Coaching Points from Teams Who Made Some Noise in 2021
Jun 21, 2022 3:46 pm
Coach ,
This part of the top 25 gets interesting with 4 teams who made some noise last season and a new staff of proven coaches.
There is plenty to learn here from what these coaches have shared in their clinic talks. These are also some of the most upvoted talks from their respective clinics.
Here’s PFF’s Pre Season #20-16, all of who have at least one staff member with a course on CoachTube. I share some insightful clips from each of their clinics.
#20.) Baylor
Baylor looks to repeat as Big XII Champions, and the growth in leadership is evident. Head Coach Dave Aranda can be found in most virtual clinic audiences. He is always learning the game.
Coach Aranda proved to have learned from year one of being a head coach. He shared that in Lessons of a First-Year Head Coach.
He talks about his learning over the last two years and how that applies to developing the culture of Baylor Football in this video (click on image for video):
Jeff Grimes enters his 3rd season of leading the Bear's offense. In this clinic presentation, he shared the philosophy and design of how they created the Baylor offense which is powered by the base Wide Zone play. He includes how they incorporate Fly for misdirection as well as play-action and RPO components.
For Coach Grimes, the design is about understanding complimentary plays. He equated his young days as a coach to coming to a “potluck” dinner and ending up with a bunch of things that don’t fit together. He explains it here (click on image for video):
Video: Complimentary Play Design
In order to run an effective offense, you have to get it done upfront. Offensive Line Coach Eric Mateos details the Baylor Wide Zone Play and their 5-Man Protection.
He had a realization about their run game including RPO and what he felt was missing. He shares what he believes to be the three most important components of the Wide Zone play here (click on image for video):
Dave Aranda made his name on the defensive side of the ball. In this clinic presentation, he shares his thoughts on defending the spread offense.
He explains how they use “Nail” and Red Hammer” coverage to defend quick, RPO, and downfield throws as well as defending power read in this video (click on image for video):
Ron Roberts is known for his multiple defense as well as Creepers. He shares their base 3-4 and adjustments plus his Creepers Peyton and Carr in this clinic.
In his presentation at Lauren’s First & Goal he explains how they determine who the aggressor and the protector are against the Pistol set. This can’t be determined until they see flow (click on image for video):
#19.) BYU
The Cougars made some noise in 2021. Despite a grueling schedule, they managed 10 wins. The grueling schedule is back in 2022, including visits to PFF’s top 25 teams of Notre Dame, Baylor, Oregon, and Arkansas. Fortunately for the Cougars, experience returns on both sides of the ball.
On the defensive side, the Cougars look to be stingy starting with a great front led by Defensive Line Coach Preston Hadley. He shares how he develops DL Skills and Fundamentals in this clinic.
In keeping it simple, he talks about how it’s about hands, hips, and feet for the defensive line. He talks about each in this video (click on image for video):
#18.) Kentucky
Kentucky won 10 including wins over LSU and Florida. They return their QB & RB from 2021 which accounted for 2,800 passing and 1,379 rushing respectively. Will that be enough firepower to get them to the top of the SEC?
Mark Stoops shared how the Wildcats create a Culture, Climate and Path to Greatness in his clinic talk as part of the Alabama Football Coaches Association Clinic.
Here’s a short clip with Coach Stoops explaining the difference between Climate and Culture. Changing climate is easy, but Culture takes time because it is deep and enduring (click on image for video):
#17.) NC State
The Wolfpack was only 4 points away from an undefeated season in 2021 and they are hungry for more in 2022.
Dave Doeren shared how they Build a Team Culture behind the concept of “Hard Work” in his presentation at Lauren’s First & Goal.
For his staff and players, it’s important that they take “win today ownership.” He explains the concept in this video (click on image for video):
#16.) Miami
Miami made some big moves starting with bringing back former Hurricane Mario Cristobal, who helped lead the University of Miami to two national championships in 1989 and 1991 as a standout offensive lineman.
Coach Cristobal brought in Offensive Coordinator Josh Gattis who helped Michigan to the FBS Playoffs. He shares how he Builds an Offensive Identity in this clinic presentation for the Louisiana Football Coaches Association.
Coach Gattis explains why building that identity is so important in this video:
Video: Why is Identity Important?
Alex Mirabel comes over with Coach Cristobal from Oregon and brings his expertise to Miami and the Wide Zone will be a big part of it. He shared their Wide Zone Fundamentals and Techniques in his COOL Clinic presentation.
The “Gallop” technique is an important component for the offensive line in running a successful Wide Zone play. Coach Mirabel illustrates it on scrimmage film in this video (click on image for video):
There were definitely some great coaching points shared by the coaches in this group of the top 25 in their clinic talks.
If you found some of these valuable, be sure to dig deeper into their presentations to learn more.
Always be growing!
Coach Grabowski
P.S. All clinics from coaches of the Top 25 teams are 25% off on CoachTube.