Coaching Points from the Pre Season Top 5 Coaches
Jun 27, 2022 1:28 pm
Coach ,
Today I share insight from the coaches of the Top 5 ranked teams going into the 2022 season. While this is from the PFF Top 25 released in April, #1-5 have been pretty consistent across all polls released thus far.
There's definitely some takeaways for you with the two from Nick Saban being my favorite.
Here's the to 5 and some coaching points and strategy from their coaches.
#5.) Michigan
The Wolverines look to build on the momentum of a Big Ten championship and Jim Harbaugh’s first win over rival Ohio State.
Michigan has to replace some major talent on both sides of the ball and they lost OC Josh Gattis to Miami and DC Mike MacDonald to the Baltimore Ravens. These certainly are challenges in a conference that has four teams ranked in the top 25 in both ESPN and AP preseason polls.
As always in a tough conference, special teams can make a difference and the Wolverines have a top coordinator in Jay Harbaugh.
The 2021 Football Scoop Special Teams Coordinator of the Year starts with people, not scheme. He wants to ensure that the people on his unit are the best fit for the job that they are being asked to do. He explains the considerations for personnel here (click on image for video):
Video: Coverage Considerations
#4.) Clemson
Clemson looks to return to the CFB Playoff in 2022, but must do so under the guidance of two new coordinators in OC Brandon Streeter and DC Wes Goodwin. Both were promoted from within the program, providing continuity for Dabo Swinney.
DJ Uiagalelei needs to step up and lead from the QB position but has OC/QB Coach Brandon Streeter to guide him. Coach Streeter shares exactly what expects from his QB in this video (click on image for video):
As it always does, regardless of the skilled talent, it comes down to what happens upfront. OL Coach Robbie Caldwell likes to ensure his players know what they are doing by having a “scheme period.” He explains what that is and why he uses it here (click on image for video):
DC Wes Goodwin has been a part of some great defenses at Clemson and is now tasked with leading the unit. For him it will all start with having a solid weekly process which he details here:
#3.) Georgia
Kirby Smart looks to bring the Bulldogs back to the College Football Playoff to defend their National Championship. Of course, that comes with challenges. DC Dan Lanning has moved on to Oregon and OL Coach Luke has stepped away from football to spend time with his family.
Of course, you can expect the strong foundation that those coaches help establish to remain. Matt Luke delivered an excellent presentation at the COOL Clinic in which he talked about organizing and offense. Here he points out how important it is to understand how your players learn (click on image for video):
Video: How Do Your Players Learn?
#2.) Ohio State
The Buckeyes had a high-powered offense in 2021 with 561.5 yards per game and 45.7 points per game both tops in the country, but the defense was their Achilles heel.
Coach Ryan Day looks to remedy the struggles on defense by bringing in former Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to lead the defense.
Coach Knowles's approach is to Play Offense on Defense. He explains their philosophy of playing offense on defense by running plays that feature a player. He details the "Leo" position and how he uses it to his advantage (click on image for video:
Video: Complexities of the Leo position
#1.) Alabama
Nick Saban looks to return the Tide to the top in 2022. Despite the frequent changes he sees in his staff, he finds a way to bring continuity to the program to maintain its standard of excellence.
It all starts at the top and any Q&A that Coach Saban does is full of gold nuggets that you can learn from.
Here he talks about “and players” and “but players.” This is a great one to share with your team or position group. (click on image for video):
Here is a video from the Alabama Football Coaches Association that went viral this past clinic season about being ready for the opportunity. It’s another that every player on your team needs to see (click on image for video):
Video: Prepare for the Opportunity
Drew Svoboda is now the Sr. Special Assistant to the Head Coach. He’s served in a number of roles in college football.
In this clinic from when he served as special teams coordinator for Rice he talks about the terminology they used. Being able to name and categorize all aspects of any unit helps to better teach and create understanding for your players. His examples show how important this is (click on image for video):
He also served as the running backs coach at Rice. His ability as a teacher in being able to break things down into a teachable framework is evident in the following video. He explains the post play call progression he used for his running backs (click on image for video):
The receivers for Alabama are some of the most talented and physically gifted in the country. WR Coach Holmon Wiggins harnesses that talent and gives them the technique and fundamentals they need to be the best in the country. He makes a huge impact on that in developing their football intelligence.
That starts with teaching a mindset that will win in all situations. He uses the acronym EDGE to give those players keys to a winning mindset (click on image for video):
Video: Play with an edge
Offensive Coordinator Bill O’Brien is in his second year with the Crimson Tide. He brings a wealth of experience from the college and NFL levels.
Here he is explaining the screen game with empty protections (click image for video).
There’s plenty to learn from the Top 25 and their coaches. In all, there are 52 clinic presentations available on CoachTube.
Tomorrow we will share highlights from nine other teams that made recent Top 25 rankings but were not included in PFF’s.
There’s definitely something in the free videos from these teams that can help you this fall. Be sure to take some time and review them.
Always be growing!
Coach Grabowski
PS. All Top 25 clinics will be 25% off until Thursday.