2025 Convention Recap | Derek Day, EKU | Special Teams Phiosophy

Derek Day is the Special Teams Coordinator and Outside Linebackers Coach at Eastern Kentucky University. Before joining EKU, he coached at Butler, Tennessee, Iowa State, and Western Kentucky. During his college playing career, he was a Defensive End at Butler.

In this presentation, Coach Day delves into the culture of special teams within EKU’s program, offering insights into his coaching philosophy, teaching methods, and overall approach to the game.

Coaching Thoughts and Philosophy

Coach Day’s philosophy revolves around principles that maximize time, focus on team dynamics, and instill confidence in players. Here are the key takeaways:

• Time Management: “Everyone’s time is equal – we are a product of how we use our time.”
• Team Dynamics: Recognize and respect different priorities within the program while ensuring everyone works towards common goals.
• Planning and Execution: “Plan your work, work your plan.” Have a clear strategy for the week and execute it effectively.
• Confidence: Never doubt your ability to coach or your team’s ability to perform well.
• Commitment: If you believe in a concept or play, commit to it and follow through.
• Positive Reinforcement: Recognize what you want to see from players and reinforce it when it happens.
• Player Engagement: “Keep the big dogs fed.” Find ways to keep key players involved and motivated.
• Learning from Others: Observe successful players, identify their habits, and coach others to emulate them.
• Memorable Coaching: Use examples and create memorable names for techniques to make them stick with athletes.

Teaching Progression

Coach Day emphasizes a five-step teaching progression to ensure players learn and perform effectively. This progression enables players to play fast and internalize concepts at their own pace:

1. Paper Rep: Players read and understand the concept.
2. Film Rep: Players watch and analyze the concept in action.
3. Walk-Thru Rep: Players practice the concept at a slow pace to feel its mechanics.
4. Indy Rep: Players execute the concept at a medium pace in individual drills.
5. Team Rep: Players implement the concept at full speed during team drills.

SWAT: Special Weapons and Tactics

Coach Day introduces the concept of SWAT – a special team within the program that embodies precision, preparation, and execution. This team is specifically recruited, trained, and equipped to handle critical situations on the field, such as challenges in field position, which require innovative approaches beyond standard offensive and defensive schemes.

The SWAT team’s mission aligns with the program’s overarching philosophy: to resolve high-stakes scenarios with strategic and tactical excellence.

Coach Day’s dedication to structured teaching, motivational leadership, and strategic planning is evident in every facet of his approach. This video provides a compelling glimpse into his methodology and the special teams culture at EKU.