From the Military to Coaching: Leadership & Innovation – Ben Kotwica, Special Teams Coordinator, Denver Broncos

Ben Kotwica has 17 years of coaching experience, including 15 seasons in the NFL. Most recently, Kotwica served as the assistant special teams coach for Minnesota in 2022 and was part of a coaching staff that helped the team to the NFC North Division title. A graduate of Army West Point, where he was a linebacker and team captain, he went on to serve as a helicopter pilot, reaching the rank of Captain and serving in the Iraq War, as well as in Bosnia and Korea. He began his coaching career at the US Military Academy Prep School as a defensive coordinator before jumping to the NFL as a special teams coach or coordinator for the New York Jets, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and now the Denver Broncos under head coach Sean Payton. On today’s episode, he shares his influences and the importance of our roles as coaches, developing a leadership style, innovation, and the use of technology in teaching and developing players. Show Notes: Early influences Coaches saw ability that translates into being a coach Military background shaped leadership and coaching The people make the experience rewarding  From the military into coaching - offer from Bobby Ross Mike Westhoff - having standards Leadership - being the CEO  You must be yourself as a leader Coaching with technology Passive and active learning Integrating a new piece of technology into workflow  Enhanced player development  Post-practice punt protection period How to be innovative Advice on implementing technology Follow Ben Kotwica on Twitter @BKotwica44. Watch Coach Kotwica's Presentation from Lauren's First and Goal: Punt Install with Technology and Drills: https://bit.ly/3KjpkP5 Related Episode: Figure It Out with Mike Westhoff: https://bit.ly/3JVFPPE Be sure to go to coachandcoordinator.com for enhanced show notes with links to related episodes, resources, articles, and our winning edge takeaways. Also sign up for our free Weekly Tip Sheet newsletter, which highlights the best ideas from the previous week, trending episodes, and featured resources. Follow us on Twitter @CoachKGrabowski. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices