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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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

Attend the C.O.O.L. Clinic:

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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

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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

GoRout helps coaches eliminate huddles, increase reps, and maximize efficiency with their game-changing technology.

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In this episode of The Next Move presented by Coach Portal, Keith Grabowski and Bryce Lewis, secondary coach at Middle Tennessee State, discuss the significance of being prepared for unexpected opportunities in coaching. They dive into the art of crafting an effective elevator pitch that leaves a memorable impression, emphasizing the need for authenticity and confidence in delivery. The conversation highlights practical tips for coaches to articulate their strengths and philosophies succinctly, ensuring they stand out in a competitive field.

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In this episode, we explore Modern Football Technology's transformative impact and student assistants' role in high school coaching. We discuss how real-time analytics can enhance decision-making on game day, supported by a comprehensive support system that includes student volunteers and assistants. 

We hear from Trevor Hudson, who led American Canyon to a Class 5 CIF State Championship. He shares how empowering his student manager helped maximize the use of technology during games, leading to exceptional team performance. Keegan Wirtz, defensive coordinator of 2024 Wisconsin runner-up  West De Pere, describes an innovative approach in utilizing non-football volunteers to enhance analytics, illustrating the value of community involvement. Patrick Walsh, head coach of Serra High School in San Mateo, CA, emphasizes the cultural importance of student assistants and their integral contributions, while Mark Solis, offensive coordinator at Hilliard Darby in Ohio offers practical advice on assembling an effective support team. 

This episode underscores the synergy between technology and student engagement as a key strategy for high school football success.

Chapters

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 the Sprint-Based Football presented by Titans Sensors, host Tony Holler is joined by John Shaw, Assistant Coach of Speed and Performance for the Tennessee Titans, for an in-depth conversation on the power of speed development in professional football. Coach Shaw shares his unique perspective on how speed impacts player performance, injury prevention, and long-term athletic success—even at the highest level of the sport.

The discussion explores how collaboration between coaches drives athlete development, why quality over quantity matters in training, and how technology is shaping the future of performance. John also reflects on his journey to the NFL, the challenges and surprises along the way, and the values that continue to shape his coaching philosophy. From his early days working with young athletes to leading speed programs for elite professionals, John emphasizes the importance of consistency, relationship-building, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Chapters

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

John Shaw @Coach_J_Shaw

Sprint-Based Football Resources on CoachTube:

Sprint-Based Football Bundle

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TFC Sprint-Based Football

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In this episode of The Next Move presented by Coach Portal, Jaylen Banks discusses how assistant coaches can earn more responsibility by focusing on small moments that build trust and demonstrate reliability. Coach Banks shares practical tips on how to excel in current roles, anticipate needs, and handle tasks enthusiastically, emphasizing the importance of being present and proactive in one's coaching journey.

The Next Move is Powered by Coach Portal. What is Coach Portal?

Coach Portal is a career advancement platform built specifically for coaches. It’s not just a job board—it’s a real-time database where coaches can build professional profiles, track job movement, and get seen by hiring decision-makers before jobs are even posted. Whether you're actively job hunting or preparing for your next move, Coach Portal helps you stay ahead of the curve.

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In episode of Your Call presented by The Headset App, Jeremy Plaa, head football coach at Thomas Downey High School in Modesto, California, discusses the PridePoint system implemented in his football program. This system creates accountability and competition among players, encouraging them to earn points through various activities such as participating in other sports, maintaining good grades, and engaging in community service. The conversation also highlights the importance of competition during off-season training through structured summer games designed to build teamwork and improve skills. Coach Plaa emphasizes the positive impact of this system on player motivation and program culture.

Support our Partner: The Headset App

Tired of expensive, outdated headset systems? The Head Set App is here to revolutionize sideline communication. Built by coaches, for coaches, this innovative app provides a seamless, reliable, and cost-effective solution to keep your staff connected in real-time. No more hardware headaches—just clear, efficient communication when it matters most.

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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