Kevin Doherty | Defensive Coordinator, Georgetown University
Presented by Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation
Vision First: What We Are
The Hoya Five Star defensive plan is the foundation of Georgetown’s defense, built around a clear, repeatable identity that every player embraces. Kevin Doherty, Georgetown’s Defensive Coordinator, organizes his defense around the simple acronym:
A.R.E. → Attack • Relentless • Effort
Before scheme, adjustments, or technique ever enter the conversation, this vision statement defines who they are as a defense.
“We’re an attack defense that plays with relentless effort. That’s who we are.”
Two Standards — No Gray Area
Doherty keeps behavioral expectations simple and aligned with the Hoya defensive plan’s core principles:
- Do your job
- Hold each other accountable
He emphasizes that accountability is the hardest standard—but it’s the one that builds leaders within the defense.
Three Musts to Win Games
When evaluating performance under the Five-Star defensive plan, Doherty focuses on three key factors:
- Eliminate explosive plays
- Get off the field
- Win situational football
If these are accomplished, the defense has executed its fundamental goals.
Four Daily Fundamentals
At the heart of Georgetown’s defensive fundamentals are habits practiced every day:
- Pursuit
- Block destruction
- Tackling
- Takeaways / Ball disruption
These aren’t just drills; they are the building blocks of consistency in the Hoya defense.
High Five — Traits of Champions
Doherty instills a “moral inventory” to shape decision-making and communication, essential to the Kevin Doherty Georgetown defensive culture:
- Honesty
- Humility
- Higher Purpose
- Intentionality
- Faithfulness
Make the Field Smaller
A key teaching in the Five-Star defensive plan is controlling the line of scrimmage and the edge to reduce space for ball carriers.
Doherty puts it simply:
“Would you rather defend 53 yards or 40?”
By playing the run square and forcing plays inside, the defense becomes bigger and more physical.
ASK: Alignment, Stance/Start, Key
The Hoya Five Star defensive plan simplifies assignments into a quick language of:
- Alignment
- Stance/Start
- Key
This clarity lets players communicate their responsibilities instantly, speeding up the defense.
Related:
Make the Most of the Reps You Have Available – Caleb Collins, Outside Linebackers Coach, Baylor
Building Your Strategy Off Analytics – Kevin Kelley, 7x State Champion
More on Coach Kevin Doherty
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