Best of 2025 - Rosters Don’t Win Games, Execution Does - AJ Smith

On this episode of Best of 2025 of Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the most practical conversations of the year, featuring AJ Smith, former UFL and XFL offensive coordinator. As coaches move from the end of one season into the offseason, this episode zeroes in on the hardest questions to answer: what stays, what gets cut, and what truly fits the players you’ll line up with next season. AJ walks through his approach to evaluating personnel honestly, studying the game across levels, and narrowing an offense down to what can be executed at a high level. The conversation emphasizes why effective offenses are built on fit, rhythm, and timing. The answer isn’t adding, it’s removing with purpose so what remains fits together on game day. They also explore how analytics, when used intentionally, can support quarterback evaluation and offensive decision-making without adding unnecessary workload. Throughout the discussion, AJ explains how simplification and clear standards aren’t shortcuts. They’re the reason execution holds up week after week. This Best of 2025 re-air is paired with the Coach and Coordinator AI Companion built exclusively around AJ Smith’s conversations, designed to help coaches apply his decision-making frameworks, execution standards, and analytics-informed thinking within their own programs. For coaches preparing for the offseason and looking to bring clarity into evaluation, teaching, and offensive structure, this episode is an essential listen. Coach and Coordinator AI: AJ Smith Structure & Decision Companion Chapters Preparing for the Next Season Evaluating Roster Changes and Personnel Fit The Impact of the Transfer Portal Cutting the Playbook Without Losing Continuity Offensive Fit and Execution Standards Timing and Rhythm in Offensive Design Simplifying Practice and Teaching Plans Using Analytics for Offensive Clarity Quarterback Evaluation and Decision-Making Applying AJ Smith’s Frameworks with AI Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski AJ Smith: @AustinJamesXFL Modern Football Technology: @modernFB Ready to gain an edge on game night? Modern Football Technology helps coaches make smarter real-time decisions with in-game analytics. It’s simple to get started, and you can be up and running by Friday night. Book a demo today and see the difference this week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices