Nate Milne | Head Coach, Muhlenberg College
Presented by Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation
Why the Opening Series Matters
For Nate Milne, the offensive opening drive football situation sets the rhythm for everything that follows. He calls it a “loose script”—not a rigid list of 10 to 15 plays, but a prepared framework that allows adaptability when the game immediately veers off script.
“You can’t script your first fifteen and stick to it when it’s 2nd and 25 after a penalty,” Milne says. “It’s about being efficient—knowing what you do best and being ready to call it when the moment hits.”
The goal of any offensive opening drive football plan is simple: eliminate panic, start fast, and confirm what you studied all week through solid offensive game planning.
1. Build a Loose Script, Not a Fixed One
Milne believes in preparation with flexibility. In offensive game planning, a loose script ensures coaches are ready for every early-game scenario without overcommitting to a single play order.
A loose script includes answers for:
- First play of the game – everyone knows it, from players to coaches.
- First 3rd and short, medium, and long – pre-planned calls for each situation.
- First shot play – your early punch that signals confidence.
This approach keeps your staff calm and your players decisive during the offensive opening drive football sequence. When that first third-and-one arrives, the call is already made—no hesitation, no guessing.
2. Start with Self-Scout and Break Tendencies
The first drive is an ideal time to test your self-scout football process. Each week, Milne reviews opponent data and internal tendencies as part of his offensive game planning. If the staff identifies plays with 100 percent tendencies, the offensive opening drive football sequence is purposely used to break those expectations.
“If we know our 100 percenters, we know our opponent knows them. The opening drive is a great chance to flip those and catch them off guard.”
This early drive helps confirm opponent rules—coverage checks, front adjustments, or motion reactions—so the staff can trust their information later in the game. Smart self-scouting creates confidence in your offensive scripting and overall execution.
3. Get Your Best Player Involved Early
Milne challenges coaches to ensure their best playmaker touches the ball during the offensive opening drive football sequence.
“Some players need that early touch to get into the game. Don’t wait until the second quarter to get them involved.”
Whether it’s a receiver on a quick throw, a tailback on the first two carries, or a tight end on play-action, the goal is both emotional and tactical: set confidence, build rhythm, and demand attention from the defense. Getting your best player involved early strengthens your offensive game planning foundation for the rest of the contest.
4. Do What You Do Best
Focus on your core offensive identity and avoid overthinking during critical moments. Milne’s offensive opening drive football philosophy centers on confidence and execution.
Muhlenberg’s calling card is play-action—and it’s always part of the first series.
“Our bread and butter is the keeper and naked game,” Milne said. “Everyone knows it’s coming—but we execute it better than they can defend it.”
He points to the 49ers’ opening play in the Super Bowl—a Shanahan staple—as proof: success comes from doing what you do best, not inventing something new. Strong offensive game planning comes from leaning into your core plays, not chasing unpredictability.
5. Use Your Favorite Formations Early
Milne believes you can’t know how the defense will adjust until you show your core formations during the offensive opening drive football sequence.
By opening with condensed sets, bunch looks, or motion to 3×1, he forces opponents to reveal coverage and run-fit rules.
“If you’re a bunch team, use bunch early. If you love condensed sets, call them. You can’t figure out adjustments if you don’t run what you do best.”
He adjusts in real time—if the defense leverages the bunch, he’ll crack and run outside; if they overload, he counters back. Using your top offensive scripting concepts early sets the tone and gives your staff real-time data for adjustments.
6. Play Your Best Personnel Group
The first series should feature your best 11 players, regardless of scheme label. Milne’s offensive game planning always begins with who can execute, not just what formation to use.
Opening drives are often constructed around who is healthy and able to win individual matchups, not strictly by package.
“If our best 11 means two tight ends, we’ll be in 12 personnel the whole drive. If it’s two backs, we’ll find a way to get them on the field.”
Adapt your identity to your personnel that week—and let that drive communicate your confidence in them. This is how offensive opening drive football planning connects directly to personnel trust.
7. Add a Wrinkle
Finally, every offensive opening drive football plan needs one counterpunch.
It could be a boot off a common run look or a formation tendency breaker. Layer it into the plan so the opponent can’t play comfortably after the first drive.
“It’s a 60-minute game,” Milne said. “Build layers into your offense. Don’t trick yourself—just stay one move ahead.”
This mindset keeps your offensive game planning evolving across four quarters, not just one scripted series.
Key Takeaway
A strong offensive opening drive football plan is about clarity and setting the right tempo.
Plan for situations, confirm scouting, feature your top player, and lean into your identity. This builds early confidence to carry through the game.
“Have a plan, trust it, and do what you do best.”
— Nate Milne
Related:
The Art of Practice- Building a Practice Script- Eric Kasperowicz, Head Coach, Mars HS (PA)
Teach Tapes with Steve Hauser (Week 9): Walking the Field – Open Field First and Ten
More on Coach Nate Milne
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