Adapting and Leading a Defense with Coach Irsik

Coach Jordan Irsik is back on the pod, and this one’s packed with insight for defensive coaches at every level. We kick things off with reactions to the 2025 National Championship and break down what made Indiana’s title run so special. From there, Coach Irsik talks through his current offseason mindset, how he’s staying sharp while raising two young boys, and what it looks like to build a pressure package that actually fits your personnel.

We also cover game planning, in-season adjustments, why being reflective matters, and how to keep growing without being on the clinic circuit. It's an honest, no-BS convo for coaches who want real tools and perspective.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome back Coach Irsik
01:00 - New baby, offseason life, and podcast circuit
02:00 - National Championship reactions
03:50 - Indiana’s turnaround and coaching legacy
06:30 - What elite defensive football looks like
08:00 - Coaching with two kids at home
10:15 - Using the offseason to reflect and adjust
12:45 - Creating pressures based on your players
16:00 - What to emphasize in install and prep
19:30 - How to gameplan without overloading
22:50 - Teaching coverage vs. scheme complexity
25:40 - The reality of adapting in-season
29:10 - Staying sharp without the clinic tour
32:15 - Building a coaching community
35:00 - Final takeaways and parting wisdom

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