Michigan Football Series: Linebacker Technique & Drills

with Don Brown,
University of Massachusetts Amherst Head Coach;
University of Arizona Defensive Coordinator in 2021;
University of Michigan Defensive Coordinator (2016 - 2020);
helped Michigan's defense rank among the top four in the NCAA in total defense his first three seasons in Ann Arbor;
3x AFCA Region I Coach of the Year (1994, 2002, 2006);
5x Conference Coach of the Year (1993, 1994, 1995, 2002, 2006);
35+ years of coaching experience

If you have a great group of linebackers, they can help make your defense look so much better - even if your defensive line or secondary isn't the strongest. In this video, former University of Michigan Defensive Coordinator Don Brown dishes on what he looks for in his linebacking corps, as well as some of the drills that Michigan uses to create championship linebackers.

Defensive Philosophy

Coach Brown begins by giving an explanation of the major philosophical beliefs that guide the Michigan defensive unit. He touches on the importance of stopping the run and how to accomplish it. Additionally, Brown gives his general philosophy on defending the pass and provides some specifics on how he accomplishes putting his players in the best positions to defend the pass.

Finally, Coach Brown shares his overall philosophy of coaching athletes and speaks about his beliefs in terms of the coach's role in developing character and being a positive influence in the lives of his players.

Drills for Linebacker Play

Next, you'll be taken through several drills that Brown uses on a daily and weekly basis to teach the finer points of linebacker play. Using practice and game film, Coach Brown demonstrates several drills, including basic footwork, reads and keys, tackling, and block defeat techniques. You'll also see drills that teach pass drop techniques and man to man coverage tactics that will help your linebackers execute in both man to man and zone defensive calls.

Brown also gives an exhaustive overview of the drills that he uses to teach his linebackers to blitz against both the pass and the run. The Michigan defense under Coach Brown is widely regarded as one of the most aggressive units in the country, and he gives you a detailed look at how he teaches his players to operate in his scheme.

This video from one of the most respected defensive coaches in America is sure to be a gold mine for your program. It's a must-have for all defensive coaches and especially linebacker coaches that want to teach their players the best techniques and fundamentals.

75 minutes. 2019.