Mike Turk is the head coach and athletic director at Huntingdon College (Montgomery, Ala.), and he’s today’s guest on the USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast. He discusses the wishbone inspiration for his shotgun zone read, why Dive is still a top play call and why it’s important to give players a second chance.

Show notes

• :34   Start as a football coach
• 2:51   Lessons learned as a young coach
• 4:29   Developing as a coach
• 7:01   The most important part of every play
• 9:15   Building culture
• 11:35   Offensive philosophy = balance (and not just run/pass)
• 14:33   "As it gets wider, it gets less deep."  Why simplicity and mastering a few plays is key.
• 17:02   Wishbone-inspired zone read from the shotgun
• 22:12   Wishbone influence on coaching QBs, and why Dive is A Number 1
• 24:34   Play call with game on the line
• 28:15   The importance of second chances for players
• 30:15   Best coaching advice received
• 32:44   Coaching technology: A long way from 16mm film
• 34:40   Concerns for future of the game
• 38:52   Young coaches need to be ready to sacrifice
• 41:30   Maintaining balance
• 44:42   The winning edge

Subscribe to the USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast on iTunes.