Coaches Spotlight:
Rod Marinelli, Detroit Lions

By Jeremy White, NFLHS.com

Rod Marinelli is a people person. More than being just another nice guy, he's also a savvy leader to which others gravitate.

As the new head coach of the Detroit Lions, fans in the Motor City obviously hope those qualities serve the skipper well in his endeavor to turn around a sputtering franchise.

Marinelli teaching new philosophies in Detroit

Whether that happens remains to be seen. But one thing is for certain: Marinelli's coaching techniques are backed by sound philosophies. Some of the coach's thinking is shared here with NFLHS.com, and it just might help high school coaches and players become better at what they do.

For starters, Marinelli says when dealing with young people it is important for the coach to instill a feeling of responsibility to self, family, school and community.

"The number one thing is that we're all accountable for our own actions," the coach advises. "You want to stress accountability and say that if you show up and work hard and are accountable, then you've got the first two steps down and you're on the right track."

Beyond that, it's impossible for high school coaches to focus too much on teaching solid fundamentals, especially to defensive pass rushers and offensive linemen, which respectively form the foundation of any great defense or offense.

"Certain guys can just run fast, and that looks real appealing, but you've got to be able to start and stop, have the sudden movements, twist and turn and use your hands," he says. "Hand speed is critical, but I think you've got to teach that. You've got to be consistent in teaching that."

Marinelli says an early key to success lies is the coach's ability to shore up the defensive line. Rushing the quarterback on pass plays is important, but in high school the team that best stops the run usually gains a leg up on the competition.

Yet while the emphasis of many coaches is to opt for size on the defensive line, that may not necessarily be the best strategy. Think of the athletic Jason Taylor and the success he's had in Miami as an example.

"Size has never been that important, I don't think," Marinelli says. "It's about your explosion, your movement and your technique--your fundamentals and execution."

Marinelli goes on to say that, "Discipline is really the key on defense. Guys have to know where their gaps are and get to them. It's about details and discipline."

A defensive-minded coach himself, the Detroit Lions skipper recommends high school coaches put athletes and leaders on the defensive side of the ball.

"You want to play with speed and energy on defense," he says. "That sounds easy until your guys get tired. That's where the details come in. That's why fundamentals and drill work are so important. The drills and tempo needs to be the same and be there everyday. It's all about learning habits."

Story courtesy Red Line Editorial, Inc.