When Drew Chance stepped into his role as offensive coordinator at Illinois College, he didn’t just inherit a playbook—he built his own. His journey from studying tape to leading one of the most explosive offenses in college football is a masterclass in self-taught innovation. Let’s explore the key lessons from Coach Chance’s experience in creating a system from scratch.
Embrace the Unknown
For many coaches, building an offensive system begins with mentorship or a coaching tree. For Coach Chance, the journey started differently. He didn’t have direct access to the architects of systems like Josh Heupel’s fast-paced offense, but that didn’t stop him. Instead, he scoured game tapes, analyzed schemes, and asked, What if?
“I got all the tape I could from anyone running this system and just self-taught it from there,” he recalls. His willingness to dive headfirst into unfamiliar territory was the foundation of his success.
Trial and Error
In his first year implementing the deep choice concept, the results were mixed. But a pivotal decision late in the season—to fully commit to the system—unlocked its potential. The team averaged 40 points per game in their final stretch, including a top-25 upset.
“We ran a bit of a vanilla version, but it worked. That success proved there was something to this system,” Chance shared. By allowing room for mistakes and adjustments, he refined the playbook into a weapon that would dominate future seasons.
Simplicity is Strength
Complexity can overwhelm both coaches and players. Early on, Chance recognized the value of streamlining. He moved toward one-word play calls, enabling faster decisions and quicker execution.
“The simpler the call, the faster we can play,” he emphasized. This simplicity not only helped players grasp the system but also empowered them to execute confidently under pressure.
Build Around Your Philosophy
Every great system is anchored in a clear philosophy. For Chance, it was about tempo and matchups. His offense aims to exploit spacing and speed, forcing defenses into uncomfortable situations.
“Everything starts with using tempo and spacing to create matchups. From there, it’s about dominating those matchups in the run or pass game,” he explained.
This philosophy wasn’t just a framework—it became a cultural cornerstone, shaping how his team approached every rep and every game.
Player Buy-In is Non-Negotiable
Chance’s success wasn’t just about X’s and O’s. It hinged on his ability to inspire players to trust his vision. He emphasized teaching the why behind every concept, ensuring his team understood how their effort directly impacted results.
“Our guys know that tempo leads to winning ballgames. When you get players to take pride in that, it shows up on the field,” he said.
Innovation Never Stops
Even after finding success, Chance continues to evolve his system. Whether it’s tweaking a concept or rethinking how practices are run, his commitment to growth ensures his offense remains unpredictable and effective.
“It’s a system that evolves day in and day out. We rep things, make tweaks, and refine every detail,” he shared.
Accepting The Challenge
Building an offensive system from scratch isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Drew Chance’s journey is proof that self-taught innovation can lead to incredible results. His commitment to learning, adapting, and empowering his players has transformed Illinois College into an offensive powerhouse. And for coaches everywhere, his story is a reminder that success often starts with asking, What can I create from nothing?
Episode Show Notes and Links:
#1 Offense in America – Drew Chance, Offensive Coordinator, Illinois College
