Season 4, Episode 3 is with Bobby April, OLB coach at Wisconsin. Coach April and I go through all of the run techniques and pass drops required for his position in a "multiple' defense like Wisconsin. His position plays traditional OLB in the 3-4 sets and then moves to DEs in their Nickel package, which requires quite a bit of dropping. Topics Include : Force Players Inside Charges Trace Technique Technique with Rocket Pressures Q to Cut Technique Pulling & Arcing Offensive Tackles Learning ...
Apr 07, 2022•2 hr•Season 4Ep. 3
Season 4, Episode 2 is with Nick Rapone, Safeties Coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although Coach Rapone currently handles Safeties, he's one of the best Corners coaches in the world, so I wanted him to join us about the fundamentals needed to play the position, as well as Press, Off, and Bail Techniques. Pardon the long stories at the beginning - Coach Rapone has profoundly affected my life with his generosity and kindness, so I wanted to tell him thank you, and share the stories with you. T...
Mar 24, 2022•1 hr 50 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Season 4, Episode 1 is with Kyle Cogan, Corners & Nickel Coach, at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. We discuss all things related to blitz coverage, including 2 & 3-Deep Fire Zone Coverage, 5-/6-Man Cover 1 pressure, Cover 0 (Blitz Coverage), 2 Under/3 Deep Coverage (Eyes), and more! Topics Include : 3 Deep Fire Zone Intro, Transitioning from Rip/Liz to Fire Zone Dividers Undercutting Routes Positional Techniques - Corners, Overhangs (Wall/Flat), Hook 3, MOF Safety Playing agains...
Feb 10, 2022•2 hr 16 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Season 3, Episode 20 is with Brian Vaughn, LB Coach at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. We discuss the entire process of putting a "season to bed" and look forward to the following year. Topics Include : Wrapping Up the Season Technique Checklist Examining Calls Modular Teaching Setup Changing Techniques vs. Changing Coverages Getting to Bear Within Your Personnel Breaking Down Your Calls Tracking Ideas During the Off-Season Layering Your Defense Practicing Ahead Self-Scout Formation Tendenci...
Jan 01, 2022•2 hr 40 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Season 3, Episode 19 is with Santiago HS LB Coach (Corona, CA) Terrance Gant. We answer listener-submitted questions. TOPICS INCLUDE: ILB Play in Rip/Liz in 2x2 How to Get to the Endzone on D! Defending Fast RB Motion Tampa 2 Invert out of 3-3 Approaching Teams that Run Different Offenses Dividing Time for Future Opponents Scheduling Smart in Pre-Season Breaking Down Playoff Games Follow Coach Gant on Twitter @terrance_gant . Follow me on Twitter @CoachVass , the show's account @MDGAPodcast , an...
Nov 23, 2021•1 hr 37 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Season 3, Episode 18, is me flying solo to answer listener-submitted questions about the TCU 4-2-5 system. Topics Include : Terminology Application to Other Schemes How to Keep the Front Multiple Pros/Cons of a Slanting Even Front Setting the Front & Coverage Independently Slanting Techniques - When to Cross Face Coaching Points for Gate/Torch Stunt BoxBack Technique Playing Modified Odd Fronts "Blue" Coverage Moving Away from Quarters Playing 3x1 FIB Hybrid Safeties Dogs Blitzes Favorite Cr...
Nov 09, 2021•3 hr 11 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Season 3, Episode 17 is with John Rice, Head Coach at Riverside Poly HS in Riverside, CA. Coach joins me to answer listener-submitted game planning questions. Topics Include Helping Shorter Corners Calling the Defense In Game planning vs. a Team That Kicked Your Ass Goal Line Package Adjustments Defending the Split Back Veer Breaking Down Pass Pro Follow Coach Rice on Twitter @CoachJohnRice . Follow me on Twitter @CoachVass , the show's account @MDGAPodcast , and the offensive podcast @RunVassOp...
Nov 01, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Season 3, Episode 16 is with Mount Carmel HS (San Diego, CA) Defensive Coordinator, Diante Lee. Coach joins me to answer listener-submitted game planning questions. Topics Include : Defending a Grab Bag Offense Scripting Inside Run & 7-on-7 Seeing the Whole Picture Read the Show Notes for Previous Answers Wanting a Head Coaching Job Defending Pin & Pull Handling a Dominant WR when Basing Out of Qtrs/Palms Setting the D - Pass Strength or Field/Bound? HC Mandates for O & D How to Inst...
Oct 24, 2021•1 hr 53 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Season 3, Episode 15 is with Westminster HS (Atlanta, GA) Defensive Coordinator, Neema Salimi. Coach joins me to answer listener-submitted game planning questions. Topics Include : How Much Do You Tell the Players? What is Statistically Significant? How to Disguise Coverages vs. √ With Me Important Point about Check with Me How Many Fronts Do You Carry Per Week? 4 Strong Load Defending 4x1/4x0 Practicing at a Small School/Non-Platoon Why Does Neema Cheat in 2 Minute…? Defending the Houston Split...
Oct 19, 2021•1 hr 33 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Season 3, Episode 14 is with Benedictine College Nickel & Corners Coach Kyle Cogan. Coach joins me to answer listener-submitted game planning questions. Topics Include Gameplanning/Matching Pers Groups Practicing Against "One-Offs" Tips for First-Year Coaches Adjusting to the Back Flipping Helping Your Corners - Man with Nickel Defending Great WRs and the Edge Practice Structure Married to Gameplan Cover 7 Motion Adjustments Adjusting from 10/11 Pers to the Single Wing Motion Adjustments in ...
Oct 11, 2021•2 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Season 3, Episode 13 is with Baylor Defensive Coordinator Ron Roberts. We discuss every situation related to field positions when game planning and Coach Roberts drops some absolute golden nuggets! Topics Include : Fringe Zone Red Zone Game planning High Red Zone Game planning Low Red Zone The Goal Line Newer Plays Teams are Running Inside 25 Living in Extremes in the RZ/GL Backed Up Studying the Numbers 2 Minute Special 2-Minute Calls & Hail Mary 4 Minute Overtime Follow Coach Roberts on Tw...
Oct 03, 2021•1 hr 33 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Season 3, Episode 12 is with Saint John Bosco Defensive Coordinator Chris King. Coach joins me to answer listener-submitted game planning questions. Topics Include : Opponent Indicators DL Play vs. Zone How LB Philosophy Fits With DL Matching Personnel Structuring Call Sheets & Practices Game planning 10 Personnel RPO Teaching Flop Reads Defending Triple Option & Speed Option Tackling Need Help at Youth Football Level! Defending the T Offense Follow Coach King on Twitter @CoachCJKinger ....
Sep 26, 2021•1 hr 55 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Season 3, Episode 11 is with Adam Gaylor, Defensive Coordinator at Jenks High School in Jenks, OK. Coach joins me to answer listener-submitted game planning questions. Topics Include : Gameplan - Starting Point Game planning - Personnel vs. D&D Practice/Gameplan - Weekly Schedule Playing Former Teams How Many Empty Checks? 1 Word Calls Defending a Pair of TEs in Odd Fronts When Do You Like Odd vs. Even? Stemming & Moving Networking for Young Coaches Follow Coach Gaylor on Twitter @CoachA...
Sep 18, 2021•1 hr 43 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Season 3, Episode 10 is with DJ Eliot, former Defensive Coordinator at Kansas, Colorado, and Kentucky. We discuss every situation related to Down & Distance and considerations when game planning. Topics include: Down & Distance overall philosophy, selecting calls from your menu, factoring hash & field zones (Malzahn), stopper calls, answer sheets, planning 1st Down, P & 10 vs. 1st & 10, Sudden Change, 2nd Down, favorite Screen & Draw Stunts, 3rd Down overview, previous ca...
Sep 09, 2021•2 hr 30 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Season 3, Episode 9 is with Cortney Braswell, Inside Linebackers coach at Army. We discuss the evolution of the "Nate Woody 3-4 Defense," including changing drops and overhang adjustments, as well as when and how to change from Tite to a Slant/Angle defense. Topics include the evolution of the "Nate Woody System," moving the stress points, elimination of the No Cover Zone, defending Counter (part 1), changing drops, manipulating 3-over-2, Overhang adjustments, defending Counter (part 2), switchi...
Jul 26, 2021•1 hr 38 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Season 3 Episode 8 is with Michael Nahum, Defensive Coordinator, Assistant Head Coach, and LB Coach at Marvin Ridge HS in Marvin, NC. We discuss how Coach uses Odd and Even fronts using the same personnel on the field, as well as the rest of his defense and philosophy, to confuse offenses. Topics include meshing Odd and Even fronts with the same personnel, the importance of branding positions, LB reads & fits, installation, stemming & moving fronts, dealing w/ FIB, auxiliary pieces to th...
Jun 07, 2021•2 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Season 3, Episode 7 is with Adam Gaylor, Defensive Coordinator at Jenks High School in Jenks, OK. We discuss the different ways to play Headup 2 Techniques to steal gaps, allowing you to play 2 High Coverages. Topics include analytics at Jenks, an overview of Headup 2s (AKA Push Tech), LB Fits, Playing Zone Lock, 1 Back Power, lag technique, Jet technique, pros & cons of each technique, & more Follow Coach Gaylor on Twitter @CoachAdamGaylor . Follow me on Twitter @CoachVass , the show's ...
May 21, 2021•1 hr 46 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Season 3 Episode 6 is with former NFL Executive & GM Randy Mueller, who has worked with the Seahawks, Saints, Dolphins, and Chargers. We talk all things draft. Topics include remembering Cortez Kennedy, Randy Mueller's career path, assistant coaches & their role in scouting, using mock drafts in the process, trade deal fallout, judging personality based on interviews, picks being worth less because of COVID, edge rushers are hard to predict, lines blurred between 3-4 & 4-3, the guy f...
Apr 27, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Season 3 Episode 5 is with former LSU, Florida, UTSA, and Missouri Defensive Line Assistant Rob Snyder. Coach Snyder details the techniques and teaching methods from his time at LSU, working with Defensive Line legend, Pete Jenkins. Topics include differences between Orgeron & Pete Jenkins, correcting the problem, not the person, philosophy of the "Jenkins Style," footwork, hips, "The Process," drill progression - start with footwork (on Air), block reactions (w/ scouts), Steer Drill, Stab n...
Apr 11, 2021•2 hr 44 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Season 3 Episode 4 is with the new University of Texas Defensive Coordinator and OLB/DE coach, Pete Kwiatkowski. We talk about how they play their Match Cover 3 (Burn), defending Air Raid, and his favorite zone replace pressures (Creepers). Topics include Burn coverage, Overhang play in Burn, handling Fast 3s, spinning from 1 High to 2 High, more about Overhangs in Burn, Burn vs. 3x1, CoachTube Course of the Week, defending the Air Raid (Leach), philosophy of defending the Air Raid, coping with ...
Mar 25, 2021•1 hr 40 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Season 3 Episode 3 is with the new Notre Dame Defensive Coordinator, Marcus Freeman. We discuss the "Dollar" package, which he made famous at the University of Cincinnati last year, and go through the front, LB play, and coverage aspects of the scheme. Topics include the birth of the Dollar Package, an overview of the Dollar Package, base alignments, coverage package, defensive front play, LB Play in the Dollar Package, LB Plug technique, game planning LB plugs, Overhangs fitting inside, mugs &a...
Mar 18, 2021•1 hr 30 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Season 3, Episode 2 is with Paul Gonzales, Safeties Coach at TCU. We talk through the finer points of the Back 7 play in Quarters and Palms, and some fun stories. Follow Coach Gonzales on Twitter @RealCoachG . Follow me on Twitter @CoachVass , the show's account @MDGAPodcast , and the offensive podcast @RunVassOption . Join us on Twitter to discuss the episode! MAIN LINKS Visit the website, www.coachvass.com , to view more information on the podcast, the link to his YouTube channel, CoachTube vi...
Mar 04, 2021•2 hr 35 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Run Vass Option Trailer with Joe Moorhead & YouTube/Hudl Blitz 21 Summit News by Coach Vass Football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 17, 2021•10 min
Season 3, Episode 1 (Part 2) is with Kyle Cogan, Head Coach at Lexington High School in Lexington, Missouri. It is Part 2 of our conversation about Man Match Cover 2 (aka Cover 5). Coach takes us through Cougar, Buster, formation checks in the coverage family, plus much more. Topics include 2 WRs: Cougar, Buster, playing Stacks, 2/25 Buster, 3-4 Push, Bunch adjustments, Trey Checks: Cutter, Clipper, Cleo, Iowa (Buster), Nub Side Checks: Cop/Copper, Banjo, other calls: 2 Trap & 2 Roll Follow ...
Feb 16, 2021•2 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Season 3, Episode 1 (Part 1) is with Kyle Cogan, Head Coach at Lexington High School in Lexington, Missouri. Coach takes us through the foundation of Man Match Cover 2, techniques to play the coverage, and some of the coverage options to a 1 WR, 2 WR, and 3 WR side. Topics include Intro to Man Match Cover 2, 4 Major Coverage Families, Flank dependence (surfaces), Cover 5 vs. Cover 7, when to Use Cover 5, Overhang technique in MM C2, deep Safety technique in MM C2, Corner techniques in MM C2, 1 W...
Feb 05, 2021•2 hr 50 min
This is Season 2 Episode 25, a bonus compilation of all the answers to the "Championship Call" question, at the end of the podcast, for all first-time guests. This episode answers all the way back to Episode 1, with the following coaches giving their answers, including former NFL and college coaches Dean Pees, Bud Foster, Don Brown, Ron Roberts, Nate Woody, Cortney Braswell, Ben Robertson, Nick Davis, as well as high school coaches: Kyle Cogan, Chad McGehee, Pat Fox, Marc Marinelli, Jacob Gill, ...
Dec 31, 2020•58 min•Season 2Ep. 25
This is Season 2 Episode 24 with Michael Lombardi, Podcaster, Writer, and former NFL executive. We discuss gameplanning, managing your staff, game situations, working with Al Davis, Bill Walsh, Bill Belichick, and Nick Saban, and measuring players on your team. SHOW NOTES 8:13 Welcome Michael Lombardi! 13:33 Best Gameplan Lombardi was Apart Of 20:41 Belichick's Understanding of All 3 Phases 24:06 Belichick's Time w/ Defense (Reaction to Pees Quote) 32:32 Cover 1 Dbl # 36:37 Controlling "The Midd...
Dec 28, 2020•49 min•Season 2Ep. 24
This is Season 2 Episode 23 with Coach Nick Davis, Defensive Coordinator and DL Coach at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology. We discuss some of the things that helped Rose Hulman lead the nation in top statistical categories, tailoring your defense to your players, and his "fruit" pressure package, which I absolutely love. SHOW NOTES 5:59 Welcome Nick Davis! 19:59 How Coaching O, Helped Coach D 28:39 Leading the Nation in Big Stats 32:11 Language Structure & Personnel 50:52 Blitz/Rush Syste...
Dec 21, 2020•2 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 23
This is Season 2 Episode 22 with former NFL Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Wade Phillips. We examine the structure of Coach Phillips' defense, where to play personnel, the evolution of his defense, all with some amazing stories! 8:25 Welcome Wade Phillips! 9:18 Coach's Base 3-4 Package & Structure 27:10 Playing Corners Over 33:09 Personnel Placement 34:07 Position Profile: Nose Tackle 40:21 Customizing Techniques for Different Players 42:00 Varying Coaching by Player 45:11 Loaded/5-0 ...
Nov 21, 2020•2 hr 36 min•Season 2Ep. 22
This is Season 2 Episode 21 with former Patriots, Ravens, and Titans' Defensive Coordinator, Dean Pees. We examine the schematic lessons he has learned over his 47 years of coaching high school, college, and professional football. Coach goes through his 3rd Down game planning process and shares fascinating insight and stories about his legendary career working with, and going against, some of the game's greatest players and coaches. SHOW NOTES 6:46 Welcome Coach Pees! 9:32 Distilling 47 Years of...
Oct 31, 2020•1 hr 39 min•Season 2Ep. 21
