3 days ago
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
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