Description

Bill Brechin, Defensive Coordinator, Miami (OH)

This video is a segment of his Glazier Drive clinic on: LB Run Fits & Tracking

Core Teaching Philosophy This presentation outlines a defensive coaching approach that focuses on heavy technique assignments rather than traditional gap responsibilities. The coach emphasizes teaching consistent principles that work regardless of whether the defense is in a one-high or two-high base formation.

Defensive Line Technique

• Interior defensive linemen use "heavy techniques" - essentially a two-gap approach
• D-linemen line up heavy on guards with the primary job of preventing guards from climbing to linebackers
• Defensive tackles align in "two" and "three" techniques with an overlapping hand-on-shoulder alignment
• The priority is to "knock the crap out of guards" every snap, staying engaged to free up linebackers

Linebacker Responsibilities

• Linebackers are kept clean to make tackles (mentioned players had 100+ tackles for multiple seasons)
• Instead of teaching gap assignments, linebackers are taught shoulder positioning
• Right shoulder/left shoulder technique: keeping the ball carrier on a specific shoulder
• This approach allows the defense to maintain consistent fits regardless of offensive shifts

Edge Defenders

• Edge players are taught they are "the edge to the defense" - nothing gets outside them
• Must keep the ball "inside and in front" at all times

Run/Pass Integration

• The defensive system ensures that "run fit equals pass fit"
• When offensive players go vertical, defenders maintain their shoulder responsibilities
• The defense uses a "banjo" or "combo" system to handle multiple offensive threats

Banjo Drill

• A specific drill that teaches defenders to handle various offensive movements
• Players learn to communicate and exchange responsibilities based on offensive actions
• If a running back goes flat toward the sideline, defenders must adjust their eyes and assignments
• The drill involves rotating players through different positions to practice these exchanges

Coaching Implementation

• The team splits into groups during practice - one group works on run fits while another works on banjo drills
• This parallel approach reinforces that run responsibilities and pass coverage are integrated parts of the same system

The underlying philosophy emphasizes creating a defense where players understand their responsibilities in relation to each other rather than focusing solely on specific gaps, allowing for adaptability against multiple offensive looks.

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