Coach ,

The 2022 Coaching Carousel has slowed down a bit and new leadership brings a fresh perspective to many programs.

One program clearly focusing on building a strong culture is that of new head coach at Duke University Mike Elko.

Coach Elko was part of a historic win this past season as the defensive coordinator of Jimbo Fischer’s staff at Texas A&M.  

Two long streaks were broken in the game. It was the first time in 14 years and 100 games that Alabama had been beaten by an unranked team. The win over Alabama was the first time Nick Saban ever lost to a former assistant. Coach Saban had been 24–0 when coaching against one of his former assistants. 

Prior to becoming Duke’s Head Coach, Coach Elko made his mark as a defensive coordinator. There’s no doubt that he will look to the defense to form the backbone of his team. He brings an aggressive philosophy built on sound fundamentals to Duke. The Blue Devils will look to create an aggressive mentality and more turnovers on defense.

Coach Elko explains his philosophy on what makes a great defense here:

(click on image for video)

Video: Defensive Philosophy

Coach Elko knows another opportunity for turnover exists when getting to the QB. The QB is in a vulnerable position for losing the ball.  He explains how they teach the Tomahawk to create a turnover (click on image for video):

Video: Tomahawk

The value that Coach Elko places on strong leadership is evident in his hires.  Jess Simpson served as the associate head coach and defensive line coach at Miami University in 2021, and will be the Co-Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach.

Coach Simpson shared his teaching and leadership methods which he has used in the NFL and college level at the 2021 Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic. He discussed his methods developed through the limitations placed on teams in the 2020 season that led to better-individualized coaching.  

A huge value is placed on player development for Coach Simpson and he’s done that by examining his teaching and coaching. Here are four things that he believes help develop his players which he brings to Duke. These are great suggestions that work at every level (click on image for video):

Video: 4 Things for the Offseason

Another strong builder of culture joins the staff on the offensive side of the ball. Adam Cushing, who was the head coach at Eastern Illinois, becomes the Run Game Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach.

For Coach Cushing, the process of building his unit will begin with really learning about his players and what makes them tick. He has a process called “Life Graph.” This unique tool that he uses helps a coach understand the events in the individual’s life which have been formational in who he is. Coach Cushing explains the “Life Graph” here:

Video: Life Graph

If you want to see what a new head coach is going to be about, then looking at his hires starts to paint the picture. Based on that, Coach Elko values strong leadership, connection with the players, and great teaching.

There’s definitely something to learn from these coaches and apply to our own programs. All of these clinic talks which include two from Coach Elko on defense are available together here.

Good luck to Coach Elko and his staff as they build their program at Duke.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski

P.S. Deep dive into all four clinic talks in the Duke Blue Devil Staff Bundle.