In the “HOF Insights”, I ask a group of successful, veteran coaches to share their thoughts on a variety of topics. Each week, I ask a different question. The questions can be focused on helping coaches, parents or athletes to have a more successful athletic experience.
This is one of the all-time best posts in our HOF Insights. Greg King, Tim Engebretson, Mike Tracey, and Vic Boblett are four legendary football coaches. Their insights are off the charts!
There are things that are important to success in all sports. Too often as coaches, we develop a type of “tunnel vision” by being so zoned into our sport. We fail to see general coaching principles.
Two of my most valuable coaching experiences were as a young coach having Kelly Kane as my jogging partner. I asked him thousands of questions about coaching. Then throughout my career hours of conversations with my brother, a HOF volleyball coach.
Football coaches are the best scouts in all sports. In this post Coach King, Coach Tracey, Coach Engebretson, and Coach Boblett talk about what they looked at when watching their team and their opponents, and how they tried to measure their teams’ performance.
Greg King- Sterling
“The going to a game and writing down what the other team was doing is a lost art. It taught me so much about the game.”
For me, the 1st thing I look at is the OL/DL matchups. You must control the line of scrimmage to win football games. I am not like most people….I often prefer to watch games from the end zone. I love to see the blocking schemes develop. How are they dealing with slants, stunts, and blitzes? I look at the OL technique. Is their 1st step too big? Are they not tight on a double team? I look for the pad level of the lines. We always preached leverage - Up and down (pad under pad), as well as inside leverage (keeping hands tight).
Another thing I look for in the run game is how running backs hit the hole. Are they dancing too much? Are they stopping to make a cut? You can many times see likes contact. What I mean by that, does the running back try and hit the hole and read the block, or are they always trying to bounce things outside.
Another reason I like the end zone view is for in house scouting. I think with any young coaches they have only scouted using Hudl. The going to a game and writing down what the other team was doing is a lost art. It taught me so much about the game, especially when playing teams that may not do exactly what we did. You can see pass routes develop. You can see what the QB sees. You can see alignments of the defense. Many times when you get the tape, it is a jumbled mess…especially if the camera guy is not very good!
For me the stats I looked at many times (of course after a win being the most important stat) was rushing offense and rushing defense. I have always been taught from the days of playing for Don Wyzgowski at Amboy and Bob Reade at Augustana, the teams that rush the ball well and stop the run, are going to be more successful.
The other stat I pay attention to is missed tackles. Many times this will come after watching film. Why did miss them? Poor technique? Not where you were supposed to be schematically? You can go back and drill the reason for the missed tackle.
The game of football is pretty simple. The team that blocks better, tackles better and runs harder usually wins the game.
Another thing I look for in the run game is how running backs hit the hole. Are they dancing too much? Are they stopping to make a cut? You can many times see likes contact. What I mean by that, does the running back try and hit the hole and read the block, or are they always trying to bounce things outside.
Another reason I like the end zone view is for in house scouting. I think with any young coaches they have only scouted using Hudl. The going to a game and writing down what the other team was doing is a lost art. It taught me so much about the game, especially when playing teams that may not do exactly what we did. You can see pass routes develop. You can see what the QB sees. You can see alignments of the defense. Many times when you get the tape, it is a jumbled mess…especially if the camera guy is not very good!
For me the stats I looked at many times (of course after a win being the most important stat) was rushing offense and rushing defense. I have always been taught from the days of playing for Don Wyzgowski at Amboy and Bob Reade at Augustana, the teams that rush the ball well and stop the run, are going to be more successful.
The other stat I pay attention to is missed tackles. Many times this will come after watching film. Why did miss them? Poor technique? Not where you were supposed to be schematically? You can go back and drill the reason for the missed tackle.
The game of football is pretty simple. The team that blocks better, tackles better and runs harder usually wins the game.
Mike Tracey- Alleman, UTHS
“We got what we coached and what we demanded.”
Regardless of the sport in question, I look to see who is actually actively involved. Whether it is going to the whistle in a football play, backing up a throw in baseball, or keeping your feet moving on defense playing basketball, I honestly try to look at the “big picture.”
Who hustles, who looks for the open man, who makes the basic play with a sense of urgency/importance? I have found that this approach lets me end up seeing most of the important plays in games. I think if I just tried to follow the ball, I would never succeed.
We often taught our football defense to play an assignment-based approach when we faced a double-dive type offense that Geneseo, Rock Island, and Sterling ran with deadly precision. It helped us try to eliminate a tough offense’s best series. It was tough on the defense, but it at least gave us a chance.
Who hustles, who looks for the open man, who makes the basic play with a sense of urgency/importance? I have found that this approach lets me end up seeing most of the important plays in games. I think if I just tried to follow the ball, I would never succeed.
We often taught our football defense to play an assignment-based approach when we faced a double-dive type offense that Geneseo, Rock Island, and Sterling ran with deadly precision. It helped us try to eliminate a tough offense’s best series. It was tough on the defense, but it at least gave us a chance.
We really strongly believed in not confusing our kids. The blocking, tackling, reading of blocking schemes,and proper hand placement , gave us a chance in how to correctly attack blockers.
In terms of stats, we kept things simple. On offense, we were very aware of penalties, mental mistakes, and not turning the ball over. Penalties were not accepted for any reason.
Defensively, we worked long and hard on takeaways. Takeaways by our defense were we worked on with one person tackling and the player trying to dislodge the football from the offensive player.
I am sure we didn’t reinvent the wheel or anything earth shaking here, but we got what we coached and what we demanded. If coaches gloss over these type of drills, fundamentals, and points of emphasis, the players know it’s not really important, but just killing time.
Tim Engebretson- United
“…recognize when we should focus on what we were doing compared to what our opponent was doing.”
The game was quite a bit different when I was coaching. Offensive game plans were not as diversified as they are now. We really looked at opponents' offensive and defensive line play. The team that controlled the line of scrimmage usually won.
Like anyone else we really tried to be familiar with all of our opponents schemes. When preparing for some teams the scouting report was very beneficial and not as much for others. So we tried to recognize when we should focus on what we were doing compared to what our opponent was doing.
For our style of play, time of possession and field position were probably the 2 most important stats. We were a run first team so positive yardage on 1st down was also very important. If we could pile rushing yardage those stats usually favored us and gave us positive outcomes.
Those stats don't affect the game much now but they were important to us.
Vic Boblett- Rock Island
“The key to success is convincing your players and coaches that the strategies and techniques you are teaching are the greatest thing since sliced bread.”
There are many things that go into planning and executing a successful play, successful series or a successful game plan. There are many strategies for good offensive, defensive and special teams play. There are also many strategies to motivate your athletes. None of these strategies or techniques is inherently good or bad. Any and all of these techniques and strategies can and have been successful.
The key to success is convincing your players and coaches that the strategies and techniques you are teaching are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Early on in my career while coaching for HOF coach Larry Johnsen Sr. at Geneseo High School I learned that the game is played by individuals who possess various degrees of ability (speed, strength, balance, quickness) etc.. Larry was always very good at identifying and then manipulating the one on one matchups with formations, defensive alignment, blocking schemes, play selection etc. that I thought played to our favor.
So when we scouted an opponent or watched a game on TV we would always look for matchups or ways to manipulate matchups with personnel, blocking schemes, defensive alignments etc.
Also, one of the major advantages of two platoon football (a topic for another day) was you always got the chance to talk to your players on the sideline when the other side of the ball (offense/defense) was on the field. How is your one on one matchup? Do you need help with your matchup? etc.
When it comes to statistics there were three that mattered to us. Number one of course was the score. All other stats really don’t matter. Two additional stats that we did follow were the give away / take away ratio and the number of offensive and defensive explosive plays. I can promise you that the years you had a great season record, you also had a very positive give away / take away ratio. Take care of the ball!
Past articles in the HOF Insights series….
HOF Insights- Coaching Panel
Bob Anderson- Williamsfield (Boys Basketball)
Bob is retired as boys basketball coach at Williamsfield. At a school of only 89 students, in 45 years, his teams won 732 games along with numerous tourney and conference championships. His 1997 team made it to the Elite 8.
Kimberly Barth- Washington (Girls Basketball)
Coach Barth, a State Championship coach whose passion for the game began at a young age, inspired by her father and coaches who help shaped her love of the game. In her 10 years at Washington varsity head coach, she earned 8 IBCA COY Awards. In 2025 the Panthers took 3rd in State, and in 2026 they won the Illinos State Championship. While her accomplishments speak to her success in the court, her greatest impact has been developing young women through the game she loves- teaching them to compete, lead, persevere and believe in themselves.
Greg Bennett- Lewistown (Football, Track, Girls Basketball)
Greg coached many sports at Lewistown. He had teams go to State in girls basketball and football. He is in the Illinois Football HOF as well as being in the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame. He is know for his commitment as a coach and his high energy level.
Vic Boblett- Geneseo, Rock Island (Football)
Geneseo (4 yrs- 36-9), Rock Island (25 years- 230-69), Overall (230-69). As Head Coach- State Championship Game in 1990, 1997. As Assistant Coach at Augustana- National Champs- ‘83, ‘84, ‘85, ‘86. Hall of Fames- Geneseo, Rock Island, Illinois Football Coaches Association.
Todd Borrison- Preston, Assumption, SE Polk, Camanche, Mediapolis (Girls Basketball)
Todd has been coaching girls basketball in Iowa for 34 years, and is still coaching. His overall record is 597-196. Thirteen of his teams have gone to State, and he has had three teams win the Iowa State Championships. Todd was a finalist for the National Coach of the Year.
Kathy Bresnahan- Iowa City West (Volleyball)
Kathy coached volleyball at Iowa City West from 1987-2000 and 2005-2013. Her teams made 7 State apprearances and won the State Championship in 2010 and 2011. She wrote a book, “The Miracle Season” about the 2011 season, which was made into a movie. She was National COY in 2011, State COY 2010, 2011. She is in both the Iowa Volleyball HOF and UW-Platteville HOF.
Debbie Coffman- Bloomington CC (Girls Basketball)
Coach Coffman retired after 28 years at Bloomington Central Catholic. Her teams won 634 games with 204. Losses. BCC never had a losing season in her 28 years coaching. Her teams won Illinois State Championship in 2010, and finished 3rd (2010), 2nd (2011), 3rd (2015), and 2nd (2017). Debbie was inducted into the IBCA HOF and the Eureka College HOF. She is the past President of the IBCA.
Mark Cooper- Ottawa (Boys Basketball)
Ottawa has a history of great boys basketball with legendary coaches like Gil Love, Dean Riley, and Gary Vancil. Mark Cooper in his 22 year career as head basketball coach set the OHS record for wins with 357 wins to become the all-time wins leader. Mark also served as assistant in football and golf for the Pirates.
Mike Cooper- Ottawa HS (Football, Girls Basketball)
Mike is the retired Athletic Director at Ottawa HS. He was varsity girls basketball coach for 22 years, as well as sophomore football coach for many years. His basketball teams had a record of 410-177, including 12 season of 20 wins and 7 Regional Championships. He was inducted in the IBCA HOF.
Tim Engebretson- United HS (Football)
He was varsity head football coach for many years at United HS. He also has coached basketball at different levels. His 2005 team won the Illinois State Title, and Tim is in the Illinois Football Coaches' HOF as well as the United HOF.
Ralph Gallo- Richwoods (Girls Basketball)
As a head coach at Richwoods, his teams went 80-29. Ralph is considered one of the top assistant coaches in Illinois. He was an assistant to legendary coaches at Richwoods- Mary Kay Hungate, Wayne Hammerton, Terry Quilty, John Gross, Heather Cassiy, Jessica Reardon and Todd Hursey. During his time as an assistant at Richwoods, the varsity teams went 834-213. These Richwoods teams took 3rd in State, twice took 2nd in State, and won the State Championship in 1983, 2005, 2009, 2018. Coach Gallo was inducted in the IBCA HOF in 2015.
Jay Hatch- Alleman, Riverdale (Softball, Basketball)
Coach Hatch has won 4 State Championships- 1 in Girls Basketball and 3 in Softball. In 32 years coaching at West Des Moines Valley (Ia), Alleman, and Riverdale, he has amassed a record of 651-351. His basketball teams have won 19 Regionals and 8 Sectionals. In basketball, his team took 3rd in State (2002) and 1st in State (2005). Jay is in the IBCA Hall of Fame and the Alleman HOF.
Greg King- Sterling HS (Football, Athletic Director)
In his head coaching career at Sterling, his football teams went 78-28, and had 10 straight play-off appearances and 5 conference titles. In addition to his success as a football coach, he was inducted in the Illinois Athletic Director's Association HOF. Greg was elected to Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2019.
Diane Lichtenberg- Bettendorf HS (Volleyball)
Diane coached volleyball at Bettendorf for 34 years. During that time, her teams had only one losing season while winning two State championships. She has been selected to both the National Coaches HOF and to the Iowa Volleyball HOF.
Jim Martin- Lincolnway East (Girls Basketball)
Mark Massey- Clinton HS (Volleyball)
Mark was the head volleyball coach at Clinton for 38 years. His teams won 818 games, and twice took second in State. He is in the Iowa Volleyball HOF and Clinton HS HOF.
Jeff Parsons- Roseville, Wethersfeild, Fulton (Baseball, Basketball, Principal, AD)
Jeff was a highly successful baseball and basketball coach at Kewanee Wethersfield. He was inducted into the IBCA HOF. Presently he is the Principal and Athletic Director at Fulton
Karrie Redeker- Tolona Unity HS, Parkland College, Illinois Central College
Mike Reynolds- Bismark-Henning, Galesburg, DeKalb
Larry Schulte- Sherrard, Black Hawk, Fenton, Alleman (Boys Basketball, Athletic Director)
Head coach at Sherrard, Fenton, and Alleman. Coach Schulte’s teams won 353 games. Larry guided Alleman to 5 State Appearances in 1995 (4th), 1996 (3rd), 1997, 2000, 2004. After coaching at Alleman, he became assistant coach at Augustana College. HOF’s at Alleman and the IBCA.
Thom Sigel- Rock Falls/Rock Island HS (Golf, Boys Basketball)
Thom coached basketball for 32 years. His teams won 502 games, and he has the distinction of winning the State Title at both Rock Falls and Rock Island. Thom is in the IBCA HOF.
Brad Storm- Geneseo (Boys Basketball)
Brad coached basketball for 33 years. He was head coach at Eminence (Ind), Erie, and Geneseo. At Geneseo, his Maple Leafs won three Regional titles in his 16 years, and the Leafs made the Sweet 16 in 2007-8. In addition, he also coached AAU with Martin Brothers Nike program. Presently, Brad is a regional coach for Lead ‘Em Up. This year he is the President of the Illinois Basketball Coaoches Association.
Sean Taylor- Shelbyville, Macomb, Quincy, Jacksonville, Moline
Mike Tracey- Alleman, UTHS, Moline HS (Football, Athletic Director)
Mike coached football at Alleman, UT, and Moline for over 20 years. He is considered the premier football coach in WB6 history. His teams won 140 games, and twice finished second in State.
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