Today’s guest on the USA Football Coach and Coordinator is Geoff Marcone, head coach at La Salle Academy (Providence, Rhode Island). Marcone is beginning his 15th season as the head coach of the Rams. Throughout his tenure, Marcone has led La Salle to two state titles and six appearances in the state championship game. La Salle has made an appearance in the state finals game in each of the last four years, winning in 2017. Marcone boasts a 127-40 record as a head coach, with six double-digit win seasons. Marcone was hired as the head coach at La Salle in 2004 after serving four years as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator for the Rams. During that time, La Salle won back-to-back state championships in 2000-01.

On today’s show, Marcone and host Keith Grabowski talk about Marcone’s influence from his father in coaching, setting up efficient practices and building team unity every season.

Show Notes

0:46 Growing up the son of a football coach

1:27 When Marcone knew he wanted to be a coach

2:19 Having your dad on your coaching staff

3:27 Building relationships within the team

4:48 The impact of an off-campus preseason camp

6:03 Creating team unity naturally with different activities

7:43 Integrating new players in the team

9:18 Ensuring the unity continues after camp and into the season

12:08 Running a quick and efficient practice

13:54 Breaking down a quick practice into segments

15:11 Practicing the no-huddle and getting several reps in

16:01 Quarterback’s decision-making influencing practice speed

17:10 Setting up the scout team to play against an up-tempo offense

18:21 Signaling in plays from the sideline

19:42 Drilling decision-making in the RPO

21:28 Favorite RPO to run and quarterback reads

23:51 Evaluating the team and reflection at the end of the season

26:06 Trusting the coaching staff to develop and teach players

27:38 The Winning Edge