Coach - 

Since his time at Indiana as the Tight End Coach, it’s been fun to watch Nick Sheridan advance in the coaching profession to his current position as the Offensive Coordinator at Alabama.

Coach Sheridan does things the right way. As the son of a coach, he’s grown up in the game paying attention to the details.  

He’s been on the Coach and Coordinator Podcast twice, and you can listen to him here:

Building Culture and Coaching the Tight End

The Yearly Process of Putting Together an Offense

Today we will take a look at his progression for developing quarterbacks and give an example of how that applies to 2x2 Switch Verts.

First let’s look at the Season Preview for the #5 Crimson Tide. 

Season Preview Capsule

While the Crimson Tide's defensive prowess and aerial attack under new coach Kalen DeBoer promise to be formidable, the success of the season hinges on establishing a consistent ground game. 

Both Alabama and Washington struggled to eclipse 4.3 yards per carry last year.

DeBoer's offenses have historically relied on a quick-strike passing game to set up explosive plays. While this strategy has produced prolific passing numbers, it also places immense pressure on the offensive line to protect the quarterback and create running lanes. Alabama possesses the talent to execute this system, but the development of a potent rushing attack will be crucial in determining their ultimate success.

The offensive line, led by returning star guard Tyler Booker, will need to adapt to a more pass-heavy scheme while still providing sufficient push in the running game. The backfield, featuring a combination of experienced and talented backs, will be tasked with maximizing opportunities. Ultimately, Alabama’s ability to find a balance between passing and running will be a key factor in their quest for another championship.

Alabama Strengths

Offense

• Passing game potential: With a talented quarterback like Jalen Milroe and a deep receiving corps, Alabama has the potential for an explosive passing attack.
• Offensive line experience: The interior of the offensive line, anchored by Tyler Booker, brings experience and talent.
• Playmaking quarterback: Jalen Milroe's mobility and ability to extend plays adds a dynamic element to the offense.

Defense

• Linebacker talent: Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell form a formidable linebacker duo with experience and playmaking ability.
• Defensive line depth: While lacking a true star, Alabama boasts depth and talent along the defensive line.
• Coaching experience: The combination of Kane Wommack and Maurice Linguist brings significant coaching experience to the defensive side of the ball.

Clinic: Quarterback Play & Pass Game Organization

QB play is a great place to start for the Crimson Tide returning Jalen Milroe could be an extension of the success that Penix saw in Washington. Perhaps with even better outcomes. Regardless we saw the ability of Nick Sheridan and how he advanced the play of QB through that program and the success that they were able to have leading the way to a National Runner Up finish.

Video: Throwing Posture & Carriage

A lot of various programs have the motto “The Ball is the Program.” This certain ly is a motto that a QB should live by. Your job beyond all others is to continually protect the football and keep it in our possession. If you are not continually putting the ball in danger and making good decisions you will see the ball move on offense. This is displayed from the moment the snap is in your hands and appropriate carriage for the ball that is high and protected and in many cases with two hands on the ball the better position you are in to protect it, and that is exactly what coach dives into here. 

Video: Drill Work 

Flowing from the idea of protecting the football, once this is drilled into your athletes minds there has to be some kind of emphasis on advancing ball protection skill sets as well as any other items you deem incredibly important through the idea of drill work. 

Your drill work should be based solely on the idea of what you continually see in games and how you can improve those items. For reference if your QB is struggling to check to the #2 receiver regardless of concept you want to work in practice him getting to that second route option or even exaggerating it and putting drills in place to over emphasis and create a hyper reality to speed up his processing and understanding so that the game slows down some in the game even though you are not completely replicating it in practice.

Video: 2x2 Switch Verticals

The major advantage provided in this clinic from Coach Sheridan is the idea that he presents you with the most important components that hold his focus in practice, progresses through to practice and drill work and completes the clinic by guiding you through a variety of schemes and various offensive route concepts that can contribute to your offense building and increasing the success of the QB.

-Coach Grabowski, Coach Kauffman and the CoachesClinic Team

Other Clinics from the Alabama Staff:

Leadership Development - Maurice Linguist

Building a Championship Foundation For Sustained Success - Maurice Linguist

Resources for the 2024 season:

2024 OC School Bundle

2024 Prep for Camp - WR Edition

2024 Prep for Camp - RB Edition

2024 Prep for Camp - OL Edition Bundle

2024 Prep for Camp TE Edition