In this episode, Kyle and Matt sit down with Coach Josh Katz, Defensive Coordinator at West Orange High School in Orlando, FL, to discuss the real challenges of being a first-year coordinator. From managing egos to finding his identity as a play-caller, Coach Katz brings an honest and tactical perspective to the table. Whether you’re stepping into your first coordinator role or you’re a seasoned vet looking for fresh insight, this one delivers.
👇 TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Intro & Coach Katz Joins the Show
00:45 – Teaching Biomedical Science & Coaching Football
02:00 – Coach Katz Shares His Philosophy as a First-Year DC
03:30 – Game Planning: What No One Tells You
05:15 – Struggles with Practice Planning and Time Management
07:10 – Learning to Adjust & Getting Staff Buy-In
10:00 – Building the Call Sheet: The Weekly Process
14:00 – Halftime Adjustments & Communication with the Staff
18:20 – Teaching Coverage Rules to Young DBs
22:30 – What Coach Katz Would Tell Himself Week 1
25:45 – Audience Q&A and Final Thoughts
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
First-year coordinators often face information overload — simplify and clarify.
You can’t do it alone. Building staff trust and communication is essential.
Practice planning is harder than it looks — reps need purpose.
Teaching players your system is just as important as having one.
Whether you’re a high school coordinator, aspiring coach, or just a ball junkie, this episode packs insight, honesty, and some solid laughs.
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Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your pods.
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