Hey Rob. This isn't to special but depending on how thick a steak is I kind of what I look at, in order to cook it. Ussually I just pile up my coal in the middle (where my airflow is best, from underneath) and after a nice hot pre-heat rub a little veg. oil on the grates, go get the steaks after they have sat at room temp for 30-45 minutes, and slap them on direct high heat. I just flip once, after around 5 minutes and let the other side cook only around 3 minutes or so, maybe even less, I use the "touch test" or whatever you want to call it. I poke at it w/ my finger to make sure its not to stiff/done. Just Before it hits the point that I like it (medium, or almost med-well) I take it in the house and tent in foil for about 5-7 minutes. I use to wrap it up tight, but learned from the TVWB, (K.Kruger) that it was still cooking in the foil (duh!.... im a slow learner) so now I just tent it. Sorry if this wasn't much. I guess I'de analyze what I was going to do different if the steak was like 2 1/2 inches thick or something huge, but this works for me, nice char (which is what I like), with a well done outer part, and med, middle etc. If it was a huge steak I would go more for a reverse sear technique (now I would bank the coals as you described, and actually prefer the new kingsford comp. for this!). I think a search for "reverse sear" would bring up MUCH info for you. By the way you like Tri-Tip roast?... WE DO!
!! Thats probably the aproach I would use. No matter what you'll love it, its a fun thing cooking over live fire.. never really figured out why! Have a good one.
*just to add, this is just what I do, theres probably so many ways to do it its not even funny. I just read a post the other day that many-a-places cook steak on indirect heat (the whole time), and are very good. that was new to me, and a good read.
Also wanted to add if you really want a rip-roarin' fire, tilt your lid to the side 1/8" or slightly more! but I kind of like char on my steak, is why sometimes I do this, depends on how its burning that night and stuff.