#1 Offense in America - Drew Chance, Offensive Coordinator, Illinois College

Illinois College produced some astounding numbers in 2024 in turning in the best performance in college football:

589.4 yards per game
55.4 points per game
376.4 passing yards per game
213 rushing yards per game
51 Pass TD, 22 Rush TD
28.5 First Downs per Game
46 1-minute or less Touchdown Drives

Offensive Coordinator Drew Chance joins us to discuss his journey in the profession, which led to him developing the offense that they run. He’s incorporated high-tempo, maximized splits, the deep choice route, and more. We talk about his offense and how he creates buy-in with the players. We also discuss his game-day routine for being a high-tempo play caller.

Chapters

Drew’s Coaching Journey
The Self-Taught System
Evolving the Offensive Strategy
Tempo and Spacing Philosophy
Unscripted Practice Periods
Preparing the Scout Team
Balancing the Run Game
Execution in High-Pressure Games
Cultivating a Winning Culture
Communication During High Tempo
Pre-Game Preparation Rituals

Here are some actionable lessons and reflective questions to help you apply Drew Chance’s insights to your own coaching journey:

Key Lessons:

Embrace Continuous Learning: Building a system often starts with curiosity and self-study. Seek out resources, analyze tape, and don’t shy away from trial and error.
Simplify for Success: Streamlined terminology and one-word calls improve both execution and tempo, helping players operate confidently and efficiently.
Focus on Core Philosophy: Build your offense around clear principles (e.g., tempo, spacing, matchups) that align with your team’s strengths and identity.
Prioritize Player Buy-In: Teaching the “why” behind concepts fosters commitment and effort. Players who take pride in their roles are more likely to execute at a high level.
Evolve Your System: Be willing to adjust and refine your approach based on what works on the field. Growth is a continuous process.

Reflective Questions:

Learning and Adaptation:
- What new concepts or systems have you explored recently?
- How do you approach trial and error when implementing new ideas?
Simplicity and Clarity:
- Is your play-calling terminology simple enough for quick communication and execution?
- Could you streamline your game plan without sacrificing effectiveness?
Philosophy and Identity:
- What are the core principles of your offensive (or defensive) system?
- Do all your plays and adjustments align with these principles?
Culture and Buy-In:
- How do you communicate the “why” behind your system to players?
- Are your players motivated to take ownership of their roles and effort?
Evolution and Growth:
- What aspects of your system could you refine or improve for better results?
- How do you evaluate and incorporate feedback from your team and staff?

By reflecting on these points, you can take steps to strengthen your system, refine your approach, and better empower your team to succeed. Coaching is a journey—just like Drew Chance, you can create something remarkable by staying curious, adaptable, and committed to your craft.