Coach -

This weekend is a football lover's dream, culminating in the CFB National Championship on Monday. But before then, the NFL Divisional Round takes center stage, featuring a clash of high-powered offenses. Expect fireworks with these dominant offenses showcasing their talents, vying for a spot in the Conference Championships.

CHIEFS

Coaching an offensive line is more than just teaching footwork and blocking schemes. It's about crafting a unique brand of leadership. OL coaches cultivate a brotherhood among their players, emphasizing selfless teamwork and unwavering commitment to a shared goal. They instill the importance of consistent effort, meticulous preparation, and the power of collective strength to overcome adversity. These lessons extend far beyond the gridiron, preparing these young men for success in leadership roles across all facets of life.

Video: Andy Reid - Why OL Coaches Make Great Head Coaches

Andy Reid, a coaching icon, emphasizes the importance of meticulous preparation, including writing down all your notes and always having a well-defined plan. He stresses the value of active listening, emphasizing that coaches should listen more both to players and as they move up in the profession. 

Reid also provides valuable interview tips, advising aspiring coaches to effectively communicate their coaching philosophy and vision while demonstrating a genuine passion for player development. He encourages embracing the "grind" of coaching, highlighting the importance of consistent hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Ultimately, Reid emphasizes the importance of reaching players on a personal level, helping them not only achieve their athletic potential but also grow as individuals. 

EAGLES

The foundation of elite offensive line play lies in the mastery of pass protection, coming at it from a hands first approach. Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland emphasizes the importance of using hands proactively and strategically to control the pass rusher. By utilizing hands first, offensive linemen can establish leverage, disrupt the pass rusher's momentum, and maintain space for their quarterback.

Video: Jeff Stoutland - Arms Under

Pass protection can be the most challenging aspect to teach an offensive lineman, especially as they develop. It requires a unique blend of athleticism, technique, and mental acuity. Coach Stoutland, with his wealth of experience, provides a comprehensive approach to developing these skills. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation, focusing on fundamentals like hand placement, footwork, and leverage. By mastering these basics, young linemen can gradually progress to more complex pass protection schemes and ultimately become dominant forces in the trenches.

COMMANDERS

A dominant run game hinges on mastering fundamental techniques. Commanders assistant offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton emphasizes the importance of proper start, explosion, and finish. He drills his linemen on executing precise combos, and neutralizing varying fronts. Stapleton gives insight into running split zone, tight zone and wide zone as well as handling multiple alignments intended to counteract your schemes. By meticulously developing these run schemes and having the appropriate answers to counteract the defense you can develop an effective run game.

Video: Pre-Snap - Darnell Stapleton

By carefully analyzing the insights and strategies employed by these elite playoff teams and coaches, you can gain valuable knowledge to enhance your own offensive line play. Implementing the emphasis on fundamental techniques, both in the pass and run game can create a dominant force in the trenches. 

Enjoy the games!

Coach Grabowski, Coach Kauffman and the CoachesClinic Team

P.S. Save on the bundle of these presentations:

NFL OL Divisional Bundle