Best of 2025 Re-Air, AJ Smith
Lessons from AJ Smith on Offensive Clarity, Execution, and Evaluation
Every offseason, coaches face the same challenge: they finish the year with more information than ever — but often less clarity about what really matters. There’s film to study, scouting reports to review, analytics to dig into, players coming and going, and a flood of new ideas all demanding their attention. It’s easy to get overwhelmed sorting through it all.
The real work is deciding what actually matters.
In this Best of 2025 episode of the Coach and Coordinator Podcast, AJ Smith, former UFL and XFL offensive coordinator, shares how he approaches this process. His answers are practical, disciplined, and grounded in execution.
This article breaks down the core ideas from that conversation — and why they remain essential heading into a new season.
Start With Everything, Then Cut Ruthlessly
AJ begins his offseason by exploring a wide range of schemes, keeping an eye on what’s trending, and jotting down ideas worth revisiting. But that’s only the first step.
The harder part comes next.
Once the roster starts to take shape, the focus shifts. It’s no longer about what’s interesting — it’s about what actually works with the players you have.
The goal of training camp is not to install more. It is to cut the playbook in half. Anything that does not survive live reps, personnel reality, and execution standards comes out.
This mindset forces clarity. It also protects players from overload.
Fit Beats Scheme Labels
AJ pushes back on the idea that systems are universal. He explains that some offenses are more dependent on specific traits than others.
Two traits change everything.
- Quarterback arm strength
- Receiver speed
Certain concepts need both traits to work. Without them, the offense looks different, no matter how well it’s designed. That doesn’t mean the system is flawed — it means the fit isn’t right.
The key takeaway? Don’t force an identity. Let your players dictate where the focus should be.
Preserve Continuity Without Becoming Rigid
AJ avoids switching systems every season. Doing that just puts everyone back at square one.
Instead, he keeps the core framework steady and makes tweaks within it. New plays only come in when something else goes out. The philosophy stays consistent, even as personnel change.
This protects valuable teaching time and lets players build on what they’ve learned instead of constantly starting from scratch.
Continuity isn’t about being stubborn — it’s about knowing what has to stay the same.
Reps Matter More Than Volume
AJ runs fewer plays because he demands a high standard of execution. Rhythm offenses live and die on timing, footwork, and attention to detail.
By cutting the menu down, he gives players more reps on each concept. More reps build better habits. Better habits build trust when it counts.
This goes for every position — quarterback footwork, receiver spacing, route depth, and throw timing. If any of those are off, the play falls apart.
Execution doesn’t improve by adding more plays. It improves by drilling the ones you run.
Analytics Should Clarify, Not Complicate
AJ is clear about analytics: data is only useful if it helps coaches coach.
Completion percentage alone isn’t enough. Average depth of target matters. Time to throw matters. Decision patterns matter.
Used correctly, analytics reveal player behavior — not just results. They help answer why something is happening, not just what happened.
This is where tools like Modern Football Technology shine. The value isn’t more data — it’s faster clarity that leads to better teaching.
Analytics should save time, not add to it.
Teach the Why, Not Just the Outcome
A big part of AJ’s approach is all about helping players grow.
Data isn’t there to put labels on players — it’s there to guide them.
If a quarterback holds onto the ball too long, the real question isn’t who should start. It’s why the ball isn’t coming out.
- Is it a recognition issue?
- Is it timing?
- Is it trust?
When coaches understand the why, they can teach with real purpose.
Basic Training Wins Under Pressure
AJ has a key belief that shapes his offense: when the heat is on, teams go back to basics.
The two-minute drill is the ultimate test—it cuts through all the noise and shows what the team really trusts.
AJ wants that situation to feel comfortable, like second nature. The offense should already be built around those fundamental plays.
If you can’t run it when it counts, it doesn’t have a place in your playbook.
Final Thought
This episode is not about chasing trends. It is about clarity.
Offenses do not succeed because they know more. They succeed because they execute what fits.
Cutting the playbook is not giving something up. It is committing to what matters most.
A Tool Built Around These Ideas
To support coaches working through these same decisions, Coach and Coordinator built an AI companion based solely on AJ Smith’s episode transcripts.
CCN AI: AJ Smith Structure & Decision Companion
Built exclusively from AJ Smith’s Coach and Coordinator Podcast episodes.
The AJ Smith Structure & Decision Companion is an AI learning tool designed to help coaches think more clearly about offensive structure, decision-making, execution, quarterback development, and the role of analytics in modern offense.
This Companion is tightly bounded.
It does not use outside information, speculate, or invent installs. Everything it provides is drawn directly from the ideas, principles, and frameworks AJ Smith discussed in his podcast appearances.
What this Companion helps coaches do
- Clarify offensive structure and identity
- Simplify menus without losing answers
- Diagnose execution issues vs. structure issues
- Develop quarterbacks through clearer standards and decision-making
- Apply analytics and self-scouting to real coaching decisions
- Translate philosophy into practical weekly focus and teaching priorities
This is not a playbook.
It’s a thinking and decision-making companion built around how AJ Smith approaches offense.
What this Companion does not do
- Provide full play installs or invented terminology
- Use information outside the AJ Smith episodes
- Speculate, embellish, or hallucinate answers
- Represent AJ Smith’s voice or endorsement
This tool interprets and applies ideas expressed only in the conversations.
Want personalized output?
You can ask a question at any time.
For more tailored guidance, share a bit of context (role, level, biggest offensive challenge), and the Companion will apply AJ Smith’s frameworks to your situation.
Starter prompts to try
- Help me evaluate our offensive structure. We have answers, but not clarity.
- Our offense struggles with execution on game day—how would AJ Smith diagnose this?
- What standards should I be emphasizing to develop my quarterback’s decision-making?
- How should we be using analytics and self-scout to drive offensive decisions?
Offenses don’t succeed because they know more. They succeed because they execute what fits.
Cutting the playbook isn’t about losing answers.
It’s about committing fully to what matters most.
Elevate your game with Modern Football Technology!
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