In this episode, we focus on things coaches can do to ensure a positive start to the season and remain aligned with the culture we have worked on all year long and through camp.

Going back and revisiting those things before the week one kickoff brings attention back to what has brought us to this point, as well as reinforces the beliefs and behaviors that will take us through the long season. It’s also an opportunity to build football IQ through dress rehearsals and to get the pulse of the team by establishing open lines of communication so that when any issues arise, there’s trust to work together to solve problems.

Doing these things puts your team on solid footing as the adversity that impacts every team in some way is about to hit as it always does when the ball is kicked off.

Today’s Coaches:

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The early weeks of the season present varying levels of challenges depending on how your schedule is set up. Regardless of opponent, having clear objectives for your offense as well as a sound thought process for what goes into those early season game plans is important to getting your offense started off on the right foot. You want to have a package built around what your players do best as well as having enough answers to handle all you will face from opposing defenses.

In this episode, three coaches take a look at setting goals as well as paring down your whole camp install to something that will be most efficient and effective on game day.

Today’s Coaches:

Show Notes:

Related Episodes:

Additional Resources:

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The Headset App completely changes the communication market for coaches. While traditional headset systems are expensive, as well as a pain to transport and set up, The Headset App setup is ridiculously simple at a fraction of the cost. Download The Headset App today in the App Store or Google Play.

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In this episode, Tommy Zagorski talks about the importance of establishing an identity early in the season, playing complementary football in all phases, and simulating situations in practice.

Tommy Zagorski was named the head coach at Otterbein University in 2023. He holds a wealth of experience from multiple levels of football, most recently spending the 2022 season at Gilmour Academy in Ohio following a notable career in the college ranks. The Lancers played to a 9-2 record.

Coach Zagorski began his career at John Carroll University for eight seasons, beginning as a graduate assistant and finishing as the offensive coordinator. In their last two seasons, JCU went a combined 20-4. He teamed with head coach Tom Arth (now with the Los Angeles Chargers) and defensive coordinator Brandon Staley (now head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers) to reach the NCAA Division III Playoffs both seasons.

Zagorski then made a jump to the Division I ranks in 2015, joining Butch Jones' staff at the University of Tennessee as an offensive quality control coach. He then transitioned to Eastern Kentucky University (2016-18) and served in roles as assistant head coach, offensive coordinator, and tight ends coach. Zagorski moved back to reunite with Tom Arth at the University of Akron (2018-21), coaching the offensive line before assuming OC responsibilities once again.

Show Notes:

Check Out Our Entire Catalog for The Season.

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Learn More about Modern Football:

Modern Football predicts your opponent’s next move. Some of the most elite coaches in the game leverage this new platform for in-game decision making and play-calling success. Visit teammofo.com today to start dominating your opponents with a tool for detailed analysis that simply works and delivers value.

Learn More about The Headset App:

The Headset App completely changes the communication market for coaches. While traditional headset systems are expensive, as well as a pain to transport and set up, The Headset App setup is ridiculously simple at a fraction of the cost. Download The Headset App today in the App Store or Google Play.

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As camp wraps up, everything has been installed, and it’s now about refining the schemes and techniques, as well as focusing on the details.

Coaches cover so many things in camp. While we might feel that we have not given enough attention to everything, remember that your opponents are in the same situation. What’s important is staying focused on improving your players' fundamentals within the schemes you have installed. The cumulative effect of reps will start to take hold as you progress through the early part of the season, and you will start to see your players hitting a rhythm as you roll into mid-season.

In this episode, three coaches share their thoughts on the transition from camp into the season. They dig into the things that are most important to them as they make final decisions on the schemes and personnel that give them the best opportunity to win in week one.

Today’s Coaches:

Show Notes:

Thank you for supporting our partners:

Learn More about Modern Football:

Modern Football predicts your opponent’s next move. Some of the most elite coaches in the game leverage this new platform for in-game decision making and play-calling success. Visit teammofo.com today to start dominating your opponents with a tool for detailed analysis that simply works and delivers value.

Learn More about The Headset App:

The Headset App completely changes the communication market for coaches. While traditional headset systems are expensive, as well as a pain to transport and set up, The Headset App setup is ridiculously simple at a fraction of the cost. Download The Headset App today in the App Store or Google Play.

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The end of camp brings a new approach to the day and week. Schedules adjust with classes starting, and the new routine and rhythm of game week begins.

It’s time to cover all the details of game operations, everything from where people stand on the field to how you meet at halftime. Do not take the little things for granted. It’s also important to communicate with players as depth charts and playing opportunities become set, at least for week one.

In this episode, Morgan Scalley and Jonathan Himebauch point out the details coaches need to think about while making the transition from camp to week 1.

Today’s Coaches:

Show Notes:

Additional Episode Featuring Coach Himebauch:

The Mushroom Society: 5 as One

Thank you for supporting our partners:

Learn More about Modern Football:

Modern Football predicts your opponent’s next move. Some of the most elite coaches in the game leverage this new platform for in-game decision making and play-calling success. Visit teammofo.com today to start dominating your opponents with a tool for detailed analysis that simply works and delivers value.

Learn More about The Headset App:

The Headset App completely changes the communication market for coaches. While traditional headset systems are expensive, as well as a pain to transport and set up, The Headset App setup is ridiculously simple at a fraction of the cost. Download The Headset App today in the App Store or Google Play.

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

In our great game, on-field success hinges on a delicate balance between rigorous practice and adequate recovery. The significance of managing the proper amount of work in practice cannot be overstated. It directly influences players' readiness for optimal performance on game day. Striking this equilibrium is essential to ensure players are primed both physically and mentally to face the challenges of game day.

In this episode, Kirk Fridrich, head coach of Union High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, details how he winds down camp to prepare for week one, as well as how he sets the Redhawks' practice weeks up for the season. These practice formats have resulted in Union High School winning over 200 games and five state championships under Coach Fridrich.

Show Notes:

Additional Kirk Fridrich Episode:

Coaching Up External Stakeholders

Related Episodes:

Practice Scripting to Get Ready for Week 1

Avoid the First Game Conundrum

Check Out Our Entire Catalog for The Season.

Thank you for supporting our partners:

Learn More about Modern Football:

Modern Football predicts your opponent’s next move. Some of the most elite coaches in the game leverage this new platform for in-game decision making and play-calling success. Visit teammofo.com today to start dominating your opponents with a tool for detailed analysis that simply works and delivers value.

Learn More about The Headset App:

The Headset App completely changes the communication market for coaches. While traditional headset systems are expensive, as well as a pain to transport and set up, The Headset App setup is ridiculously simple at a fraction of the cost. Download The Headset App today in the App Store or Google Play.

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In this episode of The Season, host Keith Grabowski goes into his coaching notebook to talk about practicing special teams, specifically running an entire scrimmage around third down offense/defense and the kicking game.

This rarely used practice script demonstrates the importance of special teams and how to rep specific situations the team may see in the game. Coach Grabowski implemented the kicking scrimmage format, the idea for which he first heard from the late Wally Hood, at the high school and college levels.

The Script:

The kicking scrimmage begins with a kickoff. While offense and defense can be completely eliminated, you can use the kicking scrimmage to work third down situations. Start with the following number of repetitions in each third down situation:

3rd & 1 (2); 3rd & 2 (2); 3rd & 3 (4); 3rd & 4 (4); 3rd & 5 (2); 3rd & 6 (6); 3rd & 7 (4); 3rd & 8 (4); 3rd & 12 (2); 3rd & 15 (2)

Mix up the order as follows:

3rd & 1; 3rd & 15; 3rd & 2; 3rd & 12; 3rd & 3; 3rd & 8; 3rd & 3; 3rd & 8; 3rd & 4; 3rd & 7; 3rd & 5; 3rd & 7; 3rd & 5; 3rd & 6; 3rd & 6; 3rd & 6

Each team attempts to move the ball down the field with one offensive play. If the offense converts, then it moves to the next third down on the script. However, if the next offensive play results in another first down, the down becomes fourth and ten and part of the kicking game must be executed. Again, the emphasis is on the kicking game, so we do not want the offense on the field for more than two plays in a row.

Show Notes:

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Learn More about Modern Football:

Modern Football predicts your opponent’s next move. Some of the most elite coaches in the game leverage this new platform for in-game decision making and play-calling success. Visit teammofo.com today to start dominating your opponents with a tool for detailed analysis that simply works and delivers value.

Learn More about The Headset App:

The Headset App completely changes the communication market for coaches. While traditional headset systems are expensive, as well as a pain to transport and set up, The Headset App setup is ridiculously simple at a fraction of the cost. Download The Headset App today in the App Store or Google Play.

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When camp starts, we immediately dive into getting our starters ready for the week one kickoff that is right around the corner. Certainly, that is the main objective. We want our team ready to win.

However, we are also playing the long game as coaches. Most of our guys fall into the developmental category, especially the youngest players in our program.

In this episode, two coaches explain how they prioritize those young players, motivate them by building activities around them, and include the older players in the development.

Today’s Coaches:

Additional Episodes Featuring Coach Hogan:

Teachable Moments

QB and WR Timing and Evolving as a Coach

Related Resource:

Simple Drills for WR Indy

Thank you for supporting our partners:

Learn More about Modern Football:

Modern Football predicts your opponent’s next move. Some of the most elite coaches in the game leverage this new platform for in-game decision making and play-calling success. Visit teammofo.com today to start dominating your opponents with a tool for detailed analysis that simply works and delivers value.

Learn More about The Headset App:

The Headset App completely changes the communication market for coaches. While traditional headset systems are expensive, as well as a pain to transport and set up, The Headset App setup is ridiculously simple at a fraction of the cost. Download The Headset App today in the App Store or Google Play.

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In our last episode, we focused on the physical ways we can keep energy and enthusiasm going as we hit the midpoint of camp. In this episode, we shift to how we maintain the mental engagement of our players.

There will come a point when our players have been through the install and need more engagement than just repping the scheme and technique against a base front. They need to apply what they have learned to a variety of situations like they will have to in the game. Scheme and technique can develop simultaneously to ensure our players are able to play fast on game day.

Today’s guests discuss how they work to keep players mentally sharp and progressing over the obstacle of hitting a mental lull as they work through camp.

Today’s Coaches:

Additional Episodes:

Todd Drury: A Unique Practice Period for More Reps

Kyle Segler: Navigating a Coaching Transition

Related Resources from Kyle Segler:

TE Utilization in Multiple-Set Offense

Development of TE’s in Modern College Football

Thank you for supporting our partners:

Learn More about Modern Football:

Modern Football predicts your opponent’s next move. Some of the most elite coaches in the game leverage this new platform for in-game decision making and play-calling success. Visit teammofo.com today to start dominating your opponents with a tool for detailed analysis that simply works and delivers value.

Learn More about The Headset App:

The Headset App completely changes the communication market for coaches. While traditional headset systems are expensive, as well as a pain to transport and set up, The Headset App setup is ridiculously simple at a fraction of the cost. Download The Headset App today in the App Store or Google Play.

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

Midway through camp, your team is going to experience some dead legs, but you certainly don’t want your players to experience dead minds or dull spirits. It’s easy to come out at the beginning of camp with fire and energy behind a new season, but inevitably, you hit the midpoint wall.

As coaches, it’s part of our jobs to keep the momentum going. Today’s guests discuss ways to bring energy from meetings, competition-infused periods throughout practice, and off-field messages. There are plenty of ideas here to keep that energy flowing all the way to week one.

Today’s Coaches:

Related Episodes:

Michael Toerper:

Attitude, Preparation, and Teaching

John Tomlinson:

Developing a Passing Attack for a Young QB

OC Office Hour: Creating a QB-Friendly Offense

Related Resources:

Michael Toerper:

Special Teams Philosophy, Game Planning, and Transferable Skills

John Tomlinson:

Building a Passing Attack for a Young Quarterback - Part 1

Building a Passing Attack for a Young Quarterback - Part 2

Thank you for supporting our partners:

Learn More about Modern Football:

Modern Football predicts your opponent’s next move. Some of the most elite coaches in the game leverage this new platform for in-game decision making and play-calling success. Visit teammofo.com today to start dominating your opponents with a tool for detailed analysis that simply works and delivers value.

Learn More about The Headset App:

The Headset App completely changes the communication market for coaches. While traditional headset systems are expensive, as well as a pain to transport and set up, The Headset App setup is ridiculously simple at a fraction of the cost. Download The Headset App today in the App Store or Google Play.

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