The Coaching 101 Podcast

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson open season nine, share a John Wooden quote on staying calm, and preview Simpson’s Field House session on delegating coaches’ roles and duties. They discuss teams whose record doesn’t match their talent, focusing on controllables: defining a clear identity, highlighting strengths, giving players a few specific improvement points, and staying realistic and emotionally steady. They emphasize honest self-evaluation of personnel, scheme fit, and game management, plus considering schedule context. Reasons for underachievement include program culture and losing history, youth and coach inexperience, discipline issues (turnovers, penalt...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson open with season updates and playoff goals, then share a James Clear quote about falling to the level of systems and habits. Simpson promotes his Fieldhouse sessions, including a previous discussion on halftime procedures and an upcoming one on weekend coaching duties, before sponsor mentions for Ace Sports, Winning Edge Performance Analytics, and Blended Threads. The main topic is how much football players should understand beyond their assignments, emphasizing scheme fit, situational football, “if-then” adjustments, and knowing where they can’t get beat, while recognizing different players can ha...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson are joined by Florida coach PJ Gibbs to discuss fixing defensive coverages through “addition and subtraction,” including separating scheme problems from execution and personnel issues. After a Buddha quote on staying present, Simpson shares a Fieldhouse one-off on a structured halftime adjustment card and film review, and the hosts plug sponsors. Gibbs explains building multiple coverages in camp, game-planning on Monday, and subtracting by Wednesday if it doesn’t look right; Simpson emphasizes knowing scheme weaknesses, correcting wrong numbers with schematic answers, and addressing technique and personnel with d...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson recap fall weather and bye-week approaches, then introduce the theme of making practice harder than the game with purpose, not just conditioning. Using Marv Levy’s quote, they emphasize game-like difficulty through competition, worst-case scenarios, and mentally taxing situational football—red zone, third/fourth down, time management, and playing the clock. Simpson explains applying pressure by limiting coaching help, letting coordinators call aggressive looks, testing players’ responses to adversity, and identifying who handles high-pressure moments best. Chamberlain adds that resiliency is a trained muscle, shares a youth footba...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson open with season updates as Simpson’s team finishes non-conference play at 2-1, discusses a loss to a fast Jacksonville team, the response with a 27-24 win over a top 3A opponent, and heading into a bye week, while Chamberlain shares his youth team’s strong start. After a Willie Nelson quote on counting blessings, they promote Simpson’s Field House coaching community and shout out sponsors Ace Sports and Winning Edge Performance Analytics. The main topic is what it means when a game plan isn’t working...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson open with Simpson’s 35–23 win over Brookland, early-season injuries, and the value of scheduling tough non-conference games, including a planned short week and an upcoming opponent with multiple college signees. After a Bill Walsh quote on championship standards and a Field House update focused on weekly game review and coaches’ Q&A, they discuss why scout team should not be a punching bag but a developmental unit that still prepares starters to win Friday. They cover who to place on scout team, using mostly the program’s terminol...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson open with early-season updates, scrimmage takeaways, and how scheduling tougher opponents can better prepare a program for conference play, then share a Nick Saban quote on constant evaluation beyond the scoreboard. They discuss Simpson’s Field House coaching group and then focus on having a coach in the press box: why it’s a critical role (often best for coordinators), what the box coach should watch (coverage, fronts, far-sideline issues, personnel/substitutions, alignment, leverage/space, tendencies), what information helps win games, what not to communicate (obvious statements, unin...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson share preseason updates, discuss the organizational “fires” of hosting scrimmages, and highlight the value of strong assistants, then use a Thomas Edison quote (“There is a better way. Find it.”) to introduce the episode’s focus on practice film. They promote Simpson’s Field House community (this week featuring his defensive coordinator on defensive game planning) and thank sponsors A Sports, Winning Edge Performance Analytics, and Blended Threads LLC. The hosts explain what to look for on practice film—technique, effort, alignment, assignments, players away from the ball, and whet...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson return after a busy summer, share a John Wooden quote on composure under pressure, and promote Simpson’s Fieldhouse session with his offensive coordinator. They spotlight sponsors Winning Edge Performance Analytics (real-time in-game data and automated film tagging with a Coaching 101 discount), Ace Sports video board/scoreboard fundraising, and Blended Threads apparel. The main discussion focuses on fall camp priorities: stripping away what doesn’t fit, emphasizing fundamentals over endless install, establishing depth across positions and special teams, defining team identity based on personnel, introducing light game-plan variations, and...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss summer updates—Simpson’s busy fireworks fundraising business for coaches in Arkansas and Chamberlain’s new baby, Magnolia—then share a Tony Dungy quote on consistent success and promote Simpson’s Field House coaching group. They outline differences between good and great assistant coaches: moving from being liked to truly developing players, running drills to improving them within the program’s structure, and leading beyond a position group when needed. They add key traits such as being a program guy, lifelong learner, taking tasks off the head coach’s...

Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss summer coaching installs and upcoming open installs, the Field House’s June focus on defense, and a quote from the forthcoming Team Themes Volume Six: “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” The episode’s main topic is red zone offense, defined less by the 20-yard line and more by when defenses change behavior, with Simpson distinguishing “high red zone” (playbook still open) from “low red zone/goal line” (condensed space). They explain why offenses need a red zone plan due to tighter windows, increased defensive aggression, amplified penalties, and pressure to fini...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss how to break down an opponent’s offense for defensive game planning, alongside a quote about how shared hardship builds deeper connection than shared success and a brief discussion of balancing “old school” toughness with modern sports science. They promote the Field House program (Gun-T and Three Force content, weekly calls, capped at 100 members) and sponsors Ace Sports video boards, Winning Edge Performance Analytics, and Blended Threads. The main coaching content covers why defensive breakdown is difficult (weekly scheme variation, fixing your own weaknesses, information overload), using...

Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss offseason heat, bringing in Marines through a free Glazier program for a fitness/team-building test, and a Confucius quote about moving mountains by carrying small stones to frame staff development. They promote “The Field House” membership, transitioning from May’s gun T offense sessions to June defensive topics starting with defensive game planning, and note they’re capping membership at 100. The main episode focuses on head coaches managing assistant coaches: creating a coaches’ manual, clearly defining roles, using non-negotiables vs negotiables, meeting one-on-one and weekly, helping assistants reach career goals, and delegating...

Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss youth sports becoming a business and share stats on costs and participation drop-off, then move into the episode’s main topic: the difference between hard coaching and bad coaching. Using examples like Pete Carroll, Bill Belichick, and Nick Saban, they argue coaches can win with different personalities but must coach authentically, with clear intent, and avoid yelling as a default. They emphasize demanding without demeaning, not treating athletes like military recruits, and building trust so tough coaching is received properly. Simpson explains why coaches struggle balancing toughness and relationships, recommending focusing on...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Coach Kenny Simpson discuss why practice scheduling and efficiency matter, especially during spring ball and installs. They share a John Wayne quote on courage and relate it to fear of failure through Daniel’s story about his son facing a pressure at-bat. The episode promotes Simpson’s Field House coaching community and briefly thanks sponsors Ace Sports, Winning Edge Performance Analytics, and Blended Threads. The main content defines what an efficient practice looks like based on a program’s reality (staff size, roster size, two-way players), emphasizing clear daily priori...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss spring football challenges and introduce Tom Landry’s quote, “Being aggressive doesn’t mean being undisciplined,” tying it to intelligent defensive play. Simpson explains the Fieldhouse membership at fbcoachsimpson.com, including a free meeting offer tied to purchasing his first fiction book, Iron Valley, releasing May 15. The main topic is installing defensive run fits without overloading players by using simple, consistent rules (inside hip vs outside hip), emphasizing two-on-one tackling, and creating language that solves many situations (option, RPOs, boot, formations) without constant “if/then” checks. They argue d...

Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss spring football scheduling, summer team camps, and a quote on maintaining standards through adversity, then focus on selecting and teaching core run plays. They emphasize first deciding team identity (run-heavy, balanced, or pass-heavy), then choosing a small number of run concepts that attack the perimeter, interior, and a change-of-direction element (counter/reverse), while majoring in either gap or zone and pairing runs with RPO/play-action. They argue coaches should prioritize schemes they can problem-solve, use tags and window dressing (formations, motions) to expand without overloading linemen, and build clear, rule-based teaching...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson interview Connecticut head coach and author Eric Knickerbocker about rebuilding and sustaining football culture at Rockville High School after 15 straight losing seasons. Knickerbocker shares his 22-year coaching journey, how studying leadership and culture books led him to write Restore the Rock, and how reflective writing helped him evaluate what worked and what didn’t. He explains that early turnaround efforts focused on digging into program history to create identity and a clear vision (“Restore the Rock,” later shifting to “Raise the Rock”), while buy-in required involving players, aligning s...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss what head football coaches do in the offseason, emphasizing that coaches “fall to the level of their systems” and should plan for worst-case scenarios. Simpson shares updates on moving toward spring football, a Sunday online workshop on installing the gun tee, and finishing staff hires. They outline offseason priorities: running an effective weight program, building relationships, developing and evaluating coaches, addressing friction points, making measured scheme tweaks to fit personnel, teaching leadership and football IQ within rules, promoting competition and camaraderie, coordinating multi-sport expectations, and giving athl...

On the Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss being worn down late in the season, Kenny’s Coaches Cap (coachescap.com) and the importance of skin care after Daniel has minor surgery, then pivot to a Q&A episode. Daniel shares he was let go from a new head coaching job after making too many small mistakes, losing the AD’s trust, and pushing culture changes too quickly, emphasizing extreme ownership; Kenny advises interviewing administration for support. They share a quote of the week from Tom Landry—“You can’t improve what you don’t define”—an...

On an Easter Sunday episode of The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss simple defensive answers to modern spread offenses, focusing on defending space and tempo with rules-based systems. They emphasize having a defensive “home” with adaptable rules, simplifying scouting reports to key players and a few core calls, empowering select defenders to make limited checks, and using defensive timeouts when alignments are dangerous. To reduce mental busts, they stress practicing tempo looks, drilling situations like third down and red zone, using concise film cutups, and establishing clear non-negotiables (e.g., don’t get beat d...

On this episode of The Coaching 101 Podcast, Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson are joined by Caddo/“Cola” coach Jason Parker to discuss building an offensive identity and deciding what a team should do best. They cover evaluating personnel relative to opponents, starting with what coaches can teach, and adapting within a system rather than changing offenses yearly. Kenny explains using strengths/weaknesses, planning for worst-case scenarios, and trimming the play menu with a “rule of three,” while Parker shares his program’s evolution from unbalanced single wing to adding spread and screens, plus lessons from temporarily abandoning what his k...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson close out season seven by reflecting on coaching mistakes they’ve outgrown and how self-reflection improves teams and personal life. After a Lou Holtz quote about character in the final stretch, they discuss key lessons: time in the office doesn’t equal wins (an 0–10 season revealed inefficiency), winning at all costs isn’t the only goal (focus on development and process), chasing trends to look “cool” without purpose hurts execution, and too many rules create enforcement problems—simpler standards and individualized accountability work better than “equal” treatment. Daniel adds mistak...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson recap returning from Boston clinics, then discuss how they script plays and drives. Simpson explains that because their offense is unique, early plays aim to both score and gather information by showing motions, shifts, empty, trips, and unbalanced looks to confirm defensive alignments, rotations, and player keys, revealing advantages and matchups. Chamberlain adds scripting can also create future scouting complexity while avoiding rigid adherence to long 15–20 play scripts that can ignore hot plays, rhythm, personnel groupings, or standout athletes. Simpson uses a “3 plays for each of the first 3 driv...

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Coach Kenny Simpson discuss clinic season in Houston and Daniel’s new head coaching job, then share a quote: “The best competitors have a short memory and have a long focus,” emphasizing competing without fear of failure. They highlight sponsors and Kenny’s resources, then dive into teaching high school players concepts rather than memorized plays by starting with the big picture, using rules-based “families,” layering installs, and keeping language modular and consistent to avoid “wasted words.” They explain using formations, tags, and simple blitz/coverage rules to appear complex to oppon...

Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson close out a shorter Coaching 101 Podcast episode by discussing why coaches should keep their football systems simple during clinic season, when it’s easy to overload an offense or defense with new ideas. They define “simple” as being simple for players (not necessarily for coaches or opponents), emphasizing fundamentals, clear rules, fewer mental errors, and the ability to make in-game adjustments through tags and modular layering rather than constantly adding new concepts. They argue that simplicity improves execution, confidence, tempo, and problem-solving, and they describe a funnel approach where coaches handle complexity while...

Daniel Chamberlain and Coach Kenny Simpson open with February coaching updates, including state conventions, the coaching carousel, and clinic season, and discuss the difference between social/job-networking clinics and scheme-intensive clinics. They share an Abraham Lincoln discipline quote and relate it to the GWAT 100 February mileage challenge. Kenny promotes his books (Complete Guide to Buck Sweep from the Shotgun and O-10 to 10-0), the Gun-T system update (7.0), and the move of Gun-T resources to gunteesystem.com, then lists upcoming Gun-T clinics (Sacramento, Houston, Ohio, Boston, and a newly added Tampa clinic March 20–21). Daniel promotes the 4-2-5 De...

In this episode of the Coaching 101 Podcast, co-hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss strategies for simplifying football by effectively counting the box and leveraging formations. They share insights on handling snow days, recent clinics they've attended, and upcoming events. The episode dives into the importance of understanding numbers and leverage in both the run and pass game, and offers tips on using formations, shifts, and motions to gain an advantage. They also discuss how to teach players, particularly quarterbacks, to recognize and exploit defensive weaknesses. Tune in to make football coaching simpler and more effective!

Join hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson on the Coaching 101 Podcast as they welcome special guest Kevin Swift from Oregon. In this episode, they delve into the importance of making football simple for success, exploring Coach Swift's impressive 41-year career. They cover topics like avoiding coaching burnout, evolving as a coach without losing core identity, the importance of relationships over X's and O's, and sustaining longevity in the coaching profession. Additionally, hear insights about balancing personal life with a coaching career, building a supportive community, and the significance of player relationships. Tune in for a wealth of...

In this episode of The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss offensive line development and recruiting with Joel Nellis, Head Football Coach at Brookfield Central High School and owner of Trench Training. Coach Nellis covers the fundamentals of offensive line play, the importance of get-off, footwork, and core strength. He provides insights on the height and weight benchmarks for different levels of play. The discussion also explores the value of non-padded showcases and how to recognize a well-coached offensive line. Additionally, Coach Nellis talks about his trench training program and the importance of aligning...

Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss their experiences and strategies in offensive game planning in football. They focus on analyzing opponents, adjusting to unexpected challenges, and using motion and shifts to manipulate defenses. They also share insights into breaking down defenses, identifying key players and their tendencies, and developing effective game plans. Additionally, they touch on the importance of adapting when faced with unforeseen game-day scenarios. The episode is filled with practical tips and philosophies that coaches can use to enhance their game plans and achieve better results on the field.

00:00 Introduction and National Championship...

In this episode of The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson dive into their experiences during a busy football season. They discuss the implementation of the pin and pull play, differentiating it from traditional buck sweep, and its adaptation within the gun tee system over the years. They provide valuable insights on play interactions, rule modifications, and making strategic decisions to fit their team's strengths. Additionally, the episode covers overcoming setbacks, such as missed podcast schedules and personal challenges, while emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and preparation. Sponsors and upcoming clinics are also highlighted...

In this episode of The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss the concept of non-negotiables in coaching, reflecting on their recent holiday breaks and returning to school. They delve into how non-negotiables simplify coaching, drive consistency, and help in making tough decisions. The episode also features a quote of the week, stories from military leadership, the importance of efficient program management, and the value of adapting coaching techniques to each player's needs. Additionally, the hosts highlight their sponsors and upcoming clinics, along with their personal projects and books.

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Recap<...

In this episode of The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson engage in a deep discussion with Coach Tony Cotton, who shares his unique perspective on translating high-level football concepts to high school coaching. They explore the challenges of making advanced football strategies understandable for younger players, the importance of being a good person and an effective teacher in coaching, and the impact of one's football background on coaching styles. The episode also highlights the valuable insights Coach Cotton has gained from working with legendary figures like Kurt Warner and Donovan McNabb.

00:00 Introduction...

In this episode of The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson dive deep into the 4-2-5 defensive scheme with expert Joe Daniel. The discussion covers the fundamental principles of the 4-2-5 defense, teaching methods, handling heavy offensive formations, and the importance of having a versatile free safety. Joe also shares insights on adapting and evolving defensive strategies and introduces his own coaching system that focuses on simplicity and efficiency. The episode wraps up with an announcement of an in-person clinic and details for connecting with all the guest coaches online.

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In this holiday break edition of The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson, along with guest Price Holmes, discuss strength and conditioning strategies for high school athletes. They emphasize the importance of consistency, proper technique, and appropriate programming to enhance performance. Key topics include age-appropriate training, balancing strength and speed development, and the role of coaching in athletic progress. The episode also provides insights into creating a positive training culture and maximizing athlete potential without overtraining.

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Break Chaos

02:25 Guest Introduction: Coach Price Holmes

05:15 Quote of the...

In this episode of The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson, along with special guests Brian Hughes and Michael Beaumont, discuss the evolving trends in improving athletic environments using advanced video boards. Broadcasting from the National Athletic Directors Conference in Tampa, Florida, they highlight the benefits of video boards in enhancing fan engagement, advertising opportunities, and overall game day experiences. They also address the financial viability of installing video boards with the help of eSports, including their strong warranties and custom solutions. Additionally, the conversation touches on the broader impact of creating dynamic athletic facilities...

In this episode of the Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson are joined by Bo Gould to discuss the Gun-T offense. They delve into its origins, key components, and nuances, providing insights into adapting the system for various levels and skill sets. Bo shares his experiences and strategies in implementing the offense from youth leagues to high school, while Kenny explains how the system marries the Wing-T's misdirection with spread concepts. The episode also highlights upcoming Gun-T clinics and resources for coaches wanting to adopt this system.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

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In this episode of The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson are joined by PJ Gibbs, the creator of the Fast and Physical three Safety Defense. PJ discusses the origin and implementation of his defensive system, providing insights into how it can be customized and adapted based on personnel and offensive schemes. The conversation covers the defense's principles, its evolution over the years, and practical advice for coaches looking to integrate these strategies into their own teams. Additionally, the hosts reflect on the off-season, addressing questions from coaches and discussing upcoming clinics and resources.

In this episode of The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss strategies for effectively closing out the football season and preparing for the next. They talk about assessing the performance of coaches, players, and administrative support, and address inventory management. The conversation covers methods to motivate returning players and the importance of fostering open communication within the team. They emphasize the value of learning from the current season to improve and avoid potential pitfalls in the future. The episode also highlights the need for a balanced off-season that encourages multi-sport participation among players and...