Coach

In today’s game, offensive line play is evolving alongside the rise of tempo and spread systems. For Glen Elarbee, it all starts with one principle: win inside—with inside footwork.

“We’re not running duo, we’re not running zone. It’s kind of its own deal,” Elarbee says. “Maybe it’s wedge. Hell, I don’t know. But it works because of how wide we spread our receivers.”

That space outside isn’t just for show—it opens the door for the quickest path to the end zone: vertical runs. With defenders spread to cover the perimeter, Elarbee emphasizes attacking north-south immediately.

“The fastest way to the end zone is a straight line,” he explains. “There’s not a whole lot of setting up blocks. It’s run fast, straight ahead, split the defense.”

Inside footwork isn’t just about alignment—it’s about mindset and consistency. Elarbee believes it’s the foundation of their physicality.

“Everybody knows where the ball’s going. We’re trying to stay between ourselves and the defender and the ball. And as we get good at it, we know how to force the back where we want him.”

That predictability doesn’t make the offense easier to stop. Instead, it builds trust and toughness. The repetition of stepping with the inside foot across multiple play types creates a rhythm. “It builds a bunch of reps doing the same thing over and over. And it fits with tempo,” he adds. “When in doubt, you hammer.”

This isn’t about trickery—it’s about will. The defense knows what’s coming. The Vols don’t care.

Because when they win inside, everything else opens up.

Coach Elarbee delivered these coaching points as part of his talk at the 2023 C.O.O.L. Clinic. Here’s the video…

Video: Why Inside Footwork

Get Your 2025 C.O.O.L. Clinic Tickets Here

The 2025 C.O.O.L. Clinic is just weeks away (May 15-187) and it has a loaded line-up of speakers.

COOL CLINIC STAFF 2025

COLLEGE COACHES

Justin Frye - The Ohio State University/ Arizona Cardinals 

Topic: Pass Pro Fundamentals, Techniques & Drills 

George Barnett - Iowa University

Topic: Run Blocking at Iowa - philosophy, fundamentals, daily drills (Indy/group) w game clips of 

Ryan Clayton - Iowa State University 

Topic: Pass Protection Drills/ Teaching Progression 

Bill Best - Colorado State 

Topic: Playing Long & Square in the Mid zone scheme. 

Tim Keane - Boise State

Topic: Constructing the pocket techniques to protect the QB

Matt Drinkall - Army/Central Michigan

Topic: Building a Violent Interior Run Attack, Techniques, Drills & Strategies

Mason Miller - Baylor University 

Topic: Pass Pro Techniques & Schemes 

Baylor zone and movement drills in the run game. 

A’lique Terry - Oregon

Topic: “Hands & Target in Pass pro”

Dale Williams - Syracuse University 

Topic: Syracuse drills and scheme for running Counter

Phil Trautwein - Penn State University 

Topic: Evaluation and Development of the OL

Rick Trickett- Jacksonville State University 

Topic: Off season drills for tackles, guards & centers.

Spread counter & Inside zone

Dan Larson-North Dakota State University

Topic: Man Blocking Fundamentals And Techniques In The Run Game 

Allen Rudolph-UNC Charlotte. 

Topic: Using Eyes to handle movement and create explosives

Craig Domann - Pro Mind Set 

Topic: Pro Mind Set

PRO COACHES

John Harbaugh-Baltimore Ravens

Keynote Address

Kris Sweet-Toronto Argonauts 

Topic: Duo ideas from extended formations and adjustments to help your lineman and wham schemes to create space 

Aaron Kromer- Buffalo Bills

Topic: Pass protection technique

Zach Strief- Denver Broncos

Topic: Developing Pass Protectors 

George Warhop-Baltimore Ravens

Topic: Coaching it the way you want it to look

Bobby Johnson-Washington Commanders 

Topic: Marrying multiple puller schemes into your run gameplan (Gap, G, Trap/Wham, etc).

Jim McNally - NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame 

Topic: Six Man Protections 

Paul Alexander - NFL Alumni

Topic: Coaching Points Worth a Billion Dollars

Jeremiah Washburn - Philadelphia Eagles

Topic: Attacking The Edge

See you at the C.O.O.L. Clinic!

The C.O.O.L. Clinic Team