The Football Coaching Podcast with Joe Daniel

"Blitz Paths" are a very convoluted way to say "modular blitzes." Blitz paths are pieces of blitzes that can be called together to mix and match pieces of different defenses. It's not the most simple thing to understand either. On this episode Joe and Daniel are joined by Coach Chris Vasseur, aka Coach Vass, to educate our audience on what exactly blitz paths are, why we should use them, and how to game plan them from week to week.

In football, there are many ways to throw the ball around. Many coaches use two primary types of concepts; full field or mirrored routes. Either can be effective, but mirrored route concepts may fit you best. On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss the differences of the two concept types, why you should use mirrored routes, and how to game plan to defeat your opponent on Friday nights.

Install season is just a couple of months away! Is your install schedule locked in? How are you getting from new team to playoff contender this year? On this episode, Joe and Daniel discuss the key pieces of an install schedule, why the schedule matters, and how they're progressing each side of the ball.

Offseason, and more specifically Summer, is upon us. It's time to convince kids to come spend their summer mornings (or evenings) picking up heavy things and putting them down. But, we all know you have a lot of competition for their time. So, how do you build the buy in and improve your summer weights culture? On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss the intricacies of small school summer workout programs, what you can do to improve your numbers, and what the alternatives are to "mandatory" participation.

2-Tight formations are all the rage in small school football, especially against odd front defenses. If you're running one of those (3-4, 3-3) then it would be smart to have a plan for how you'll align to and attack a 2-tight formation. On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss everything you need to know about aligning to and defending 2-tight formations this year.

Counter (maybe only falling under Power) is one of the most popular run plays in High School football today! Everyone has a version, and they're all useful. But, why do so many variations exist? On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss the foundations of Counter, why they carry multiple variations, and what the advantages of each are.

In a lot of states, spring time is the second best time of the year, right behind the fall. We get to blow the dust off of the pads and helmets and get back on the practice field for a couple of weeks, and see what our kids (and coaches) remember. On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss what your Spring Practice should really be used for, how to organize your practice, and how to evaluate what you installed.

Winning programs have more than "great schemes" in common. The best programs have a sense of accountability built into them. A self-governing team accomplishes more with less, because everyone is bought in. The term we've given this trait of accountability is Culture! On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss the big buzz word, what it means, why some coaches struggle with it, and how you can ensure your program is on the right path to a great culture.

Developing your Offensive Line is one of the most important tasks you can perform as a coach. Whether you're the Offensive LIne coach, the Offensive Coordinator, or the Head Coach, you'll find your success goes as the OL development goes. On this episode Joe and Daniel are joined by Owasso Rams Co-OC and Offensive Line Coach Justin Morsey to discuss what a developed offensive lineman looks like, how to evaluate the guys on your squad, and what your development program should look like throughout the year.

Offensive Coordinators LOVE trying to break your defensive rules. As defenses get more "simple," OC's try to make your simplicity work against you. Even your most basic rules can become jumbled when dealing with condensed edges and TE Nub formations. On this episode Joe Daniel and Daniel Chamberlain are working through defending TE Nub, taking on a condensed edge, and how to do all of that without losing your defensive identity.

You've probably noticed that Joe and Daniel have been starting the podcasts a little differently recently. We're doing what all good coaches do, stealing an idea and making it our own. On this episode, we're talking about our new "Level Up" section of the podcast, how it's making us better coaches, and how we hope you can join in and get better yourself.

Teaching Quarterback reads isn't the easiest part of coaching, for sure. Often coaches start in the trenches and learn the run game. But, eventually you have to get to the passing concepts and how your QB will decide who to throw the ball to. On this episode, Joe and Daniel are joined by a friend of the show, Coach Ron Mckie, to discuss QB Reads. We cover pre-snap, and post-snap reads that can help make your QB make better decisions.

Watching game film is just like every other skill in coaching, it takes practice to get good at. Unfortunately, we don't watch enough film when the pressure is off as coaches. We see it as a time-sink and keep that for weekends before in-season games. But, if we commit to a process to improve, we can get more out of those weekends with less time expended. On this episode, Joe Daniel and Daniel Chamberlain are discussing the importance of watching game film, what to look for while watching, and how to put your practice plan into action.

In the current world of high fly, high movement, "formation them to death" offenses that seemingly have all the rules in their favor, just getting an efficient defense on the field can feel like an impossible task. On this episode Joe and Daniel are joined by Coach Chris Cole to talk game planning an opponent, what adjustments you should or shouldn't make in your coverages, and how to build a practice schedule to minimize those blown coverages against your opponents best concepts.

The 2-minute offense is something that only comes around twice per game, but is used in every game! It's a fairly special scenario in which your offensive play calling may see a break from all other tendencies to take advantage of a short clock. On this episode, Joe and Daniel discuss what a 2-Minute offense is, why you need to have a plan for it, and what key pieces go into that plan.

Concussions have, unfortunately, been a part of football for as long as we can remember. Even when it was just a statement, "Dude, I got my bell rung," they were still happening. Today is no different. In the "Arms Race" between safe football equipment and Bigger, Faster, Stronger athletes, there is ample opportunity for concussions to make a devastating impact on your players and team. On this episode, Joe and Daniel are joined by Dr. Samantha Chamberlain PT DPT to talk all about concussions, what they are, what they look like, how we can return to sport, and most importantly how we can mitigate them in the first place.

In 2023-24 we saw a LOT of football being played out of the two-high safety shell. High School to the NFL, size and league did not matter. What's this "static" look all about, and how are we coaching our players out of it? Joe and Daniel are joined by University of Tulsa Safety Coach (and friend of the podcast) Dominique Franks top talk differences in 1-high vs 2-high, what coverages fit best, and how safeties are still included in the run fits from their two-high alignment.

The Quick Game isn't some new fangled thing in football. In fact, in the passing game, it may be as old as the power/counter combo. However, it is still extremely effective. The quick game can give you a quick strike game plan to take advantage of what your opponent is giving you defensively. On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss the quick game, what it consists of, why you need it, and how to use it with the offense you already have installed.

Power, the backbone of the gap-scheme world. A foundational play for offenses the world around. But, with the evolution of defenses, multiple front teams, and high pressure packages, how can we ensure the Power play stays relevant? On this episode Joe and Daniel are talking variations of Power, what base power is, why you need variations, and how to install it with your team.

Clinic Season is a FULL GO! But, are you getting the most out of it? Do your coaches disappear to the bar on Friday night and show up to catch the ride home? Are they sitting at the back of the room on their phone? We often take "vacations" for clinics when we should be sharpening our sword for next season. On this episode Joe and Daniel, who was excessively late, are joined by Mike Carter to discuss what you should be taking from this clinic season.

Decentralized command is a tenant of leadership for us military members. In football, you just call it hiring a coordinator. But, that task isn't always as simple as "just hiring a coordinator." Sometimes you get to hire someone in, and sometimes you have to promote from the guys you have. On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss how to do each of those things, what to do if no one is ready to be the guy, and ways to bring in someone that's an expert.

As with the Defensive Staff Break Down from two weeks ago, we go through all the ways you can organize your Offensive Staff to get the most efficient coach-to-player coverage. This episode was recorded at the 2024 American Football Coaches Association Convention in Nashville, TN.

Adding to your staff can be a great thing! Many coaching staffs are short at least one guy, and likely more than one. But, if you aren't getting that new coach ready to be a functioning part of the team, you may find yourself with another fan with a whistle. On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss staff additions, how to focus their training to be on your staff, and why you need to be so efficient in your training.

Your team is only as good as your staff. But, your staff is only as good as your ability to organize them. You have to get the best coaches coaching the players they're the best at coaching to maximize your success. On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss defensive staff organization, what it should look like, what variable can change it, and how to pick the coaches you're using.

Last week we talked about finding the perfect job, so it's only right to follow it up with HOW to get the job. We invited eightlaces.org founder, Chris Fore, to come shed some light on this topic. On this episode we're talking all about how to make yourself stand out, what mistakes will hurt your chances, and how to prepare for the interview.

It's job hunting season. Many coaches, head and assistant, are moving on from one place to find greener pastures. But, what is the perfect job? On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss why the job matters, what the red flags are to stay away from, and what things you should target in a job.

There comes a time in every job when talent must be rearranged. Football Coaching is no different. You could even say, as a Head Coach, talent management is the majority of your job. But, when is the right time to make those changes? On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss the reasons a coach should make a change, and what the right way to go about making changes is.

Communication tends to be most Football Coaches' weak spots. In an Alpha dominated world, we just think everyone else around us has our knowledge base or assume they know what needs to be done. Unfortunately, in most cases, our assumptions are wrong. On this episode Joe Daniel and Daniel Chamberlain discuss what a plan of communication, or a Standard Operating Procedure, is as well as why you need to prepare yours now and how you can implement it with you staff this year.

Another season has come and gone. Unless you're holding the trophy at the end (and maybe even if you're holding the trophy), there's at least one thing you need to fix or update in your system. No system is perfect, and some are just bad. On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss why you shouldn't throw your system out, how to evaluate it to make some corrections, and what changes you can make without a wholesale change.

Every season we learn lessons as coaches. What are we good at, what are we bad at, what do we need to expand or contract in our playbook and system. This year was no different. On this episode Joe and Daniel are going through YOUR lessons learned from YOUR season.

Toxicity happens in every profession. It happens on Wall Street, it happens in the military, and it happens in sports. Generally, it's magnified in positions when the rules or positions put a toxic person "in charge" of others. This is especially an issue when that group is made up of kids that can't take a stand against the toxicity. On this episode, Joe and Daniel discuss what a Toxic Coach looks like, why you need to deal with them now rather than later, and just how you can go about letting a coach go.

As the off season begins for many across the country, it's time to focus on what you need to improve for next year. Without a doubt, many of you have strength and speed on your improvement list. But, it's not just THAT you hit the weight room. It's HOW you hit the weight room that matters. On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss the importance of using the weight room, why you need to have a program to follow, and what that program should consist of.

As voted on by the loyal listeners, we bring you a peek into our lives as parents. On this episode Joe and Daniel are joined by veteran coach Kenny Ridley to talk all things, parenting and coaching.

The Pro Style Offense is an ever evolving system. Originally named after the actual schemes being used in the NFL, it has taken an identity of its own as a balanced offense capable of being used as a Smash Mouth running offense, or an air-it-out passing attack. On this episode Joe and Daniel are discussing how to take your High School version of this scheme and incorporate a Star Wide Receiver. We discuss what he might look like, what his role is in the Pro Style Offense, and what you can do to highlight him in your gameplan.

With the Wing-T, and its variations, being so popular, and the 4-2-5 being the most used JDFB defensive system, we figured it was time to put the two together. We're talking about defending the Buck Series with the 4-2-5 defense. On this episode Joe and Daniel will break down the strengths of the 4-2-5, what the weaknesses are, and how to make adjustments to eliminate those weaknesses.

The Tiger Cat Blitz… super solid name (especially if your mascot is a tiger), but even more solid of a scheme. This is the cheat code of all blitzes, by reducing your risks and multiplying your reward. On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss the Tiger Cat Blitz, how to install it, and how to adjust it to whatever front you want to run.

Having a Star QB can open up a WORLD of opportunity. But, if you aren't prepared to really let him shine, you could find yourself wasting some top tier talent. On this episode, Joe and Daniel discuss using a Star QB in the Spread system. We talk through what a star looks like, what makes him different in the spread system versus other systems, and how you can expand your system to really let him show off what he brings to the table.

In any defense, you need ALL 11 men to fill their role, "Do your job," if you will. But, on the defensive line, a man amongst boys can make your life much easier. Not all stars look the same, though. On this episode, Joe Daniel and Daniel Chamberlain discuss the makeup of a Star Defensive Lineman, what a star at each position might look like, what their role is in the 4-2-5 really is, and what else you can do with them to create chaos for the offense.

Getting help running our schemes is something that EVERY coach struggles with. Having someone else point out our flaws isn't an easy thing to do. But, it could be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your team and your development. On this episode, we discuss the importance of using Game Film Analysis, why you need to get an outsider's eyes on your film, what the pros are seeing when they watch other people's film, and where all you can go to get some help.

Lots of teams are "multiple" on Defense. You'll get a little odd front, a little even. Maybe they'll play a quarter in attack mode, and then one just playing base. But, being multiple on offense is a fairly new concept and is even breaking into the NFL. Go check out the Detroit Lions and their complete Wing-T package they ran in week 2. On this episode, Daniel Chamberlain is joined by Beau Collins from NW Arkansas to talk about combining two different offensive schemes into the same system.

As football defenses continue to trend… as they will do… we're seeing more 4-2-5 on friday nights. If you're running an "old school" offense, like the wing-t, you're probably thanking the football gods that you get to block up an even front once again. For the rest of us, we're trying to block up a traditional front with a modern offensive scheme. On this episode, Joe and Daniel discuss the weaknesses of the 4-2-5, how the Zone Scheme takes advantage of those weaknesses, and how you can expand your run game to attack the 4-2-5 in other ways.

Gap Scheme and odd fronts CAN seem like a mismatch for the defense at face value. But, knowing your defense and using your advantages in your favor can lead to some great outcomes. On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss what exactly constitutes "Buck Series", what the advantages of running the 3-4 truly are, and what the disadvantages can be if you aren't prepared to solve them.

We all dream of having a "bell cow" running back to hang our hat on throughout the season. But, misusing that type of player in the Pro Style Offense can see you losing your best player before year end. On this episode Joe Daniel and Daniel Chamberlain discuss how to let your star running back shine in your Pro Style offense, what he might look like, what his role should be, and how to call your offense to get the most out of him… without overusing him.

Justin Dottavio is a strength and conditioning coach and long time user of the Dale Baskett Speed and Movement training program. He uses Dale's teachings in his every day work to help kids of all sports and disciplines. Joe Daniel and Daniel Chamberlain are joined by Coach Justin Dottavio to discuss how Dale's program changed his world in training athletes. For more information jump over to Athletic Speed and Movement at www.AthleticSpeedandMovement.com.

A star Inside Linebacker can be an absolute game changer for your defense, especially in the run game. But, are you getting the full potential out of your linebacker? If not, is it your playcalling that's holding him back? On this episode Joe Daniel and Daniel Chamberlain (the one in the war paint) discuss what makes an ILB a star, what their role is in the 4-2-5 defense, and how you can call your defense to let him shine.

Gap scheme, old school football, can be run against any defense. The 3-4 defense is taking the country by storm, and it's inevitable that you'll see it this season. We're taking a look at these two proven systems against each other. On this episode, Joe Daniel and Daniel Chamberlain are discussing the advantages, disadvantages and problem solving techniques of using gap scheme run plays against the 3-4 defensive front.

If you have a star WR, you probably know it. What you may not know is how to use him to his fullest. How can I get the ball in his hands when I know he's getting double coverage every snap? On this episode Joe Daniel and Daniel Chamberlain are joined by Ron McKie to discuss what a star WR looks like, what roles they can fill for your team, and how to build an offense around him.

The Free Safety is likely the best player on your defense right now. But, is he a star? If you have a star, how do you utilize him to really let him shine? On this episode Joe Daniel and Daniel Chamberlain talk all about using a Star FS in your 4-2-5 Defense. We talk about what makes him a star, what role he usually plays, and ways to highlight his talents.

The Zone Running Scheme and the 3-4 Defense are two of the most popular schemes in football today. Chances are, if you run the 3-4, you'll face a zone team this season. You need to be prepared when that week (or weeks) comes around. Knowing your weaknesses and your strengths can give you the upper hand on Friday Night. On this episode, Joe and Daniel discuss defending zone runs with your 3-4 defense, what issues you'll face, how to fix them, and what your strengths should be.

The 4-2-5 has become one of the most used defenses around the country. Which means you'll likely face it at some point this season. Gap scheme run plays are the backbone of many offenses. So, you're probably running at least power and counter right now. We want to see how the two match up, and how you can gain the advantage on Friday nights. On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss the plan to attack the 4-2-5 with gap scheme run plays. We look at the weaknesses of the 4-2-5, why we should run gap scheme plays against it, and what the best gap scheme run plays are to run against the 4-25.