Summary: Central Washington head coach Ian Shoemaker is the guest of this episode of the USA Football Coach and Coordinator podcast. Shoemaker discusses a number of topics, including how the mere presence of a tight end on the field can make defensive coordinators think twice. He also hits on the importance of run-pass balance, how drones can save college coaches money and why empowering assistant coaches is an important part of overall staff development. SHOW NOTES • 1:17 Coaching journey • 4:55 The challenge of combining systems that don’t fit together • 6:15 Focus on the job you have • 8:32 The importance of run-pass balance in keeping defense off guard • 10:38 Scheme and the importance of personnel flexibility • 12:27 The tight end paradox challenge: Finding, recruiting and converting them • 13:31 Why simply having a tight end on the field makes defensive coordinators think twice • 17:07 Approach to coaching as teaching • 20:28 How drones can save your program money (and time) • 23:59 Building culture and involving players in the process • 27:08 Staff building, and why it’s important to empower assistant coaches • 30:28 Breaking down Shoemaker’s “Indy” play • 33:39 Involving your playmaker • 35:58 Playcalling with the game on the line • 38:54 Book recommendation • 40:24 Why watching other teams practice can make you a better coach • 41:06 Learning hitch-boot • 42:12 Concerns for future of the game • 43:51 Be willing to be poor early on
