As coaches, we all strive to get our players on the same page as us--and each other. If we truly want to get where we are going, this is crucial. 

But in order to do that, we first must set the example for players demonstrating that level of communication and collaboration as coaches. On both sides of the ball, the coordinators and position coaches must work in tandem towards a common goal to be successful and provide the foundation for the program's culture.

We like to think of it as the coordinator being the hand and the position coaches being the fingers. One should be an extension of the other. This is no place for egos to try and reign supreme.  The coordinator cannot think of it as his squad and his own personal video game. That person must be a leader and develop his relationships with the other assistants. 

What is the coordinator's job?

The coordinator's job is just that--to coordinate. He needs to implement his or the head coach's offense or defense, but it is much more than just designing an offense or calling plays. 

COACHES' NOTES: The responsibility of a coaching staff in no-huddle communication

This person needs to be in command, but in a way where they are confident enough to share responsibilities throughout the staff.  The OC/DC has to know the offense or defense they are running inside-and-out.  Then they will be able to deliver that message to the position coaches in a way that allows position coaches not only to understand--but to buy in and thrive.

The position coach role

As stated earlier, the position coaches are an extension of the coordinator and should be carrying out the same message. 

It is easy to go online and find various drills and practice ideas. And it's great to have this unbridled enthusiasm to get the most from your position group. However, all of your work needs to fit the parameters of what you are collectively trying to accomplish as an offense or a defense. 

For instance, I am the OC for our high school team and we run the Flexbone triple option. Running the ball is the top priority, so the majority of the drills need to fit the scheme. We do not want to have a quarterback coach spending most of his time on throwing mechanics when the bulk of his time needs to be spent preparing our QBs to run the triple option.

Our coaches meet to develop our individual drills together to ensure we are maximizing that time.

The job of the position coaches is to coach their position and be the best at teaching his players that he can be. Don’t worry about being a great innovator. Coach your kids to be better than everybody else in your area. For us, the triple option is a very technical offense and each position coach must teach accordingly. Each drill must have the methodological approach to stay within our scheme.

Working together

Coordinators and position coaches need to collaborate on everything to fit in the offense. We spend a lot of time in the offseason meeting together to make sure we are all seeing things through the same lens. I want our group of coaches to decipher what is happening the exact same way as I do.

Even though I am the one calling plays on Friday nights, I want our position coaches to be the eyes of their group on game nights.  I cannot see everything that goes on, so I need to have complete trust in the other coaches on our staff to provide solid information. This faith in each other only comes after working side by side and knowing we are all in together.  It's the coordinator's responsibility to delegate specific jobs for the game so every position coach is serving a role, not just watching from the sidelines.

Here is how we break down Friday night responsibilities:

• OC: On the field.   Calls plays, watches the point of attack and is on headset with assistant OC in the booth and the QB coach on the field.
• Assistant OC: In the booth.  On headphones with the OC.  Watches our defensive reads and linebackers.
• QB coach: On the field.  Listens on headphones and watches the mesh point and QB play.
• Perimeter coach: In the booth.  Communicates to OC, defensive secondary play.
• OL coach: Watches for OL play and adjustments.
• FB coach: Charts defensive players who make tackles.

By working hard together, your players will hear one voice all throughout your program.  This will lead to greater results and a more harmonized team atmosphere that will trickle down to your players.  Remember, as coaches, everyone is there to serve the team and your players.  Set your goals high, work as one, and have a great season.