COACHES' STAFF GUIDE:

Braxton

Having a plan provides you the right steps to implement your philosophy and sets you in the right direction for success. As within this presentation, the plan should include a brief summary of “How We Will Win” and an offensive, defensive and special teams' philosophy. It is important this plan can be communicated clearly to assistant coaches as well as to each member of the team. There will invariably be peaks and valleys during this PROCESS. During the adverse times, it is good to have a common reference (written plan) everyone understands and values. This should help in re-establishing the positive progress within the program. What I have learned is that establishing a family atmosphere among the coaching staff at all levels is important. It is beneficial if everyone within this family feels a sense of ownership. The mutual feeling that “we are all in this together” should help in the process. Positive parental involvement is important. Keeping parents informed about important dates and events by email or the postal system will be appreciated. A relationship built on trust can be established by effective communication with the parents. When problems with their child occur, the parent may be more understanding since a prior network of communication had been established.

Community service and involvement can be another beneficial aspect of starting a successful football program. This can be performed by the coaching staff as well as by members of the football team. A quality off-season program is extremely important. In starting a football program, the first season will likely be tough. Whether successful or not, the first off-season is critical. Practice organization is extremely important. A normal practice can be completed in 90 to 105 minutes if they are organized well and the team moves with a sense of urgency. As game day approaches, the time can be cut even more. It is important not to go beyond the times that have been communicated to the team and parents. By adhering to the posted times, the coach will likely create trust with the parents and team members. And finally, Promoting the program in a positive light is very important. This should be done often, however and whenever the opportunity presents itself. Public celebrations that include the feeder program, parents and the community can be extremely effective. As always this is my approach, it may not reflect every coach's philosophy, ideology, or opinions on how a program should be implemented or ran BUT based off my coaching experience the program is a process as well, a work in progress.


ASSISTANT COACHES EXPECTATIONS:

There are five key components that must be expected of my staff but emphasized in everyday activities in everyway. In no specific order those five principles were: Passionate, Communicative, Accountable, Flexible, and Resolute.

Passionate:

We ask our players to find their why. Why do you play this game? What drives you? The same questions must be asked of our staff and we must continually evaluate that. Passion is one of the greatest gifts given to us, it is what we truly love and enjoy. We as a staff must remain passionate not only for the game of football, but for what we are truly attempting to do. We are dedicated to our athletes; we are dedicated to their successes on and off the field. Our staff must remain passionate about that goal and we must continually strive to innovate our methods and practices so that our players are armed with the tools to conquer adversity long after they have left our program. In the world of high school athletics, most coaches do not coach for the money, nor the fame. A large majority of us coach because that is what we are passionate about and it is expected that every coach on our staff continues to compound that principle. Coaches are expected to seek outside training, whether it is from attending clinics or from an online platform so that we can remain to be on the cutting edge in our ability to coach. Passion is what drives our staff to WANT to be better so we better those we coach. Being passion not only to their why but also being passionate about their individual beliefs.


Communicative:

Communication is key. Highlighting this principle is a key factor in our success, I ask this and demand it from my defensive unit. If we fail to communicate to each other than we fail the first F' in our three F's of Defensive success; FLOW. FIGHT. FINISH. We cannot flow as a unit, the same applies to our staff. I expect my position coaches to communicate everything to me. I not only want to know about player development, questions about scheme or scouting, I want to know how that coach is personally. I want to know where they are psychologically and emotionally. I try not to pry but asking about their family, their day, and about them in general goes a long way. If a coach's head isn't in the game, I want them to take a day off to realign. We as coaches spend a lot of time away from our families especially when we are in season. I commonly refer to our spouses as widow wives during season, although we can never forget the number one rule, family first. If a coach is experiencing burnout, I would like them to take time off away from football to better understand and concentrate on non football relate things. We expect our staff to communicate how players are doing, not only on the field but off the field as well. Our staff meetings are unlike any other. Each coach is allowed unlimited time to speak on topics that we highlight that day, and we listen to each other. We try to be open and honest with each other which allows the principle of communication to flourish.


Accountable:

Being able to check your ego at the door is a very hard thing to do. Also, to admit fault and find a way to make that fault right or find a reasonable solution to right that wrong is hard as well. As a staff we remain accountable not only to our program, athletes, but to ourselves. The old adage of the only stupid question is the one that isn't asked rings true within our program. We as a staff encourage questions and conflict, because within conflict lays way to growth. Our staff must also be held accountable to all actions on and off the field. If mistakes are made, then there are opportunities to make right of them. In order for us to be truly successful we must always hold ourselves accountable, we do not challenge one another from an egotistical standpoint, it is more from an encouragement angle. We want our athletes to accountable, the best way to expect that is to model that. When coaches make mistakes on the field it is encouraged and often expected that a coach ADMIT he was wrong and continue teaching what was supposed to be accomplished. Hearing the words, "I was wrong" or "excuse me you were right" carries a lot of weight not only with us as a staff but with our athletes. It affirms to our athletes that we are not over exerting authority over them, that we are holding ourselves accountable each day. Also, I hold my position coaches extremely accountable during the execution of our practice plans. I tailor my practice plans, especially during indo periods to basic goals for that period. I allow the position coaches to carry out and chose any drill of their choice as long as it is in direct line with these goals in that period. They must be held accountable that those goals will be accentuated and accomplished.


Flexible:

We must adapt and overcome as a program. Perfect example is the current climate of Covid-19 and the restrictions that each state, county, and city is placing upon our respective school districts. Even though here in Southern California the probability of us actually having a season is slim to none, we are still holding Zoom meetings and conditioning to the required guidelines set in place from our district. Coaches must be flexible in an effort to adapt and be ready at a moment's notice to coach and do what is best for the program. If certain varsity coaches are need on Thursdays to coach lower levels because we are shorthand, coaches must remain flexible enough to do what is needed. A coach can never indulge in entitlement, we all must remain open not only to situations but to our individual ideas. If a position coach of mine comes to me and tells me that there are holes in our weekly game plan, then I remain flexible to the fact that I may have to rethink that area. Once the season concludes if we need to change coaches' positions than I expect them to be flexible enough to accept that change and do what is best for the program.


Resolute:

Coaches within our program must be determined. I expect our coaches to be determined for greatness and determined to look for improvement in all areas of their lives not when just applied to X's and O's. We as a staff expect each other to own their responsibilities and to be resolute in their duties and practices. How we encourage this is again through our weekly staff meetings. We encourage each other to push one another towards success. One of the main reasons I have decided to seek out my Master's degree in coaching is because our staff had the resolute mindset to push me in a direction for self improvement. Another example is within tragedy. We recently had a long-time coach pass away from a heart attack mid season last year. It was rough on the boys because he was also a beloved tenured teacher who influenced and impacted many young lives. Not only were our kids devastated but it took a toll on our staff. He was not only a staff member, but he was also our friend. Our kids rebounded as did our staff, if we were not resolute in our beliefs or within our love for one another than who know how we would have responded. What I have learned over my 40 years on this planet is that being resolute plays a big part in how you attack and overcome adversity.


OFFENSE:

My Offense is a no huddle offense. It is designed to set and control the tempo of each series and essentially control the tempo of the entire game. I believe in an aggressive ground game, attacking the box. Offensively speaking it is an opportunity to score as many points as possible while wearing down your opponent physically, mentally, and morally. It is up to my staff to put our athletes in the best possible positions and to do that I base this on, our offensive personnel to work with, scouting preparation and practice pre-planning. Initially, we as a staff must identify our offensive strengths, we must know our ingredients before we bake the cake. What kind of athletes do we have and where can they succeed without having certain limitations. My offense will be fully armed with the tools to adapt and overcome any defensive scheme and defensive pressure we may face. We must be able to run a multitude of various formations and plays out of different sets. A successful offense must be able to be effective both in the run and passing game, while being able to adapt to execute both styles of play. As a defensive coordinator I understand that the more a defense has to prepare and pre-plan, the more options an offense has which will keep them on their heels and keep guessing on what is next. My offense can utilize strategy based on scouting and in game adjustments. I believe for this offense to be successful we must be able to take what the defense gives us and exploit the hell out of it.


DEFENSE:

My defense is tough as nails. It is designed to set up and control offenses. I believe in disguising and pressuring the skill positions so that they must play fundamental football. I strongly believe that a great defense needs to be able to set the tone of the game. This is accomplished by playing sound defense with the ability to adjust to the offensive formations because of being fully prepared for the opponent. A great defense must be aggressive and be able to blitz, while being completely sound in doing so. Its crucial that a defense utilizes its strengths in personnel and doesn’t try to play outside of its abilities. A great defense needs to be able to play their techniques with discipline and unselfishness. It must be able to identify every offensive set a team displays and both respect their offensive strengths while taking advantage of their weaknesses. A great defense supports the team's offense but cannot rely on them to win the game. It needs to be able to keep the opponent out of the end zone, create turnovers and take advantage of opportunities when they occur. The ability for a defense to recognize and adjust to a different style of offense on the fly is critical. Athletes within this defense will be taught and understand why adjustments are made and what changes in technique are required to be successful. A tremendous amount of discipline, focus, and sound fundamentals are required to prevent any let downs. A great defense has a short-term memory and re-group to learn from any mistakes. A reflection of passion, energy, and trust in this system are the foundation of our defensive success.


SPECIAL TEAMS:

• Kickoff Team Goals

1. Do Not Allow a Return TD

2. Opponent Starts Inside the 25

3. Recover All Onside Kicks

•

•As part of the kickoff team, we emphasize staying in our lanes. Discipline is needed more on this team than any other. We utilize our speed on this team, mostly comprised of db’s and wr’s. Once we have stayed in our lanes and understood attacking angles and open field tackles, we must swarm to the returner.

• Kickoff Return Team Goals

1. Return a Kick for a Touchdown

2. Start Outside the 35

3. Recover All Onside Kicks

•

•Our return team is a mixed bag of positions. We have a variety of returns that utilize picket’s and rub blocks that open seams for our returners. We must be willing to adjust on the fly and pick-up blocks that need to be made in order to spring our returner. We have a lay out mentality, sell out and leave nothing behind so we can get the extra yardage and create an opportunity to score.

• Punt Team Goals

1. Do Not Allow a Blocked Kick

2. Do Not Allow a Return TD

3. No Return Yards Allowed

•

•Our punt team is comprised of under classmen and “specialists” that we deem suitable to cover our kicks. We never want to out kick our coverage as our punters are surgical with their ball placement. We want to trap our opponents within field position that works in our favor. We need to get off our blocks and swarm and cover. Know your responsibilities and technique, EXECUTE!

• Punt Return Team Goals

1. Block a Kick

2. Return a Kick for a Touchdown

3. No Conversions on Fakes

•

•Our punt return team is usually our first team defense. We use our defense to alleviate time from swapping out personnel from the sideline. Our return team must be fast and physical. As we not only have to ensure the snap and that the ball is off, but we must also block and pop a seam so that our returner can slide through. Know our assignment and execute.

• PAT/FG Team Goals

1. Do Not Allow a Blocked Kick

2. Make 100% of Extra Points

3. Make >75% Field Goals

•

•The success of our FG team is dependent on the protection up front. We will line up our personnel based on OL and TE’s that are solid in their engagement. We must secure the snap, hold, and blocks to get the ball off. In case of a muffed snap, we will have automatic “go” routes for our wings. Good snap, great hold, great kick.

• Field Goal Block Team Goals

1. Block a Kick

2. No Offside/Roughing Penalties

3. No Conversions on Fakes

•

•Our PAT block team is comprised of our defense much like our punt return team. We will make appropriate substitutions to players we feel fit the scheme. We must be disciplined and ensure that there are no fakes and that we get good get offs. We must put ourselves in the best position possible pre-snap so that we dominate the game up front and seek out alleys to fit our block. There is always a weak link, we will find that link and expose it.


IN SEASON:

Putting together an in-season seven-day schedule is can be difficult if you do not know what resources you have and if you do not take a logistical approach. Managing your time wisely and allocating and distributing jobs to your staff helps greatly. Adhering to the schedule and keeping time is very important so that you can get everything in that you have pre-planned for. Holding your staff accountable to your time commitments regarding your itinerary ensures your weekly success and projects you forward to game day.


LEADERSHIP ACADEMY:

It is important to implement a character and leadership academy within our program for many reasons. An academy bolsters many benefits that we not only as a staff but as a program can utilize, to accomplish our main goal and that is building good young people for the future. Our leadership academy is woven into the fabric of our program, so much, that we dedicate and set time in our regular schedule to teach character and elements of leadership. We invite guest speakers every week, learn new ways to become better leaders, and utilize our core character building blocks as we participate in many community service projects and team building activities. We can not ignore the fundamental character traits that influence our leadership on the field, in the classroom, and out in the community. We as a program continually practice the lessons, we learn through out the academy within our regular season. Having the full cooperation of our coaching staff, parents, and school administration in regard to enabling our athletes through character is vital as well. Our academy aims to change lives, while creating leaders for the future!


When we talk about leadership development, the focus is often on people skills, communications skills, vision, intelligence, athletic acumen, even boldness. Yet none of that will make a leader without the foundational leadership quality of great character. Character is fundamental to effective leadership because good character builds trust, and without trust, people will not follow you. Without followers, obviously, one cannot lead. Good character is not just for the noble hearted. It is a choice. In fact, it is a series of consistent choices over a length of time. Our character is formed every time we face a defining moment that challenges us to sort through our core values and principles. If we are willing to use our self-discipline and self-control to try and do the right thing, each and every time, during those defining moments, over time these decisions will shape our personal and professional identities. So, character is not just talk. It is not just a matter of knowing who you are and what your values are. Your character is the balance of your values, virtues and vices; it expresses itself through your actions, and that is the foundation of LEADERSHIP!







OFF SEASON & SUMMER PROGRAMS:



•Phase 1: Post Season/Transition Period (December – February)

•Phase 2: Spring Football (March – May)

•DEAD PERIOD (First Three Weeks of June)

•Phase 3: Summer Football (June – July)

•Phase 4: Pre-Season (August)


Phase 1:

One of the most difficult times for a coach is the post season. Once the final whistle blows of the last play of the season; that is when the real work begins. A coach is left with administrative work that must be accomplished to begin the next season. The banquet should already be planned through the booster club. The time and date, venue, invitations, voting and purchasing of awards should already be done. Before the next season can begin a coach must ensure his seniors are on track to graduate and if they are being recruited that they have their proper affairs in order to transition to the collegiate level. Coaches must also ensure that their athletes who play multiple sports can transition smoothly into their next sport without delay. Equipment must be inventoried and accounted for so that purchasing and updating outdated equipment can occur. Managing the booster club is also a highlight of the post season; finding parents to replace those who have seniors that are graduating. Conducting a post season booster club meeting to align fundraising activities and construct a budget is a necessity. It is imperative that coaches have a post season meeting to discuss possible changes to staff, depth chart, tweaks to offense/defense/special teams, practice plans, coaches scheduling, stipend allotment, and constructing an overall roadmap on moving forward. More than ever the most critical topic of strength and conditioning must be discussed prior to developing on field activities since CIF caps an hourly practice time during the post season. The transition period encompasses more time and effort than in season, with coaches must delegate and ensure time management is order. The following is an example of our 8 weeks off season (transitional Phase) weight program.


Phase 2:

The transitional period is over, now what? Its is time to get into the classroom and hit the field. Coaches must have an all staff meeting, where coordinators can share their ideas of spring ball scripting. If possible, during the spring ball planning phase, coaches must network with other schools to get a jump on 7 on 7 summer passing league slots as well as linemen competition or 1 on 1’s. What is most imperative is maximizing and getting the most out of this period. Spring ball must be utilized as a teaching period, install the basics and fine tune through the summer. When on the field, technique and reps must be the highlight. Filming every practice, and if feasible, have team managers film indy drills so during individual meeting periods throughout the spring coaches can critique technique and share with their position players.


Phase 3:

Summer has finally arrived, and dead period is over. The athletes have returned from their vacations with their families and we have hopes that everything gained, the hard work on the field and in the weight-room has been for not. First thing is first, testing must take place. Coaches must take and schedule the first week for dynamic testing while balancing maximizing refreshing the base offense and defense. Gaging where the program is both physically and mentally must be at the forefront. In the back of your mind is the scheduling of 7 on 7 competition where coordinators can flex their schemes. Knowing our athletes have grown tired of seeing the same competition from scout teams is also an importance. Much like spring ball, summer is time intensive and coaches must maximize the scheduling with the time they are given. Eliminating the excess wasted time in the classroom or talking semantics on the field must be eliminated. At this point coaches must be instructed to coach on the fly, or at the very least pull that player out to give instruction while the flow of practice continues. This is a tweak period, use this time to satisfy your depth charts and use coaching meeting times to evaluate the balance of scheme, opponent scouting, game day scripting, and practice alteration. Along with practice and 7 on 7 competitions, the youth camps are in full swing and are mirroring the varsity template of practice and 7 on 7 games. MAXIMIZE YOUR TIME, THE SEASON IS APPROACHING!!!!


Phase 4:

Summer has officially ended. In highest hopes, coaches feel that their packages, schemes, and philosophies are in place and are ready to implement the scout plans for week’s 1-10. One week, one day, one practice, one snap at a time should be the focus. It is imperative that coaches understand this is the focus period, technique should be polished rather than re-taught. If you find yourself re-teaching or going over a week 1 in the transitional period technique than we have failed as a staff. No question is a stupid question but mental rep’s from here on out is very important. The depth charts are set with younger athletes competing for a spot as they should be placed on scout teams where they can help and fight for playing time. Coaches must meet daily, after practice to discuss the day’s practice as well as evaluated their players. Again, maximize your time but do not forget your family time as well. At this point you and your coaches have devoted a large amount of time away from your families to the program. It is a delicate balance but make sure that family comes first.

Rogelio
This football program exists for the players. This program is responsible for preparing each individual student-athlete to become the best football player he can be. This year-round program is structured into 4 phases to implement every aspect that football has to offer. Each player will learn skills and techniques that will help them compete in practice and games. Our program's ultimate purpose is to have each student-athlete graduate with the best possible education and forever remember his four years of playing as one of the best experiences in his life.



Assistant Coaches Expectations:



Always Stays Positive

Great work ethic

Cares for the players first and loves the game

Understands the importance of correct technique

Coaches with enthusiasm

Disciplined

Is loyal to the program (school, staff, head coach, and players)

Has great pride in what he does.

Possesses the ability to communicate and teach/coach to all types of learners

Displays class and pride in everything he does

Offensive Philosophy:



Play SMART, FAST, PHYSICAL football

Establish the line of scrimmage

Capitalize on the defense’s mistakes and misalignments

Adjust to put our players in the best position to succeed

Control the tempo of the game

Use no huddle and hurry up tempos at different points of the game to keep the defense honest

Be the most conditioned players on the field

Make the defense overthink, become mentally and physically fatigued

Defensive Philosophy:



Give all- All defensive players will play with Effort- Attitude- Toughness.

Committed to stopping opponents' bread and butter- We will prevent the offense from having a consistent offensive attack.

Swarm- All 11 players on the field will have relentless pursuit to the ball carrier on both run and pass plays.

Fundamental tackling- We will tackle well with using fundamentals to ensure safety and efficiency.

Contain the outside- The ball will always be forced inside towards our teammates pursuing to the ball.

Hold our gaps and anchor- Defensive linemen will get penetration and anchor their gap, by playing the opponents heel line, and not chasing counter action.

Kicking game:



Special teams play will greatly affect the outcome of each game on our schedule. We plan to control these elements of a game by our play on special teams: Field position, scoring, and momentum. What is asked of our special teams is no different than what is asked of our entire football team. These strategies and techniques were chosen because it is important to keep special teams simple and functional allowing our best players to stay on the field and compete.



Off-Season:



Teams that share common goals and interests are often more successful than those that are divided. The goal is to eliminate the individualism that exists and to encourage a “team-first” concept. Players and coaches alike must accept the idea of “personal sacrifice in pursuit of common goals.”



Leadership Development Academy:



Montebello Football has a tradition of toughness, hard work, Family and most importantly great character. Character is one of the foundations we have built our program on. This program strives for the young men to learn life lessons while they are here that will help them as they move on from Montebello Football, and that from these efforts, they can become great citizens and leaders of tomorrow.



Pre-Season:



The goal of the pre-season is to “jump start” players’ understanding of schemes and procedures that will be used during the regular season. For our program to be successful, it is imperative for players to “buy in” and “sell out” to improving themselves during the pre-season.



In-Season:



This phase begins on week 1 of the season and ends on the last game of the season, including playoffs. The moment has come, the season is here, and it is in this phase where everything done in the previous two-phase comes together. All the hard work, every weight lifted, and sweat dripped, all for this phase of the year. Each week players will develop game goals that they will be working on for the game. Team goals will also be created for each upcoming game in all phases of the game, offense, defense, and special teams.



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