the head coach at FCS school Fordham, Moorhead’s alma mater. Before Fordham, Moorhead worked at several FBS and FCS schools as an assistant coach on the offensive side of the ball. These include Connecticut, Akron, Georgetown and Pittsburgh. At every stop since Georgetown, Moorhead rose to the rank of offensive coordinator during his stay. Moorhead graduated from Fordham in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in English.

On today’s podcast, Moorhead and host Keith Grabowski talk about offensive schemes, Moorhead’s experience at the college level, and what it takes to build a strong culture at a program.

Show Notes

1:28 Getting the start in coaching with unconventional methods

2:36 First lessons as a coach at Pittsburgh

3:50 Learning and teaching new phases of the game

5:05 Setting the foundation of his offense at Akron

6:38 Using the 11-personnel offense to play fast

8:12 Combining an RPO run game with West Coast passing

9:23 Developing a clear and concise system at Fordham

10:33 Coaching talent and creating a culture at Penn State

12:40 Using the RPO to replace Bubble offense

14:00 Starting the first year at Mississippi State right

15:04 Bringing in new faces to fill out his staff at MSU

16:45 Building relationships and trust with student-athletes

18:17 Instilling confidence in your program

20:08 Creating a strong culture in spring practices

21:02 Motto for the upcoming season

22:08 What makes a good recruiter at all levels

23:33 The Winning Edge

24:40 Expectations of good coaching from his staff

Today’s guest on the USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast is Joe Moorhead, head coach at Mississippi State University. Moorhead is starting his first season at Mississippi State this year after spending two seasons as the offensive coordinator at Penn State. At Penn State, Moorhead was named National Offensive Coordinator of the Year by 247Sports in 2016 and helped lead Penn State’s offense to being one of the best in country. The Nittany Lions ranked in the top 25 nationally last season in points per game, yards per play and red zone conversion percentage. Moorhead developed quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley while at Penn State, helping them to become finalists in several national awards.

Moorhead has worked as a coach in college football for close to 20 years. Prior to Penn State, Moorhead was the head coach at FCS school Fordham, Moorhead’s alma mater. Before Fordham, Moorhead worked at several FBS and FCS schools as an assistant coach on the offensive side of the ball. These include Connecticut, Akron, Georgetown and Pittsburgh. At every stop since Georgetown, Moorhead rose to the rank of offensive coordinator during his stay. Moorhead graduated from Fordham in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in English.

On today’s podcast, Moorhead and host Keith Grabowski talk about offensive schemes, Moorhead’s experience at the college level, and what it takes to build a strong culture at a program.

Show Notes

1:28 Getting the start in coaching with unconventional methods

2:36 First lessons as a coach at Pittsburgh

3:50 Learning and teaching new phases of the game

5:05 Setting the foundation of his offense at Akron

6:38 Using the 11-personnel offense to play fast

8:12 Combining an RPO run game with West Coast passing

9:23 Developing a clear and concise system at Fordham

10:33 Coaching talent and creating a culture at Penn State

12:40 Using the RPO to replace Bubble offense

14:00 Starting the first year at Mississippi State right

15:04 Bringing in new faces to fill out his staff at MSU

16:45 Building relationships and trust with student-athletes

18:17 Instilling confidence in your program

20:08 Creating a strong culture in spring practices

21:02 Motto for the upcoming season

22:08 What makes a good recruiter at all levels

23:33 The Winning Edge

24:40 Expectations of good coaching from his staff

The guest on today’s Coach and Coordinator podcast is the new offensive analyst for the University of Michigan, Tanner Engstrand. Engstrand comes to Michigan this season after 13 seasons at the University of San Diego. Since 2011, Engstrand worked as the offensive coordinator and was promoted to assistant head coach in 2013. being named offensive coordinator, USD compiled a 63-18 record and brought home six FCS Pioneer League titles. USD also led the conference in scoring offense with 36.4 points per game.

Before being named the offensive coordinator, Engstrand worked directly with the quarterbacks and running backs for three seasons, starting in 2007. Engstrand began his career at San Diego, working as a graduate assistant straight out of college under Engstrand’s new boss at Michigan, coach Jim Harbaugh. Engstrand played quarterback at Grossmont College for two seasons before finishing his collegiate career at San Diego State. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from SDSU in 2005 and his master’s in business administration at the University of San Diego in 2007.

In today’s podcast, Engstrand and host Keith Grabowski talk about the experience Engstrand gained working at San Diego, his advancement as a young coach in college football, and the new position he has at Michigan.

Show Notes

0:56 Working as a graduate assistant under Jim Harbaugh

1:56 Growth as a coach at San Diego

3:42 Progression to becoming the offensive coordinator

6:21 Using the up-tempo offense creatively

7:41 Valuing the football and dictating time of possession

9:52 Different formations using the play-action

12:21 Decision to move from USD to Michigan

13:45 Engstrand’s new role as an offensive analyst

15:03 Advance scouting of opponents

15:47 Using analytics to improve the team

17:11 Advice in moving up as a young coach