David Dean: Building a Championship Program

David Dean allows a rare glimpse inside his national championship program. His presentation gives coaches a basic template of the standards and philosophies that have helped him run one of the most successful Division II programs in the country since 2007. In this clinic discussion, Coach Dean covers seven different aspects of his program, sharing tips and strategies that will help any coach improve the success of his team.

In his opening comments on his coaching philosophy, Coach Dean discusses recruiting, characteristics to look for prospective assistant coaches, practice philosophy and more.

Coach Dean emphasizes the fast, physical play that has made his program successful. His expectations of his team are clearly understood. His philosophical insight into the three major phases of football is unique as he looks at winning two-and-a-half phases of the game in order to be victorious. Coach Dean breaks down his philosophy of each phase:

• Offensively, Coach Dean's football teams share several common characteristics: His teams are balanced, physical and patient. Valdosta State uses multiple personnel groupings to get the match-ups they desire. Two more areas-in-game adjustments and winning on 3rd and 4th downs-are critical to the success of their football program.
• Defensively, Coach Dean's teams are largely focused on being fast, violent, swarming and knowledgeable of the defensive structure. Two more areas of great focus are creating turnovers and, once again, winning on 3rd and 4th down.
• Coach Dean's special teams consistently use their best personnel and build around two or three players. His staff is creative at forcing opponents to use more prep time. Over the years, this has led to many game-changing plays for his team.

Coach Dean shares a philosophy that other coaches can easily implement with their teams next season. Don't overlook the important role that a solid coaching philosophy plays in a successful and rewarding season.

Produced at the 2013 Orlando Nike Coach of the Year Clinic.

40 minutes. 2014.