Jerry Gordon sits down with Keith in this episode of the USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast. Gordon, a former walk-on at UMass, is a coaching veteran, having spent time coaching in the USFL, at the college ranks and in high school football. Currently the defensive coordinator at Broad Run High School (Ashburn, Va.), Gordon dives into his Under Front defense, using timeouts strategically and why it’s important to make assistant coaches feel valued.

Show notes

• 1:21   Starting as a football coach
• 2:58   Lessons learned in the USFL
• 4:14   Key takeaways throughout his career
• 5:12   Impact on coaching philosophy--and focusing on yourself, not the opponent
• 6:25   Sideline video...as a disadvantage?
• 7:20   The Under Front defense
• 9:23   Culture building
• 10:23   Want a sound defense? Start with relationships and stamina
• 12:36   The importance of knowing how to fix your scheme when it breaks
• 13:36   Google Forms as a teaching tool
• 14:41   Making the grind fun
• 15:45   Simplicity is key
• 17:11   Knowing when to call timeout
• 18:09   Why every player has a "problem"
• 20:16   "The best coaches made me feel good about myself"
• 22:21   Coaching technology
• 23:04   Lessons learned from coaching clinics
• 24:31   Concerns for future of the game
• 26:40   Advice to a young coach
• 27:57   Maintaining balance
• 29:59   Merritt Hale and the power of dedication
• 31:08   Two-minute drill

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