In this episode of the Board Drill Podcast, we catch up with Cody Gardner, the Defensive Coordinator at Corner Canyon High School (UT), to dive deep into what it really takes to build and sustain a defensive identity at the high school level.
We talk foundational philosophy, how to reset your structure when needed, and how Cody blends system, player personality, and coaching staff dynamics into a cohesive, flexible defense. Whether you're starting from scratch or evolving your current approach, this episode is a blueprint for aligning scheme, culture, and staff into one united vision.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:42 – Gardner’s program vision and year-round player development
08:30 – The role of aggression in defensive identity
14:05 – Building from a 3-4 base with 4-2-5 variation
21:12 – Handling RPO-heavy offenses and adjusting structure
29:45 – Evaluating staff: empowering young coaches and accountability
36:20 – Non-negotiables in team culture
41:58 – Offseason planning and “install backwards” philosophy
48:35 – Advice for young head coaches
55:00 – Final thoughts and closing
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