The Opening Drive 2/14: Lessons From the Coaches Clinic — Why Laurinaitis Stands Out

Teaching That Translates Across Ohio’s Football Landscape.

Feb 14, 2026

Growth, Connection, and the Pursuit of Better

Each year, the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association hosts its annual clinic in Columbus, drawing hundreds of coaches from every corner of the state. The OHSFCA exists to support, educate, and elevate high school football in Ohio, and for a few days each winter, it becomes the center of that mission. Ballrooms turn into meeting rooms. Hallways become whiteboards. Conversations about culture, coverage structure, and leadership spill over from sessions into late-night discussions.

Coaches come for different reasons. Many arrive hungry to grow — looking to refine their schemes, take notes on details that separate good from great, and find answers to problems that showed up on Friday nights. Others come to build relationships, reconnect with colleagues, and expand their network within one of the strongest high school football states in the country. And yes, some will carve out time to enjoy a few “soda pops” with the guys — because fellowship is part of this profession too.

But at its core, the clinic is about development. It’s about becoming a better teacher, a better communicator, and ultimately a better steward of the game for the young men we coach.

Coaching That Commands the Room

TThere are speakers who present information, and then there are coaches who command the room. James Laurinaitis did the latter. From the first few minutes, it was clear this wasn’t recycled clinic material or surface-level concepts. He spoke with clarity, purpose, and structure. Every drill had intent. Every teaching point tied back to fundamentals, communication, and culture. There was no wasted language — just detailed instruction rooted in experience and conviction.

I’ll be honest — when it comes to these clinics, I’m critical. Especially when coaches from major programs take the stage. The question I’m always asking is simple: Can I use this? Can you present something that translates to a high school practice field on Monday afternoon? Most of us don’t have Arvell Reese or Sonny Styles lining up for us. So how do I take what you’re teaching and apply it to my guys?

To me, that’s the mark of a great teacher — the ability to differentiate. To scale the concept. To teach principles, not just personnel. The three-time All-American did exactly that. Laurinaitis made the material transferable. He stripped it down to fundamentals, showed how to build it up, and made it clear that the standard isn’t about stars — it’s about structure, communication, and consistency.

And here’s what else stood out. A coach who established the “Backerhood” culture in 2025 carries himself with presence. With command. With vision. He operates like a head coach. If I’m Ohio State, I’m doing everything I can to keep him on that trajectory. There’s a lot of Marcus Freeman energy there — leadership, authenticity, and the ability to connect while demanding a standard.

That combination is rare. And it’s special.

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It’s All Ball

When Coach Day took the stage at the clinic, the message was clear from the start — it’s all ball. There was no separation between college football and high school football in his tone or delivery. The emphasis was on fundamentals, player development, communication, and culture — principles that apply at every level of the game. Just like with Laurinaitis, it was apparent that Coach Day wanted every coach in that room to walk away with something they could immediately apply to their own program. No fluff. No guarded language. Just teachable football.

He also made it a point to acknowledge the strength of football in Ohio. The level of play in this state has always been high, and in his words, it’s only getting better. With more offseason opportunities for players and coaches to train, install, and develop, the standard continues to rise. Coach Day reiterated that he will continue to pound the table for coaches across the state, advocating for growth and opportunity. And he said it with pride — the 2025 Ohio State roster features 55 players from the great state of Ohio. That’s not by accident. That’s alignment. That’s investment in the people building the game at its foundation.

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