253: Jeff Reinebold – This Coaching Lesson Changed Everything

About this podcast

In episode 253 the coach, broadcaster, and sports science advocate, Jeff Reinebold, joins us on the show.

Specifically, Jeff will be discussing:

Jeff Reinebold: Four Decades of Sports Science, Mentorship, and Saving Athletes’ Futures”

What if the key to unlocking peak performance isn’t just data or drills—but care? Join coaching legend Jeff Reinebold—a pioneer across the NFL, CFL, NCAA, and Sky Sports—as he unveils the untold secrets behind football’s evolution.

In this episode, Reinebold (coach, broadcaster, and sports science advocate) pulls back the curtain on:

Tech’s Game-Changing Role: How Catapult and modern metrics transformed player safety—and why “old-school grit” alone can’t protect athletes.

The Vermeil Effect: Lessons from NFL icon Dick Vermeil on mentoring players before metrics existed—and why “care” is vital.

Avoiding Catastrophe: The heart-stopping story of a player’s death that reshaped Reinebold’s approach to conditioning—and what every coach must learn.

Future-Proofing Football: Can AI and wearables coexist with locker-room soul? Reinebold’s blueprint for blending tradition with innovation.

Why Sports Science Pros Need This Episode:

Actionable Insights: Learn how to balance hard data with human connection—a skill critical for today’s athlete development.

Safety First: Discover protocols to prevent overtraining, reduce injuries, and build trust (backed by 50 years of trial-by-fire experience).

Legacy Building: Steal Vermeil’s mentorship playbook for creating cultures where players and tech thrive.

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a masterclass from a man who’s coached on three continents, survived football’s analog-to-digital revolution, and still believes the game’s future hinges on one question: Do your athletes know you care?

Listen now and redefine what “science” means in your playbook.

About Jeff Reinebold


“Jeff Reinebold is an American football coach with over four decades of experience across collegiate and professional levels. Born on November 19, 1957, in South Bend, Indiana, he played defensive back at the University of Maine before embarking on a diverse coaching career. Reinebold has held positions in the Canadian Football League (CFL), NFL Europe, and NCAA, serving teams such as the BC Lions, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Notably, he contributed to the University of Hawai‘i’s successful 2006 and 2007 seasons, which included a historic BCS bowl appearance. Beyond coaching, Reinebold is recognized as an NFL analyst for Sky Sports in the UK and hosts “The Jeff Reinebold Show.” As of 2024, he serves as the defensive tackles coach for the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors.”

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