The Firm Always Knows Best
I hear an expression several times throughout the season (including last week) and every now and then during the off-season: The Firm. The Firm is Smith, Smith, Coverdale and Holcomb. More specifically, Homer Smith, Chuck Smith, Andrew Coverdale, and Mike…
Can Bishop Gorman Win a National Title With a Frontloaded slate?
Tony Sanchez has not lost an in-state game since he took over at Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV) heading into the 2009 season and, as such, he set his sights on a higher prize: a national title. Sanchez has worked…
Why Run The Ball?
Many new fast-paced, no-huddle offensive philosophies are not about taking as much time off the clock as possible. Rather, these offensive sets are all about trying to score as many points as possible in the shortest amount of time. Personally,…
Coach Russell’s Random Ruminations
Happy November, Coaches. I realize that our readership spans the profession, from youth coaches on up through the college ranks, so a lot of you are currently in different phases of your seasons. If you’re into your post season, good…
Post Season Analysis: Factors Affecting The Passing Game
The off season gives a coaching staff the opportunity to go back and evaluate their work from the previous season. Done in detail, the process can serve to identify the effectiveness of passing concepts. By charting key data on each…
A Great “Third & Medium” High Percentage Pass Concept
Looking for a good third down and medium (4-7 Yards) play? Do you use two TE groupings? If you answered yes to both, then I’ve got a good play for you to consider. It’s an easy throw for the QB,…
The Military Analogy and Developing Football Leadership
As we embark upon the “battles” of November that will determine the champions and the standings for future championship pursuits, the opportunities for those involved in our great sport to make comparisons between the playing field and the battlefield become…
Blanton Collier: Coaching the Eyes, Leading the Heart
“You can accomplish a lot if you don’t care who gets the credit.” This Blanton Collier quote is posted in our weight room. During my eight years in Paris, I really enjoyed meeting people that knew Coach Collier. His daughter,…
Hanging Tough in Tough Times
We either have experienced it or will experience it at one or more times as a coach. Anticipation of a successful season is suddenly tempered by key injuries, a tough schedule, and coming up short in the “battle of inches”….
Commentary: California Ready to Chase the Dollar
In a world where money talks and participation trophies are becoming the norm, high school football state championships appear to be the next frontier for those that believe everyone is a winner and every revenue stream should be tapped until…