Head Coach

Retention Through Relationships

In the world of Division III football, where scholarships don’t anchor players to a team, it’s the relationships that hold the real power. Coach Dan McCarty at St. Norbert College understands this better than most. His success in creating a program that retains players year after year isn’t just about winning games—it’s about cultivating genuine…

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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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Jim Catanzaro’s Five Questions for Decision-Making

Coach Jim Catanzaro doesn’t make decisions on a whim. As the head coach at Lake Forest, Catanzaro drives every choice with purpose. He developed a five-question framework that aligns every decision with the program’s core values, builds its brand, and primes the team for peak performance. This framework benefits not only the players but also…

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Old School, New Style

Blending Old School Coaching with New Style Connection Coaching isn’t just about teaching plays or shouting orders from the sidelines; it’s about understanding, relating, and building relationships that resonate well beyond the field. For American Canyon’s Coach Trevor Hudson, this means combining old-school discipline with a new-school connection—a blend he believes is crucial for reaching…

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Game-Ready Every Day

Coach Eric Jendryzak’s efficient practice methods at TCNJ are setting a new standard in football preparation. Discover his game-like drills, strategic timeouts, and complementary football approach that drive success on the field.

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Winning at Dawn: Evan Dreyer’s Morning Practice Format Fuels Success

Evan Dreyer, the head coach of Anderson High School, has developed a unique and highly efficient practice format that has significantly benefited his program. Over the years, Dreyer has adjusted the structure of his practices to maximize productivity, improve team performance, and promote a balanced lifestyle for both players and coaches. The Early Morning Practice…

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Opponent-Driven Preparation and the Power of ‘Good on Good’ Practices

The journey from preseason to playoffs is a marathon, not a sprint. Preparing a team to compete at its highest level week after week requires more than just talent; it requires smart planning and adaptability. For Coach Ben Reaves of the Milton Eagles, this means a dynamic approach to practice intensity, rooted in evaluating opponents,…

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Balancing Head Coaching and Coordinating Roles

In most of the coaching profession, especially at the high school and small college levels, coaches often wear multiple hats. For many, the combination of head coach and coordinator can feel like juggling two full-time jobs. The task is challenging, but many coaches, like Bethel University’s Mike McElroy, work to master it. In his first…

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A Holistic Approach to Technical, Tactical, and Psychological Preparation

In the past, success in football was primarily about physical conditioning, memorizing plays, and putting those together on game day. Now it’s about how well coaches can prepare their teams on three essential fronts. Technical execution, tactical mastery, and psychological resilience are three key areas that Justin Hemm, head coach at Skyridge High School in…

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Quarterback-Centric, Tempo Based Offense

Matt Walker, head coach at University of River Falls, was recently recognized as the Coach and Coordinator Head Coach of the Week presented by Hansen Ratings for his leadership and staff. Under his guidance the team puts the quarterback at the middle of everything. On top of that, they are tempo based in practice which…

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