From the Archives- 
Today’s Coach and Coordinator podcast features University of Toledo head coach Jason Candle. Candle enters his third full season as the Rockets’ coach, and he’s been with the program since 2009. He started as a receivers coach in his first years at Toledo, moving to offensive coordinator and associate head coach during the 2014-15 seasons. Last year, Candle led the Rockets to their first Mid-American Conference Championship in 13 years with an 11-3 record.

Prior to Toledo, Candle coached at his alma mater Mount Union, an NCAA Division III football power in Alliance, Ohio. Candle worked with the receivers from 2002-06, then was the offensive coordinator from 2007-08. Mount Union won three national championships while Candle was on the staff and accumulated an 83-4 record over the six years Candle was there. Candle was able to play for and coach alongside head coach Larry Kehres, an 11-time national champion-winning coach at Mount Union.

Throughout his coaching career, Candle has coached several current NFL players, including wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Cecil Shorts at Mount Union, along with Kansas City running back Kareem Hunt while at Toledo.

In the podcast, Candle talks with host Keith Grabowski about his experience at Mount Union with Coach Kehres, as well as Candle’s coaching philosophy and style.

Show Notes

1:13 Transition from being a player to a coach at the same school
3:59 Influence from Coach Kehres into Candle’s philosophy
6:31 Impact of former Toledo coach Matt Campbell from playing to coaching
8:27 Creating the culture of the Toledo coaching staff
10:19 Expectations of Candle’s staff at Toledo
12:14 Keys to having success with recruiting
14:51 Tips to promoting football at the high school level
17:42 How Candle built a culture leading to a MAC championship
20:50 What differentiates Candle’s coaching style from others.
23:18 Developing a dynamic offense at Toledo
25:53 Balancing a coach’s scheme and the players
27:10 Focusing on the student-athletes
27:51 The Winning Edge

Related Links:

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Jason Candle: Growth as a coach, building a program, utilizing talent

Keith Grabowski interviews the most knowledgeable head coaches, coordinators, and position coaches from professional, college, and high school football. Keith and his guests discuss the philosophy, concepts, schemes, and strategies that they have learned throughout their careers. Each show includes a specific idea that can be applied to help coaches at every level find the winning edge.

Sports

In this episode of our Champions series, we sit down with Coach Andy Lierman from Liberty North High School, the Class 6A champions in Missouri. Coach Lierman shares insights on the importance of connecting with players, his transition to a three-safety defense, and the journey to their first state championship. 
Join us as we discuss the strategies, challenges, and lessons learned from Coach Lierman's successful coaching career.

Show Notes:

Platoons and Player Connections

Involvement of All Players

Managing a Large Coaching Staff

Transition to a 3-High Safety Defense

Stopping the Run in a Light Box

Disguising Coverages with Three Safeties

Implementing New Defensive Strategies

Patience and Growth in Coaching

Looking Ahead to Defending the Championship

Winning Edge


Follow Andy Lierman on Twitter/X @CoachALierman.

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Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.
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Thank you for supporting our partners:
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.

Learn More about FirstDown Playbook:
FirstDown PlayBook is a coaching tool and program management system with over 35,000 customizable plays, defenses, and special teams schemes. With tools such as video pairing, practice schedules, wristband creation, practice scripts, scouting reports, and a player app, FirstDown PlayBook helps save time and organize your program all in one place. Schedule a 15-minute Zoom meeting with former NFL coach Charlie Coiner or call  (512) 814-6158 to receive a one-week free trial. Or use the coupon code COACH24 to receive a $100 discount on a team membership.

Learn More about Vertical Raise:
Vertical Raise is the premier online fundraising platform, using innovative technology to create the easiest and most efficient system available. Raise more money in less time, with a local fundraising coach who works with your team every step of the way to customize the ideal fundraiser. With options for online donations, digital discount cards, premium product sales, and even spirit shops, Vertical Raise has top-of-the-line solutions for every fundraising style. To find out more, visit VerticalRaise.com, and get connected with an exclusive offer on your first fundraiser.

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Champions: Creating Connection – Andy Lierman, Head Coach, Liberty North HS (MO)

Patrick Steenberge, founder and CEO of Global Football, joins Coach and Coordinator Podcast to kick off the new series Kileleni: To the Summit. Patrick originally published these episodes back in 2020 and has granted us access to repurpose them for the Coach and Coordinator audience. He first joins Keith Grabowski in this episode to preview the series and its purpose. We know you will enjoy these timeless interviews with some of the game's greatest coaching legends.
Our first interview is with legendary coach and broadcaster Lou Holtz. Coach Holtz delves into topics such as the power of mentorship, setting meaningful goals, and cultivating passion and positivity. He shares valuable insights and anecdotes from his illustrious career, offering inspiration and wisdom for athletes, coaches, and listeners alike.

Show Notes:

The Meaning of Kileleni

Mission Behind Global Football

How to Learn More about Global Football

Conversation with Coach Lou Holtz

Achieving Greatness Through Passion

Memories of Trip to Japan

Importance of Making People Feel Important

Winning Edge


To learn more about Global Football and how you can create an experience that will provide an impactful life experience for your football program, visit https://www.globalfootball.com/.

Thank you for supporting our partners:
Learn More about FirstDown Playbook:
FirstDown PlayBook is a coaching tool and program management system with over 35,000 customizable plays, defenses, and special teams schemes. With tools such as video pairing, practice schedules, wristband creation, practice scripts, scouting reports, and a player app, FirstDown PlayBook helps save time and organize your program all in one place. Schedule a 15-minute Zoom meeting with former NFL coach Charlie Coiner or call  (512) 814-6158 to receive a one-week free trial. Or use the coupon code COACH24 to receive a $100 discount on a team membership.

Learn More about Vertical Raise:
Vertical Raise is the premier online fundraising platform, using innovative technology to create the easiest and most efficient system available. Raise more money in less time, with a local fundraising coach who works with your team every step of the way to customize the ideal fundraiser. With options for online donations, digital discount cards, premium product sales, and even spirit shops, Vertical Raise has top-of-the-line solutions for every fundraising style. To find out more, visit VerticalRaise.com, and get connected with an exclusive offer on your first fundraiser.

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Kileleni: To the Summit – Lou Holtz, Hall of Fame Coach

In this episode, Josh Sabinas, defensive coordinator at Merrillville High School in Indiana, joins us to share his defensive strategies enhanced by analytics. We explore how coaches utilize data-driven insights to optimize their defensive game plans. We also discuss the impact of tackle-for-loss statistics, efficiency rates, and other key analytics on defensive performance, and learn how these insights influence coaching philosophies, game-planning strategies, and player development, ultimately shaping a more effective and competitive defense.

Show Notes:

Introduction to Defensive Analytics

Importance of Tackle for Loss in Defense

Impact of Tackle for Loss on Defensive Success

Correlation Between Tackles for Loss and Scoring

Analyzing Missed Tackles for Loss

Coaching Players on Tackling Techniques

Deep Dive into Defensive Analytics Data

Understanding Stop Rates and Tackle for Loss

Analyzing Potential Yardage Given Up

Implementing Analytics into Game Planning

Winning Edge


Follow Josh Sabinas on Twitter/X @_Coach_Sabinas_.
Email Coach Sabinas at jsabinas@mvsc.k12.in.us.

Thank you for supporting our partners:
Learn More about 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.

Learn More about FirstDown Playbook:
FirstDown PlayBook is a coaching tool and program management system with over 35,000 customizable plays, defenses, and special teams schemes. With tools such as video pairing, practice schedules, wristband creation, practice scripts, scouting reports, and a player app, FirstDown PlayBook helps save time and organize your program all in one place. Schedule a 15-minute Zoom meeting with former NFL coach Charlie Coiner or call  (512) 814-6158 to receive a one-week free trial. Or use the coupon code COACH24 to receive a $100 discount on a team membership.

Learn More about Vertical Raise:
Vertical Raise is the premier online fundraising platform, using innovative technology to create the easiest and most efficient system available. Raise more money in less time, with a local fundraising coach who works with your team every step of the way to customize the ideal fundraiser. With options for online donations, digital discount cards, premium product sales, and even spirit shops, Vertical Raise has top-of-the-line solutions for every fundraising style. To find out more, visit VerticalRaise.com, and get connected with an exclusive offer on your first fundraiser.

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Building a Defense with Analytics – Josh Sabinas, Merrillville High School (IN)

In this segment from the Lauren’s First and Goal Spring Series, PJ Fleck focuses on personal and professional development. Coach Fleck outlines the philosophy behind his "Row the Boat" mantra that embodies resilience and unity and shapes the culture of the team. Coach Fleck also provides valuable perspectives on coaching, leadership, and personal growth through insight on navigating challenges, building a strong team culture, and continually striving for excellence.

Show Notes:

Row the Boat

The Power of the Oar in Life

Importance of Sacrifice in achieving Goals

Building Big Boats for Collective Success

The Significance of the Compass in Life Direction

Focus Areas for Aspiring Elite Coaches

Letting Go of Control for Professional Growth

Continuous Improvement and Personal Development

Winning Edge


Follow PJ Fleck on Twitter/X @Coach_Fleck.

Gain access to this full discussion and all the talks from the Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic, plus all Spring Series Sessions with Minnesota Head Coach PJ Fleck, Kansas Head Coach Lance Leipold, and Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn.
Lauren’s First and Goal Premium Memberships:
LFGF Premium Membership
LFGF Premium Staff Membership

Thank you for supporting our partners:
Learn More about 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.

Learn More about FirstDown Playbook:
FirstDown PlayBook is a coaching tool and program management system with over 35,000 customizable plays, defenses, and special teams schemes. With tools such as video pairing, practice schedules, wristband creation, practice scripts, scouting reports, and a player app, FirstDown PlayBook helps save time and organize your program all in one place. Schedule a 15-minute Zoom meeting with former NFL coach Charlie Coiner or call  (512) 814-6158 to receive a one-week free trial. Or use the coupon code COACH24 to receive a $100 discount on a team membership.

Learn More about Vertical Raise:
Vertical Raise is the premier online fundraising platform, using innovative technology to create the easiest and most efficient system available. Raise more money in less time, with a local fundraising coach who works with your team every step of the way to customize the ideal fundraiser. With options for online donations, digital discount cards, premium product sales, and even spirit shops, Vertical Raise has top-of-the-line solutions for every fundraising style. To find out more, visit VerticalRaise.com, and get connected with an exclusive offer on your first fundraiser.

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

Clinic Series: Personal and Professional Growth – PJ Fleck, Head Coach, Minnesota

In this Champions Series episode, presented by Signature Championship Rings, we talk with a seven-in-a-row state champion with a special focus on embracing the uniqueness of each team and season.
Steve Steele, head coach at Pierre Riggs High School in South Dakota, shares his wisdom and experiences from leading his team to seven consecutive state championships. We dig into the the key elements of success, the importance of team dynamics, and the journey of preparing for a new season with a fresh theme.

Show Notes:

Embracing Every Team and Year as Unique

Importance of Each Year's Differences

Non-Negotiables: TOTD and Family

Creativity in Team Training

Turn Off the Dark

Formulating the Unique Identity of Each Team

Story Behind the 2023 Team Identity

Translating Team Identity to Practice and Field

Adapting Coaching Style to Fit the Team's Needs

Celebrating the Team's Success Before Moving On

Opportunity at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coaching Academy

Advice to Coaches Looking for Their First State Championship

Winning Edge


Follow Steve Steele on Twitter/X @Steele_House.

Follow All We Are Doing:
Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.
Sign-up for our weekly newsletter.

Thank you for supporting our partners:
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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Jason Candle: Growth as a coach, building a program, utilizing talent

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