Garrett refines tackling technique with Australian rugby coach
Myles Garrett is working with rugby coach Billy Coffey to improve his hitting mechanics, focusing on a smaller pre-step and explosive hip drive. Coffey, a strength and conditioning specialist from Sydney, has a background in reducing concussion risks through better tackling form. The goal is to make Garrett even more formidable for the upcoming season opener against the 49ers.
Garrett's preparation for the season opener against the 49ers in Australia includes this specialized training with Coffey, whose credentials stem from his work with Wanderer's Rugby Union Football Club near Sydney and his graduation from the Australian Institute of Sports. Coffey's approach emphasizes lower-body explosion over shoulder or head contact, a method developed through his award-winning work on tackling technique that aims to reduce concussion risks in contact sports.
The technical adjustment involves Garrett shortening his pre-step and driving through his hips into contact rather than relying on leg momentum to carry him into the hit. This rugby-derived mechanic shifts the force generation away from the upper body, potentially making his collisions more powerful while theoretically safer for both parties involved.
This story may signal a broader trend of cross-sport technique sharing, as NFL players increasingly adopt rugby-derived tackling methods. If successful, Garrett's refined mechanics could influence how other defenders approach contact, potentially reshaping training regimens across the league. The concussion-reduction angle may also resonate with fans and analysts concerned about player safety, though the primary audience impact remains on-field performance and the entertainment value of more explosive hits.