Scott Donaldson is today’s guest on the USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast. Donaldson is the head coach at Heidelberg University (Ohio). Donaldson climbed the ladder from grad assistant, to positional coach, to defensive coordinator to head coach—all at the same school. He discusses his journey as well as the need for coaches to establish boundaries in professional relationships. Donaldson also explains his Dog Soldiers concept and dives into all things special teams-related.

Show notes

• :42   Start as a football coach
• 1:45   Lessons learned as a young coach
• 2:42   Transition from grad assistant --> position coach --> coordinator --> head coach
• 9:09   Continuing to build on team culture as a head coach
• 11:20   Donaldson's "Dog Soldiers"
• 15:41   Handling special teams as a head coach
• 20:02   The week-long focus on special teams
• 24:05   Efficiency in special teams reps (since they often require lots of running)
• 26:25   Making an entire special teams plan cohesive
• 31:05   The mistake of not being yourself as a young coach
• 35:07   Creating balance for yourself...and your staff
• 36:45   Two-minute drill

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