From D3 to the FCS - Curt Fitzpatrick's Offensive Philosophy
Dec 27, 2024 3:39 pm
Coach -
The coaching carousel keeps spinning…today we highlight a coach making the move from D3 to the FCS.
We wanted to take a moment to extend our congratulations to Curt Fitzpatrick on being named the Fred ’50 and Marilyn Dunlap Head Football Coach at Colgate University. His journey from leading Division III powerhouse Cortland to national prominence to now taking the reins of Colgate’s storied program is inspiring for any coach looking to follow an upward trajectory in his career.
Success at D3 Leads to FCS Opportunity
Coach Fitzpatrick’s success speaks for itself. As the 2023 Division III National Coach of the Year, he orchestrated a national title-winning season, highlighted by record-breaking offensive performances and an impressive 46.2 points per game. His leadership at Cortland resulted in a 45-5 record, four consecutive Empire 8 titles, and consistent excellence in both player development and program-building.
We want to revisit Coach Fitzpatrick’s insights into the offensive philosophy that has been a cornerstone of his success. From his innovative schemes to his emphasis on accountability, his approach has not only produced championships but has also left a lasting impact on the student-athletes he has mentored.
2023 was a banner year for the Red Dragons winning their first National Championship by taking down the two-time champions North Central College. For Head Coach Curt Fitzpatrick, the execution that brought them that title all begins with their philosophy.
Fitzpatrick’s offensive philosophy plays a crucial role in shaping their approach to the game. It encompasses its plan of attack, belief system, and adaptability. For Coach Fitzpatrick, it’s about their ability to play more than one style of football, whether it be running or passing, and to adjust to various game situations.
He and his staff strive to create an offense that is adaptable and adjustable, capable of looking different from year to year and within a game. This flexibility allows them to make halftime adjustments and put players in the best position to succeed.
Offensive Philosophy
An integral part of offensive philosophy is the emphasis on stressing the defense both horizontally and vertically. The goal is to make the defense defend sideline to sideline and, if possible, attack vertically. This requires the offense to be versatile and balanced, utilizing a variety of strategies such as RPO game, motions, and throw options attached to running plays. By making the defense defend not just the box or the perimeter, but both simultaneously, the offense can create opportunities to exploit the defense's weaknesses and find success on the field.
When it comes to the passing game, particularly the drop-back game, understanding the team's offensive philosophy is essential. The offense aims to let the defense decide where the ball goes, adapting to the defensive coverages and rotations. This approach requires the offense to be disciplined and have the flexibility to adjust the run-pass ratio based on the defense's actions.
By not having a favorite receiver and allowing the defense to dictate where the ball should go, the offense demonstrated its adaptability and balanced approach. The statistics provided insight into the team's offensive structure and the role of the vertical passing game.
Coach Fitzpatrick shares that here:
Three Verticals Passing
Three verticals allows them to stretch the defense. It is a call in which they lock the outside receivers in a go rout and the H(slot) runs the middle read and the Y runs a shallow cross. The RB is told to protect and release away from the cross. The route builds a triangle for the QB to read. Coach Fitzpatrick explains it here:
That’s just a glimpse of the Coach Fitzpatrick’s National Championship Offense which will be making it’s way to the FCS at Colgate.
As Coach Fitzpatrick transitions to this new chapter at Colgate, I’m confident his vision and dedication will inspire even greater success for the Raiders.
Please join me in congratulating him on this well-deserved opportunity and celebrating the legacy he continues to build.
Always be growing!
Coach Grabowski