“…we’ve actually debated it...” Turner Gill, page 21
Before he retired, we asked Coach Fisher DeBerry about how he maintained a successful football program. He responded, “Once you climb the mountain, you don’t sit down and look around. You have to find a new mountain to climb.” I never sat in one of Coach DeBerry’s coaching meetings, but I’m willing to bet that as he and his staff were preparing to climb a mountain they discussed every option – new and old – to get to the top.
Over the past decade, my job has given me the privilege of working with some of the best coaching staffs in the country. And while there are many reasons why good staffs get good results, I’ve noticed one of those ‘little things’ that good coaching staffs all seem to have in common – they are never afraid to discuss new ways to get better.
You couldn’t find a better example of this than University at Buffalo’s coaching staff. On page 21, Gridiron Strategies’ David Purdum interviews head coach Turner Gill about winning in overtime. And while Coach Gill’s answers give insight into his strategies for going 5-2 in overtime games, it is his response to the first question that got my attention. When asked about the popular strategy to always play defense first in overtime, Coach Gill said something very telling about his staff, “We’ve never gone on offense first, but we’ve actually debated it.” This is a staff that discusses every option to climb mountains.
As you read this issue of Gridiron Strategies, I think you’ll find there are great ideas to consider in your effort to build and maintain a successful program – everything from unique kickoff strategies to the Circus Play and prowling your defense to ‘Crazy Corners’.
We hope that you enjoy this issue of Gridiron Strategies.
Respectfully,
Travis Davis
Publisher & Editor