Photo via ClevelandBrowns.com

Dave McFarland, head coach of Lorain High School (Ohio), is today’s guest on the USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast. McFarland, the 2016 Cleveland Browns Coach of the Year, discusses why changing a program’s culture begins off the field, how his Cover 3 defense remains effective and why coaches should not be so concerned with teaching schemes—at the expense of fundamentals.

Show notes

• :28   Start as a football coach (and coaching basketball and track as well)
• 2:35   Coaching philosophy and keeping things simple
• 3:27   Changing culture starts off the field
• 5:13   Teaching players the basics
• 6:46   Breaking up the season-long grind
• 9:26   Defending the RPO
• 10:38   Rebounding from an 0-2 start to state quarterfinals
• 12:14   Mistakes made as a young coach
• 13:08   Surround yourself with good people
• 17:02   Advice to a young football coach
• 19:00   Two-minute drill

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