Coach -

2023 was a banner year for the Red Dragon’s 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.

Cortland’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.

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:

Video: Offensive Overview

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:

Video: 3 Verticals

That’s just a glimpse of the Red Dragon’s National Championship Offense.

Coach Fitzpatrick will share more at the D3 Top 25 Virtual Clinic.  

Coaches from the Top 25 Ranked Teams and Statistical Leaders have been honored by the opportunity to speak at the first ever D3 Top 25 Coaches Clinic held virtually February 19-22, 2024.  

The clinic structure is the first of its kind which allows the speakers to participate in the revenue from ticket sales of the clinic in addition to receiving their speaker’s fee.  

We wanted to create an opportunity for coaches where they are the winners in sharing the intellectual property they create. They have great ideas and are willing to help other coaches in the profession, but the model to this point rewarded the production companies, event companies, and marketers the lions share. 

This flips the model on its head and rewards the coach for sharing and driving attendance. It’s a crowd sourced approach to the clinic model, and technology has made it possible.

To get your ticket go to this link or contact the coach you know who is speaking for his link:

https://d3football.coachesclinic.com/

Tickets start at $39 for 45 day access. The more coaches you bring the more you save. 2 Coaches for $64, 5 coach pass is $90, and bring up to 10 coaches for $162.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski