Coach Development

Who Coaches the Coach? Why Mentorship Isn’t Enough Anymore

By Keith Grabowski “Who’s coaching the coach?” That question landed like a hit you didn’t see coming. Jaime Elizondo asked it during our conversation, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Not because it was a clever turn of phrase—but because it was uncomfortably true. The feeling is familiar if you’ve been in this…

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Building Your Coaching Network: How to Connect, Learn, and Grow in the Profession

By Keith Grabowski No coach succeeds alone. The best ones surround themselves with a network of trusted mentors, peers, and rising stars who challenge their thinking and fuel their growth. In a recent Think Tank discussion, I sat down with three football minds—Mike Giancola (Defensive Coordinator, Roanoke College), Rob Everett (Offensive Assistant, Miami Dolphins), and…

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The Power of a Growth Mindset

As coaches, we constantly adapt to stay ahead. A growth mindset – the belief that abilities and intelligence can develop through dedication and hard work – is a powerful asset for any coach. Coach Travis Dixon of Hamilton High School embodies this mindset, leading his team to success by emphasizing continual learning and adaptation. Embracing…

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The Shift from Play Caller to Game Manager

With back-to-back state championships, Kyle Schmitt, the head coach at Archbishop Spalding High School in Maryland, has proven that effective game management is as important as the talent on the field. Like all coaches, he valued his role as a player caller, but a shift in perspective as a head coach, he recognized the need…

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