Scott Symons, SMU - Tampa 2 Defense, Installation and Practice Progression

This course takes you inside the real process of preparing a college football defense from Sunday through game day. Drawing from years of on-field experience, you’ll learn how to structure staff meetings, evaluate film efficiently, and create a clear weekly plan that maximizes player performance and mental readiness.

You’ll discover how to:

• Organize and empower your coaching staff for continuity and efficiency.

• Break down opponents by personnel, formations, and tendencies.

• Structure weekly schedules—Sunday film review, Monday player prep, Tuesday heavy workdays, and situational practices through Friday.

• Build scouting reports and cut-ups that players can actually use.

• Balance accountability with positivity to keep players motivated.

• Implement takeaway goals, sack boards, and high-energy unit meetings.

• Manage red zone, third-down, and short-yardage game planning.

By the end, you’ll have a blueprint for organizing your staff, preparing your players, and installing a system that consistently puts your defense in the best position to succeed on Saturdays.