Coach and Coordinator Podcast

On this episode of Coach and Coordinator, Keith Grabowski sits down with Cris Reisert to explore how the Kaizen philosophy can transform coaching, team culture, and player development. Drawing from Reisert’s experience at Tiffin University and Gardner-Webb University, the conversation centers on building programs through Kaizen - continuous improvement, accountability, and shared ownership. Reisert breaks down how metrics, evaluation, and clear standards help teams track growth and reinforce expectations, emphasizing that quality and improvement are everyone’s responsibility. They discuss the importance of feedback and adapting systems to fit the people within the program, not the other way around. This episode highlights how making a big deal out of small wins, reframing mistakes as learning opportunities, and serving others with humility can create a positive, growth-oriented environment. It’s a practical and philosophical discussion for coaches looking to build sustainable success through culture, consistency, and a commitment to getting better every day. Chapters Introduction to Kaizen in Coaching Cris Reisert's Journey with Kaizen Implementing Kaizen in Team Culture Metrics and Evaluation for Continuous Improvement Accountability and Standards in Practice Fostering Collaboration and Feedback Adapting Schemes and Strategies Creating an Inclusive Environment The Importance of Ownership Final Thoughts on Embracing Kaizen Coach and Coordinator AI - Kaizen Companion Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Cris Reisert: @CoachReisert Related on Coach and Coordinator Network: The Kaizen Coaching Blue Print + Kaizen Companion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every coach talks about “The Process,” but few can define it—let alone build it. In this episode, Keith Grabowski introduces a new blueprint rooted in Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement that transformed global manufacturing. Drawing on personal stories from his early career in an automotive factory, Keith explores how Kaizen’s principles—total quality control, system thinking, and empowered people—can reshape how coaches build, lead, and develop their programs. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start improving, this is where your process begins. Dig into the episode & apply to your coaching with our AI Companion: Coach and Coordinator AI - Kaizen Episode Companion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Coach and Coordinator, Keith Grabowski is joined by Jay Paterno for an honest conversation about the rapidly changing landscape of college football. They break down how the rise of NIL and the transfer portal is reshaping recruiting, player retention, and the day-to-day reality of coaching. Paterno shares deep insights into why emotional intelligence has become essential for today’s coaches, impacting everything from team cohesion to player development and culture building. The discussion also explores the emotional strain coaches face, both personally and within their families, as expectations and pressures continue to climb. Together, they examine honesty in recruiting, the influence of money on the sport, and why mental health must become a priority for every program. Looking ahead, Keith and Jay reflect on what the future of college football may require and why there is still hope in the next generation of coaches who remain committed to leading with integrity and purpose. Chapters: The Evolving Landscape of College Football The Pressure of the Transfer Portal and NIL Emotional Intelligence in Coaching Building a Culture of Honesty and Accountability The Emotional Toll of Coaching The Impact of Money in Coaching Navigating Societal Issues in Sports The Future of College Football Hope for the Next Generation of Coaches Introduction to Coaching Insights Promoting Coach Paterno's Book and Resources Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: ⁠@CoachKGrabowski⁠ Jay Paterno: ⁠@JayPaterno Check out Coach Paterno's book: Blitzed! The All-Out Pressure of College Football's New Era Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Coach and Coordinator Podcast, we sit down with Jason Eck to explore the real-life balance between coaching, family, leadership and the evolving world of youth sports. Eck reflects on the importance of family alignment in every coaching decision from career moves to the daily demands of the season and how being present at home strengthens his effectiveness on the field. He discusses why making youth sports enjoyable is essential for long-term development, and how positive role models shape athletes far beyond the game. Eck also shares strategies for involving family in the coaching process, maintaining connection during stressful stretches, and building a coaching philosophy rooted in service and purpose. Throughout the conversation, he opens up about the lessons learned across his career, the impact of coaching on personal relationships, and the legacy he hopes to leave as both a coach and a father. This episode offers a grounded and inspiring look at what it truly means to lead with intention and with family at the center. Chapters Introduction to Coaching Philosophy Balancing Family and Coaching Life The Role of a Coach's Wife Raising a Family in Coaching Navigating Career Moves and Family Decisions Balancing Family and Coaching Responsibilities Navigating Job Changes and Family Dynamics Maintaining Connection During the Season Lessons from Struggles in Family and Coaching Creating a Legacy Through Coaching Introduction to Jason Eck's Journey Leadership and Culture in Coaching Utilizing the Culture OS Companion Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: ⁠@CoachKGrabowski Jason Eck: @Coach_Eck 🌐 coachandcoordinator.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Keith pulls together short teaching moments from Andy Reid, Bob Wylie, Dante Scarnecchia, and Jon Gruden to highlight the coaching wisdom that shaped generations of offensive line coaches. These clips go beyond technique—they reveal how great coaches think, prepare, teach, and adapt. Keith breaks down each lesson and shows how these ideas connect to the learning environment inside the Mushroom Society, including new tools, partner integrations, and the AI Mentors built from COOL Clinic presentations. If you’re looking for practical guidance and a deeper way to grow your offensive line unit, this episode is a strong place to start. Join the Mushroom Society at: mushroom-society.com Use the Mushroom Society AI Mentor for free here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices