Essentials for Developing Linebackers Who Run and Hit - Archie McDaniel

Archie McDaniel's goal as a linebacker coach is to develop a unit that runs and hits better than any around.  He is currently the Linebackers Coach at Illinois.  When he recorded this session, he was the Linebackers Coach at Houston.

The video is a part of his Glazier Drive presentation: LB Unit Culture & Teaching Progression.

The full presentation includes notes on what he tells the players he coaches that they should expect of him.

Players' expectations of coaches:

The first thing he asks during the exit meetings at the end of the year is "How can I be better for you?  Don't Hold anything back."

Coach McDaniel believes that coaches need to hold themselves accountable.  Here are the expectations that the players should have of him as their coach:

• I will always be available if you need to talk--family problems, girlfriend problems, personal problems, etc...).  Let's come up with a solution together.
• Playing time is earned, not given.   You will be evaluated by accountability, consistency, athletic ability, and on the field performance.
• He will be demanding yet rewarding.
• He will develop relationships within the unit that are based on faith, trust, respect, and love.
• He will never ask you to do something that he would not do himself.
• He will do everything in his power to help you become the best man you can be in life as well as a football player.
• His actions will support his words--that is how you learn to trust each other.
• As long as he is your coach, he will be there to help with every aspect of your 1460.  That is the number of days that a player has in his college career.
• His actions and behavior will be consistent.
• He wants and values your opinion.