D3 Football

Transitioning Out of a Coordinator Role to Focus on Big Picture

Transitioning leadership within a coaching staff is a careful process that requires strategic planning, mentorship, and trust. Coach Tom Perkovich of Susquehanna University provides a masterclass in this approach, sharing his experiences as he transitioned play-calling duties to his offensive coordinator, Mike Wiand. His insights reveal a practical, effective pathway to preparing assistant coaches for…

Read More

#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: 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…

Read More

Friday Drives-The Final Dress Rehearsal

Friday Drives at Linfield, led by Offensive Coordinator Brett Elliott, have become a major component of pre-game preparation. Unlike traditional walkthroughs or highly scripted practices, Friday Drives are designed as a “final dress rehearsal,” offering players a game-like experience that boosts both their confidence and readiness for the upcoming game. They utilize this as part…

Read More

Tempo Run Period to Promote Efficient Operations

At Alma College, Offensive Coordinator Zach Riepma runs a temnpo offense that capitazizes on running their plays through a variety of personnel groups. In order to turn that offense into a fine-tuned machine that executes at a high level on game day, Riepma uses a high-intensity practice drill known as the Tempo Run Period. This…

Read More

One Word Defense

Dan Bauder, the Defensive Coordinator for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, took a page out of the offensive playbook and incorporated a one-word call system into his defensive playbook. This approach, rooted in his journey through various traditional systems, reflects his belief in simplifying communication to maximize players’ speed and understanding on the field. The Journey…

Read More

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…

Read More

Managing Quarterback Workload

Managing a quarterback’s workload is crucial for peak performance throughout the season. From early-season arm care to late-season tapering, learn effective strategies that balance physical and mental reps, ensuring QBs stay sharp and healthy. Coach Mason Espinosa shares his insights on optimizing practice routines for maximum efficiency.

Read More

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.

Read More

Boundary Attack

Shawn Glosek, Offensive Coordinator at Washington & Jefferson, has developed a precise approach to attacking the boundary, leveraging defensive tendencies and creating quick, efficient gains. In a recent conversation on the Coach and Coordinator Podcast, he shared his thoughts on how he and his staff use boundary plays to keep defenses off balance and maximize…

Read More

Constant Evaluation for Continuous Improvement

The Hardin-Simmons Cowboys, under the leadership of head coach Jesse Burleson, thrives on a foundational principle of constant evaluation. This approach goes beyond typical game-week adjustments; it is a daily practice that drives the program’s success. Burleson emphasizes that while constant evaluation is a broad concept, it must be focused to ensure the team is…

Read More