What if the very thing you believe proves your control as a head coach is actually limiting your impact?
In this solo episode, Keith Grabowski challenges one of the most common beliefs in football: that elite head coaches must call plays to prove their value. Drawing from NFL examples, high school and small college case studies, and firsthand coaching experience, Keith breaks down why delegation is not a loss of authority; it is often the path to stronger leadership and better outcomes.
You don’t have to call plays to be elite. In many cases, you become more elite when you stop.
Topics:
The myth of control vs. true command
Why calling every play can narrow leadership vision
NFL examples of successful delegation
A cautionary example of overload at the highest level
High school and small college case studies
Phased delegation and building trust within a staff
How coordinators earn play-calling responsibility
How head coaches evaluate whether it’s time to delegate
Reducing cognitive load to improve game management
Protecting culture in high-stress moments
Making delegation operational, not emotional
Using structure and simulation to transition responsibilities
Leveraging analytics to maintain oversight without micromanaging
Delegation as competitive advantage, not surrender
Support our Partner Modern Football:
If you want to take the overload out of game day and give your staff an edge in real-time decision-making, check out Book a demo with Modern Football Technology to see how live analytics can support delegation, sharpen adjustments, and free your head coach to lead the whole team.
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