Why the Flexbone in 2026?
September 20, 2025
The Flexbone offense, as advocated by Dr. Lou Cella and supported by testimonials from numerous football coaches who have worked with the Triple Option Football Academy, is highly effective for a variety of reasons. Below is a detailed list of reasons why coaches choose to implement the Flexbone offense, drawn from their experiences and successes as described:
1. Maximizes Player Potential, Especially for Smaller or Less Athletic Teams:
• Coaches, such as Rob Ingram (Riverwood HS, GA), note that the Flexbone is ideal for teams with undersized or less athletic players, allowing them to compete effectively against stronger opponents. The system leverages technique and execution over raw physical talent.
• Example: Wyman King Academy (SC) achieved success with only 14 players, with seven players scoring touchdowns, demonstrating how the offense spreads opportunities across a small roster.
2. Simplifies Complex Systems for Quick Learning and Execution:
• The Flexbone offense is described as simple to teach despite its complex appearance, enabling rapid installation and player buy-in. Coaches like Brock Berryhill (Scobey, MT) highlight the system’s ability to streamline play-calling and execution, making it easier for players to master.
• Example: Larry Roybal (Questa, NM) implemented the offense in just five months, leading to a dramatic turnaround, winning as many games as the previous eight years combined.
3. Enhances Offensive Efficiency and Production:
• The Flexbone offense consistently increases offensive output, with teams reporting significant improvements in points scored, rushing yards, and total offensive yards. For instance, Tyrone (OK) averaged 51.4 points per game, and Hollis (OK) averaged over 400 yards per game after adopting the system.
• Example: Pamlico County (NC) went from scoring 108 points in 2016 to 508 points in 2017, showcasing the offense’s ability to boost scoring.
4. Improves Time of Possession and Field Position:
• Coaches like Jared Howell (Piedra Vista, NM) emphasize that the Flexbone’s ball-control nature helps win time-of-possession and field-position battles, keeping opposing offenses off the field. This indirectly strengthens the defense by reducing their time on the field.
• Example: Hollis (OK) noted that 8-minute drives became common, enhancing their defensive performance.
5. Adapts to Various Defensive Schemes:
• The Flexbone offense is designed to counter any defensive alignment, giving teams confidence in facing varied fronts. Coaches like Brock Berryhill (Scobey, MT) mention that players are prepared for every imaginable defensive look through repetitive practice, ensuring adaptability.
• Example: George Bacalles (Corning, NY) credits Dr. Cella with simplifying blocking schemes to handle different defenses effectively.
6. Builds Team Confidence and Buy-In:
• The structured camp system and clear teaching methodology foster player confidence and enthusiasm. Coaches like Ted Tibbetts (Poland Regional HS, ME) note that players embraced the system, shrugging off setbacks and believing in their ability to “break one at any time.”
• Example: Timmonsville HS (SC) saw players develop enthusiasm and confidence post-camp, leading to a state semifinal appearance.
7. Facilitates Rapid Turnarounds:
• Numerous programs experienced immediate success after adopting the Flexbone with Dr. Cella’s guidance. For instance, Haverford HS (PA) went from 1-9 to 11-2 in one season, and Tussey Mountain HS (PA) improved from 1-9 to 8-4 after a camp.
• Example: Falls City HS (TX) won their first regional and state championships in school history in 2010 after working with Dr. Cella.
8. Streamlines Coaching and Practice Efficiency:
• The Flexbone system provides coaches with clear installation progressions, practice plans, and game-planning tools, reducing the learning curve. Coaches like Anthony Sottasante (Tussey Mountain, PA) praise Dr. Cella’s ability to maximize practice time efficiency.
• Example: Bobby Eubanks (Hancock County, KY) noted that practices and game planning became streamlined, giving players and coaches clear purpose and direction.
9. Reduces Turnovers and Improves Ball Security:
• The offense emphasizes fundamentals and ball security, leading to improved turnover margins. Rob Ingram (Riverwood HS, GA) reported a turnover margin improvement from -11 to +9 in one season.
• Example: Seminole County (GA) achieved 71 touchdowns and only 8 fumbles in a season, showcasing the system’s focus on ball security.
10. Enhances Defensive Performance:
• By controlling the clock and limiting opponents’ possessions, the Flexbone indirectly improves defensive performance. Coaches like Jared Howell (Piedra Vista, NM) and Brock Berryhill (Scobey, MT) note that the offense’s physicality and mentality translate to a tougher defense.
• Example: Hollis (OK) saw defensive improvements due to prolonged offensive drives.
11. Scalable for Small Rosters and Two-Way Players:
• The Flexbone is particularly effective for small schools with limited rosters, where players often play both offense and defense. Coaches like Dennis Gibson (Wyman King Academy, SC) highlight its suitability for small programs, maximizing player involvement.
• Example: South Border (ND) achieved a 4-5 record with only 16 players, a significant improvement after two winless seasons.
12. Provides Comprehensive Support and Resources:
• Dr. Cella’s 24/7 availability, detailed video libraries, and tailored Q&A sessions ensure ongoing support for coaches. Coaches like Dennis Gibson (Wyman King Academy, SC) and Steve Turnbaugh (Hereford HS, MD) praise Dr. Cella’s accessibility and responsiveness.
• Example: Chris Cameron (Hollister San Benito HS, CA) valued the intensive on-field clinic for coaches provided during the camp.
13. Creates a Unified Offensive Identity:
• The Flexbone establishes a clear offensive identity, giving players and coaches a defined role and strategy. Matt Hoekstra (Ontario Christian, CA) notes that the system clarified roles and transformed the program’s trajectory.
• Example: Luke Dougherty (Haverford HS, PA) credits Dr. Cella with changing how the team approached the offense, leading to a historic season.
14. Proven Track Record of Success:
• The Flexbone offense has led to state championships, playoff appearances, and school records across various programs. Examples include Tyrone (OK), Falls City (TX), and Seminole County (GA), all achieving unprecedented success post-camp.
• Example: Cashmere HS (WA) broke school records for rushing and total offensive yards after working with Dr. Cella.
15. Cost-Effective and Time-Efficient:
• Compared to traditional methods of learning an offense (e.g., visiting colleges or buying resources), the Flexbone camp is cost-effective and accelerates implementation. Dr. Jimmy Woods (Timmonsville HS, SC) notes that the camp reduced the learning curve by about two years.
• Example: Mike McFarland (Temple City, CA) describes the camp as the best investment for improving a team toward a specific goal.
16. Fosters Team Bonding and Morale:
• The camp environment promotes team unity and morale, which carries into the season. Mark Kirchhoff (Falls City, TX) highlights the value of team bonding during the camp, which contributed to their championship success.
• Example: Chris Collins (Lakewood HS, SC) notes that the camp helped players become a cohesive team, boosting performance.
17. Adapts to Various Program Levels:
• The Flexbone is effective for both inexperienced and veteran teams. Coaches like Phil Zukowski (Cashmere HS, WA) note that Dr. Cella tailored the camp to their experience level, taking them to the next level of understanding.
• Example: Corning HS (NY) improved techniques across all positions, even as an established option team.
18. Instills Mental Toughness and Discipline:
• The system emphasizes mental toughness, which translates to on-field performance. Jeff Nelson (Odessa-Harrington, WA) credits Dr. Cella with instilling mental toughness essential for success.
• Example: Ted Tibbetts (Poland Regional HS, ME) notes that players developed a resilient mindset, shrugging off setbacks.
In summary, the Flexbone offense, as taught by Dr. Lou Cella through the Triple Option Football Academy, is favored by coaches for its ability to maximize player potential, simplify complex systems, boost offensive and defensive performance, and provide comprehensive support, leading to rapid turnarounds and sustained success across diverse programs.
