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Next Gen Academy: Hosted by #ALFBChat

Welcome to Toe the Line, an Alabama football chat podcast. Today, we’re excited to bring you a special episode focusing on the recent Next Gen Academy held in Vestavia Hills. Thanks to the organizers for allowing us to host this remarkable event! At this academy, we had the privilege of meeting some of the best coaches in Alabama. They passionately shared their insights with young coaches eager to learn and grow in their careers. It was phenomenal to witness these experienced coaches pouring their knowledge into the next generation, highlighting their dedication to the future of coaching. One of the standout figures we had the pleasure of speaking with is Coach Steve Smith, a well-known name in Alabama high school football. His enthusiasm for the game and the coaching profession is contagious. He’s always available to answer questions and guide aspiring coaches. It’s refreshing to have such accessible mentors in the community, and we appreciate coaches like JD Atkins and David Lundberg for organizing this impactful event. Throughout this podcast, we’ll share some insights from various attendees who experienced the academy firsthand. If you missed out this year, I encourage you to sign up early for next year. The Next Gen Academy is open to everyone for a minimal fee, providing exceptional coaching guidance and instruction—not just about football, but also about the various aspects of being a head coach that often go unmentioned. We hope you enjoy the snippets from our discussions, and if you have any questions or want to chat about the clinic afterward, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Bert Newton: HC at Hartselle High School

In this engaging interview, Coach Bert Newton shares his coaching journey, insights into defensive schemes like the 3-3 stack, and valuable advice for aspiring coaches. Discover how his diverse experiences and teaching philosophy have shaped successful programs at Mountain Brook and Hartselle.

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Blake Killen: STC & DL coach at West Morgan

On this episode of Toe The Line: An #ALFBChat Podcast, Coach Will Johnson sits down with Blake Killen, Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach at West Morgan High School. Coach Killen shares his coaching journey, including his experiences as a former head coach and defensive coordinator, and discusses the lessons he’s learned throughout his career. The conversation then dives deep into one of the most impactful phases of the game—special teams. Coach Killen breaks down his philosophy and approach to the kickoff return unit (KOR), discussing scheme, personnel, practice organization, and the details that can turn a return team into a game-changing weapon. Whether you’re a head coach, coordinator, or position coach looking to improve your special teams play, this episode is packed with practical insights and coaching knowledge you can take back to your program. Tune in for a great conversation on coaching growth, leadership, and the importance of winning the hidden yardage battle through elite special teams play.