The Coaching 101 Podcast

Coach Bill Courtney is an author, podcaster, and football coach. He was also the star of the Netflix documentary “Undefeated” in which he turned around a struggling North Memphis school and along the way helped change the lives of many players. 

Coach Courtney joined co-hosts Kenny Simpson and Daniel Chamberlain to discuss that turn around, his new podcast “An Army of Normal Folks,” his book, and what he’s doing now.

Part 1: Turnaround

• 17 Kids on the team, 10 year record of 4-95
• 7 years later, 75 kids on the team 18-2 in two years
• Built a program on a foundation of tenets

Part 2: Changes in society since covid and issues

• Memphis shut down all sports, and the kids needed the structure and discipline
• Some players need you more than you need them

Part 2: Ted Lasso Question

• Accountability - hold us accountable
• Captain meetings - share information
• Respect both ways
• Getting rid of players
• Adjust scheme for kids

Social Media

• Daniel
  • Twitter: @CoachChamboOK
  • Email: [email protected]
• Kenny
  • Twitter: @FBCoachSimpson
  • Email: [email protected]
• Coaching 101 Podcast

Daniel Chamberlain:

@CoachChamboOK

[email protected]

chamberlainfootballconsulting.com

Kenny Simpson:

@FBCoachSimpson

[email protected]

FBCoachSimpson.com

High School defensive football is sometimes an anomaly. We’re constantly making up things to defend against the wild west that is offensive football in the early 2020’s, and yet we are also always on the lookout for the next big thing trickling down from the NFL or NCAA football. 

On this episode Kenny Simpson and Daniel Chamberlain are joined by coach Cody Alexander, an ambassador and liaison between the three levels of ball. They talk all about coverages, what’s new on the scene, differences in spot drop and pattern match, and how to choose the coverage for your team to run.

What are new things in defensive coverages filtering down?

• Two high shell is taking control
• Cover 6 bump from 4% to 8%
• Learn how to run bracket from your local college
• 3 High Safety shells trying to break in to the fold

Differences in Pattern Matching and Spot Drop?

• Spot drop with anyone outside of the box is easy to get into trouble
• Spot drop helped stop the West Coast offense, not great against today’s option style football
• Creeper/Sim - replacement pressures

In High School, how should I choose what coverages to run?

• How much time do you have to install?
• Use the tools available to you, like 7 on 7
  • Don’t get into 7 on 7 “create a defense” mode.
    • Run your stuff, if they break it with a 7 on 7 play, let em celebrate
• How to dip your toes into quarters match?
  • Corners lock, Safeties man, Overhang bang to buzz
    • 9 man spacing
    • 4 lock
    • MEG Coverage
  • Bracket
• HC Philosophy
• What does the Offense needed you to do to support them?

What NOT to do as a Coach

• Today’s Lesson: “Don’t make things harder on your athletes.”j
  • Talk to the lowest IQ in the room.

Social Media

• Cody Alexander
  • Twitter: @the_coach_a 
• Daniel
  • Twitter: @CoachChamboOK
  • Email: [email protected] 
• Kenny
  • Twitter: @FBCoachSimpson
  • Email: [email protected]
• Coaching 101 Podcast
  • Twitter: @Coaching101Pod

Daniel Chamberlain:

@CoachChamboOK

[email protected]

chamberlainfootballconsulting.com

Kenny Simpson:

@FBCoachSimpson

[email protected]

FBCoachSimpson.com

There are so many defenses out there these days. 3-4, 4-2-5, 4-3, 3-3, 5-2… the list goes on and on. There is even some defense named after a Jaws movie… and it’s counterpart that has something to do with minnows of all things.

On this episode we’re talking all about defense. How to pick yours, why you shouldn’t try to be “multiple” all the time and where to find information on the best defensive schemes out there today.

What do we need to consider when picking our defense?

• What kids do you have?
• What offenses are you facing?
• What does your system allow?
• What does your depth look like?
• Coach what you know!

Why can’t we run a little bit of everything?

• You can be complex as a coach, but you better make things simple for your kids
• You need to use layering to install new things, but you shouldn't do too much to start.
• Some installs are more expensive than others
• You want your kids to know where to be
  • Some defenses can change who the force player is on every play.

How to find more information on Defensive Schemes?

• Local Colleges
• Online resources
  • FBCoachSimpson.com
  • Joe Daniel
  • Be careful with twitter/youtube/coach tube/ Glazier Drive

What NOT to do as a Coach

• Today’s Lesson: “Don’t limit yourself” - learn as much as you can and then simplify it for kids.

Social Media

• Daniel
  • Twitter: @CoachChamboOK
  • Email: [email protected]
• Kenny
  • Twitter: @FBCoachSimpson
  • Email: [email protected]
• Coaching 101 Podcast
  • Twitter: @Coaching101Pod

Daniel Chamberlain:

@CoachChamboOK

[email protected]

chamberlainfootballconsulting.com

Kenny Simpson:

@FBCoachSimpson

[email protected]

FBCoachSimpson.com

Picking your offense doesn’t have to be hard. You also can’t put an offense on repeat and expect the exact same results year in and year out. You have to fit your scheme to your situation.

On this episode we’re talking all about offense, how to pick it, why you can’t run them all, and where to find info to ensure you have the best product for your team.

What do we need to consider when picking our offense?

• Personnel!!!  Whatever system you run should match ability and adapt
  • Bill Belichick - Guru of modifying
• SYSTEM - Lot of good ones available don’t reinvent the wheel, but adapt one
• Coach what you know!
  • Randy Blankenship
  • Wing-T 40 Years

Why can’t we run a little bit of everything?

• You can, depending on the kids and the system
• Practice time - buffet lines are fun, but not healthy
• Do you know how to fix it - That’s why doctors have “specialists”
• If you bring something in, does it have a purpose? What tendency are you breaking? And what are you taking out?
• Bixby’s base offense is 15 plays

How to find more information on Offensive schemes?

• Gun T System!!!
• Reach out to coaches that run what you run
• Local Colleges
• Online resources
  • FBCoachSimpson.com
  • JoeDanielFootball.com
  • Be careful with twitter/youtube/coach tube/ Glazier Drive

What NOT to do as a Coach

• Today’s Lesson: “Don’t be a frankenstein offense”

Social Media

• Daniel
  • Twitter: @CoachChamboOK
  • Email: [email protected]
• Kenny
  • Twitter: @FBCoachSimpson
  • Email: [email protected]
• Coaching 101 Podcast
  • Twitter: @Coaching101Pod

Daniel Chamberlain:

@CoachChamboOK

[email protected]

chamberlainfootballconsulting.com

Kenny Simpson:

@FBCoachSimpson

[email protected]

FBCoachSimpson.com

One of the all-time great HC’s, Houston Nutt,  joined the show to talk about the evolution of football from “fist fight in a phone booth” to “spread em out”. 

On this episode we discussed the changes he’s seen in X’s and O’s, practice, discipline, and more.

Who were your coaching influences? What did they instill in you to take forward?

• Dad taught AR School for the Deaf: Patience and perseverance
• Coach Royal: Coach the Coaches
• Coach Lou Holtz: Discipline
• Jimmy Johnson knew what buttons to push
• Eddie Sutton: 3 D’s
• Don’t specialize in sports
• Get developed from all sports
• Every little thing matters, Lou Holtz showed that what your players put on film represents exactly what you’re coaching.

What changes have you recognized in coaching since you were at the helm?

• NIL has changed everything
• Evolution of football through RPO/Wildcat, etc
• You can’t get wins with 24 points anymore
• Football is still won and lost on running the ball and stopping the run

What changes have you recognized in X’s and O’s since you hung up your whistle?

• The game used to be played in a phone booth, and now it’s played sideline to sideline
• Live tackling drills in practice have been reduced or removed
• Technology is advancing the game with data and stats
• LSU AC Helmet

How has player discipline and relationships evolved?

• NIL crating a “recruit your own locker room” environment
  • Lift them up before the sun goes down
  • Find what kids need some extra love
• Player safety, full contact in practice
  • “They don’t care what you know, until they know how much you care.”
  • Go full speed, injuries happen when playing slow
• Trust
  • I have your best interest in mind, but you have to follow the road map
• Two Chairs
  • Player chair
    • Coach them hard
    • 
      
  • Student-Athlete chair
    • Family
    • Friends
    • Events

What NOT to do as a Coach

• Today’s Lesson: “Do not think you have arrived”

Social Media

• Houston Nutt
  • Email: [email protected]
• Daniel
  • Twitter: @CoachChamboOK
  • Email: [email protected]

• Kenny
  • Twitter: @FBCoachSimpson
  • Email: [email protected]
• Coaching 101 Podcast
  • Twitter: @Coaching101Pod

Daniel Chamberlain:

@CoachChamboOK

[email protected]

chamberlainfootballconsulting.com

Kenny Simpson:

@FBCoachSimpson

[email protected]

FBCoachSimpson.com

One of the uncomfortable topics to discuss in coachins is that sometimes jobs end. Sometimes they’re long dramatic drawn out endings, and sometimes they’re abrupt endings. “All good things must come to an end,” is a statement that rings oh so true in football coaching. 

On this episode we’re talking all about why coaches get fired. From falling out of favor, to the whirlwind that can sweep through your office, and ways to avoid it.

How do coaches fall out of favor?

• Issues with the community, parents, or boosters
• Losing ball games, although not as often as you’d think
• Not connecting with others
• Lack of communication with administration
• “Stepping on others toes” or simply making other people look bad
• Being too brash with those around you. Can often be intimidating or appear belittling

Why does is go so quickly?

• We often want to see the good in every situation, and will dismiss red flags or warnings
• You may n ot have anyone you trust to give you a warning, even if you would listen to it
• Administration issues
• Lack of awareness to what is going on

How do we avoid it?

• Connect with those in the community
  • Theme nights
  • Events
  • Be available to people
• Winning games can settle a lot of other issues
• Create a great atmosphere for kids to work hard and enjoy time
  • Parents want their kids in safe, capable hands. Provide that
• Practice Extreme Ownership and get ahead of problems before they arise.
• Build relationships with superiors, peers, and subordinates

What NOT to do as a Coach

• Today’s Lesson: “Don’t do what you think others want, do what you feel is right for the kids.”

Social Media

• Daniel
  • Twitter: @CoachChamboOK
  • Email: [email protected]
• Kenny
  • Twitter: @FBCoachSimpson
  • Email: [email protected]
• Coaching 101 Podcast
  • Twitter: @Coaching101Pod

Daniel Chamberlain:

@CoachChamboOK

[email protected]

chamberlainfootballconsulting.com

Kenny Simpson:

@FBCoachSimpson

[email protected]

FBCoachSimpson.com

Balancing your family time with your football time is a challenge for all coaches. Most of us are not getting paid full time to coach, which means we’re balancing another career and our family too. But, “times they are a changin’.” There are ways to help you get family time back.

On this episode, we’re joined by University of West Florida’s Head Football Coach Kaleb Nobles to talk about difficulties in keeping balance, some ways that coaches are resolving those issues, and getting your family involved with the program so spending time at work is family time too.

What are some difficulties you find in balancing family and football?

• Time management issues run rampant with coaches at any level. Can become more challenging when you’re a teacher, coach, and family man
• Rocks, Pebbles, Sand metaphor. You have to put the important thing is first, then the extras will find a way to fill in your life.
• Real time vs Distracted time.
• Historically coaches spend too much time in the office on weekends. Technology has lightened the burden, so use it
• Hard to come home and “coach” my son and develop him into a young athlete.

What are some ways you’ve alleviated those issues and why do some coaches struggle in this area?

• Hire good people that you can delegate tasks to
• Set boundaries and set times and agendas for all meetings
• Invite the staff and families to events
• Some coaches just don’t want to go home, they shouldn’t be making everyone else miserable because they are

How do you involve your family with your program?

• No cussing at the program
  • Make wives and kids comfortable being around the players and coaches
• Make the office family/pet friendly. Make sure everyone knows they’re welcome
• Let your spouse work for the team if they have a valuable skill

What NOT to do as a Coach

• Today’s Lesson:
  • Don’t continue to compete at home
    • Your spouse and kids aren’t the enemy
    • Complete each other, don’t compete with each other

Social Media

• Guest
  • Twitter: @CoachKNobles
  • Email: [email protected]
• Daniel
  • Twitter: @CoachChamboOK
  • Email: [email protected]
• Kenny
  • Twitter: @FBCoachSimpson
  • Email: [email protected]
• Coaching 101 Podcast
  • Twitter: @Coaching101Pod

Daniel Chamberlain:

@CoachChamboOK

[email protected]

chamberlainfootballconsulting.com

Kenny Simpson:

@FBCoachSimpson

[email protected]

FBCoachSimpson.com

Fundraising can be one of the hardest parts of coaching. Anytime you’re asking for money from outsiders to help your program or selling some cheap product or unhealthy food as part of a fundraising campaign, many people will immediately be very uncomfortable. But, it doesn’t have to be like it’s always been. There are other options if you’ll look and be creative

On this episode we’re breaking down fundraising to simplify a very complex topic. We discuss how to set goals, how to organize small and large ticket item campaigns, and to build a team to make those goals a reality.

What are some of the main goals in fundraising

• Stop selling the stuff no one wants
• You need to ensure 90-100% of the profit is going to your program
• Only  fundraise for specific needs

Big vs Small Purchase Goals

• Smaller Items
  • Cost of expenses on an annual basis
    • Clothing
    • Travel
  • Make your own discount card
    • All local
    • “Sunday Paper Coupon”
  • Media Guides
    • Annual
    • Ads
  • USA Football
  • JJ Watt Organization
• Large Ticket Items
  • Turf
    • 5/10 year plan
    • Wants vs Needs
    • Local Business
      • Banks
        • Especially those that hold  your school’s accounts
      • Co-Op Money
        • Insurance Companies
  • Name on the Field
    • 10 Years
  • Patches
    • 25 Yd Line
    • Sideline
    • Visitor Sideline
    • Plaques
    • Signs
  • Video Board
  • Indoor Facility
• Develop a plan for how you will approach big companies
  • Put together a committee to help in the financial world
    • People with money know people with money
    • Brainstorm ideas to make things better
    • Focus on fundraising with different groups/people
  • Remember, you’re not begging for money, your requesting a partnership with the company
• Power of advertising
  • You get to write stuff off

How to organize a fundraising campaign?

• Think of the end and work backwards when building out a campaign
  • Start with the money amound
  • 1-2 elite levels
  • 4-6 next level
  • Stairstep it down
• Involve the right people to help
  • Admin
    • AD
    • Superintendent
  • Board Member
    • If they’re willing and add value to the team
  • 1-2 Coaches besides the HC
    Community member with vested interest
  • They must all see your vision
• Trades can be as valuable as $$
  • Parking lot for ads
  • Lawn Mower for ads
  • Dirt/gravel work for the field

What NOT to do as a Coach

• Today’s Lesson: “Don’t set too low of a ceiling”

Social Media

• Daniel
  • Twitter: @CoachChamboOK
  • Email: [email protected]
• Kenny
  • Twitter: @FBCoachSimpson
  • Email: [email protected]
• Coaching 101 Podcast
  • Twitter: @Coaching101Pod

Daniel Chamberlain:

@CoachChamboOK

[email protected]

chamberlainfootballconsulting.com

Kenny Simpson:

@FBCoachSimpson

[email protected]

FBCoachSimpson.com

Taking over a program can be one of the best times in a coach's career, or one of the worst bumps in the road. It’s a large undertaking that you must be prepared for.

On this episode Kenny and Daniel are joined by Coach Beau Collins to talk about making the jump, problems you may find along the way, and what to do to be prepared your first day on the job.

What position is the hardest in football, other than the Head Coach?

• The DC position has to be the hardest position outside of the HC. Rules of the game are moving to help Offenses be successful, limiting what a Defense can do to manipulate the outcome.
• Anyone who is opposite the Head Coach, even if that means being the OC, as there’s a lot of pressure to keep your HC in a job.

What are the biggest challenges in making the transition from Coordinator to Head Coach?

• The administrative side can often be a hidden task with Head Coaching. 
• Being in charge of other grown men can become burdensome, especially if they’re not pulling their weight
• Money problems fall directly on you! How to earn it, how to spend it wisely, and finding where to order things from.
• Dealing with parents.

How do you know when you’re ready?

• When you’re 100% solid on a scheme on at least 1 side of the ball, with a general understanding on the other side.
• Confidence and competence go a long way, and if you lack either you probably aren’t ready.
• Can you stand your ground when the pressure is turned up?
• Do you know enough people to build a staff?

Why do some coaches thrive in this change and others struggle?

• Coaches may have problems defining success for their situation, and then struggle again to sell that definition to those doing the hiring.
• Most HCs aren’t developing their subordinates to take a HC job
• As a Coordinator/Position coach, you are mostly thinking scheme, and less about development, making decisions, problem solving outside of the grid iron.

How do coaches prepare themselves for the change?

• Talk to your HC about your wants
• Take on the things that the HC does

What is the worst part of being a HC  vs an Asst?

• Taking blame for everything under your umbrella of influence
• Everyone questions your calls, regardless of the outcome
• Pressure and stress can quickly multiply

What are some tips for coaches thinking about making the change?

• Get your coaching packet ready NOW! It needs to be ready when the jobs come open.
  • Should include a full plan for program success
  • Make sure it tailored to the school you’re applying to
  • Know what’s in the packet, don’t just take your buddy’s and change names
• Prepare to handle conflict
• Make contacts and network as much as possible, it’s who you know, not what you know, that’ll get you jobs
• Don’t take a bad job just because it’s available
• Admin must be an asset, not a burden

What are some possible pitfalls?

• Know when to ask for help. If you aren’t good at delegation you will fail
  • Decide
  • Delegate
  • Depart

First 3 things to do?

• Assemble your staff and assign roles
• Identify your scheme, give the staff the package and the why
• Assess your program and start looking to improve what needs improvement.

Daniel Chamberlain:

@CoachChamboOK

[email protected]

chamberlainfootballconsulting.com

Kenny Simpson:

@FBCoachSimpson

[email protected]

FBCoachSimpson.com

Situational Football is more than just yelling at your favorite NFL coach on the TV for screwing up a timeout call. It’s married to all aspects of the game. Every single play is an example of 3+ situations; is it on the wide side of the field, or the boundary? Opening play of a drive? Just got a first down? What yard line? How much time on the clock? What’s the weather like? Situations are everywhere in football. If you’re not practicing them, you’re letting your team down.

On this episode we discuss some key situations you need to be practicing and how to do just that.

What key situations are important to understand?

• You need to understand down and distance and what the likely play calls are for each
• Time management situations:
  • If you’re up, you need to be able to burn clock
  • If you’re down, you need to score quick and consider on-side kicks
• You need to be aware of what area of the field you’re in
  • Field and Boundary
  • “Coming out”, Red Zone, etc

Why should we practice situational football throughout the week?

• The stats at the end of every game are usually based around who won key situations… like 3rd down conversions
• Kids don’t watch football like we used to, you have to explain why some situations are critical
• In an ever shrinking pool of coaches, many of them are new in the business

How can we incorporate situational football into our practice plan?

• Schedule it in practice. Never snap the ball without a known situation. We don’t “Just get reps”
• Work Special Teams into the middle of your practices. Emergency punt or FG at random times in your offensive drives
• Play as many “B” games as possible. Don’t neglect your JV, Freshman, and JH games. They’ll develop football IQ in your players
• Watch special teams as a team. Ensure it has the same importance as Offense and Defense

What NOT to do as a Coach

• Today’s Lesson:
  • Do not assume

Social Media

• Daniel
  • Twitter: @CoachChamboOK
  • Email: [email protected]
• Kenny
  • Twitter: @FBCoachSimpson
  • Email: [email protected]
• Coaching 101 Podcast
  • Twitter: @Coaching101Pod

Daniel Chamberlain:

@CoachChamboOK

[email protected]

chamberlainfootballconsulting.com

Kenny Simpson:

@FBCoachSimpson

[email protected]

FBCoachSimpson.com