On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring UNLV Head Coach, Barry Odom’s General Session talk from the 2024 AFCA Convention. In this talk, Coach Odom discusses his coaching journey, how he approaches building a program, and his recruiting philosophy. Coach Odom has led the Rebels to an 8-2 record so far …

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm we sit down with Corby Meekins, the head coach at Lutheran South Academy in Houston, Texas. In this conversation, Coach Meekins discusses the uniqueness of coaching high school football, how he went about building successful cultures, and his experience at the college level. Coac…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset, we sit down with Payton Pardee, the Special Teams Coordinator for the San Antonio Brahmas. In this conversation, Coach Pardee discusses landing his first coaching job, learning how to recruit and manage rosters, and the uniqueness of his experience coaching in the UFL. Coach Pardee is preparing for his …

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Jacksonville State Safeties coach, Brandon Napoleon. In this conversation, Coach Napoleon discusses how he broke into the profession, the lessons he learned as a young coach, and how he works to take advantage of every opportunity he is given. Coach Napoleon is …

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Moravian Head Coach, Jeff Long. In this conversation, Coach Long discusses how his background as a teacher helped him in coaching, how he grew as a young coordinator, and being handed the keys to the Moravian program. Coach Long is in his second season leading t…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with West Georgia Running Backs coach, Reid Sanders. In this conversation, Coach Sanders reflects on the moment he realized he wanted to pursue coaching, his early experiences leading a team as a young coach, and his time as a high school Head Coach. Coach Sanders is…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Furman Defensive Coordinator, Duane Vaughn. In this conversation, Coach Vaughn discusses his career with Furman, how he has continued to develop as a coach, and his experience in the AFCA 35 under 35. Coach Vaughn is in his 13th season with the Paladins and was …

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Widener Head Coach, Mike Barainyak. In this conversation, Coach Barainyak discusses his passion for the game of football, how he strives to serve his players, and the importance of being where your feet are. Coach Barainyak is in his sixth season at Widener and …

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Danny Wuerffel from the Wuerffel Foundation as he reflects on his playing career, shares his passion for community service, and talks about the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy and its collaboration with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. A former Heisman Trophy winner and National …

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Southern Illinois Defensive Coordinator, Antonio James. In this conversation, Coach James discusses getting his start at the high school level, navigating job changes, and learning from every experience he has. Coach James is in his third season at Southern Illi…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Missouri State Head Coach, Ryan Beard. In this conversation, Coach Beard discusses the value of building genuine relationships, taking leaps of faith to advance his career, and his AFCA 35 Under 35 experience this past January. Coach Beard, a member of the 2023 …

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Illinois Head Coach, Bret Bielema. In this conversation, Coach Bielema discusses starting out at his alma mater, working with legendary coaches, and the impact coaches can have on their players. Coach Bielema, who just began his fourth season at Illinois, was re…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Wisconsin-Eau Claire Defensive Coordinator, Brady Grayvold. In this conversation, Coach Grayvold discusses getting his start in the high school ranks, taking advantage of opportunities you are given, and the uniqueness of football in the Upper Midwest. Coach Gra…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Mayville State Head Coach, Rocky Larson. In this conversation, Coach Larson discusses becoming a college coach at 18, finding his voice as a young coach, and the importance of building a staff that fits the culture of the program. Coach Larson is entering his fi…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with CSU Pueblo Defensive Coordinator, Caid Faske. In this conversation, Coach Faske discusses how he got his start as a student assistant, the uniqueness of Division 2 football, and his AFCA 35 Under 35 experience. Coach Faske is entering his second season with the …

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Mount Union Head Coach, Geoff Dartt. In this conversation, Coach Dartt discusses experiencing success as a player and a coach, navigating health issues, and becoming the head coach at his alma mater. Coach Dartt is entering his fifth season leading Mount Union a…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with McMurry Defensive Coordinator, Will Snyder. In this conversation, Coach Snyder discusses growing through adversity, chasing his goal of becoming a coordinator, and loving and caring for the people you interact with. Coach Snyder is entering his third season as t…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Stony Brook Head Coach, Billy Cosh. In this conversation, Coach Cosh discusses following in his dad’s footsteps as a coach, developing as a young coordinator, hiring a staff as a first-time head coach. Coach Cosh, a member of the 2020 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class, is …

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Kansas running backs coach, Jonathan Wallace. In this conversation, Coach Wallace discusses starting out in the NAIA level, building relationships with your players, and how to navigate the profession with your spouse. Coach Wallace, who is entering his fourth s…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Western Kentucky Offensive Coordinator, Drew Hollingshead. In this conversation, Coach Hollingshead discusses getting established in the coaching profession, working under legendary coach Mike Leach, and becoming an Offensive Coordinator for the first time. Coac…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with USF head coach, Alex Golesh. In this conversation, Coach Golesh discusses his approach to recruiting, how he learned and developed as a young coach, and how he built his staff as a first-time head coach. Coach Golesh who is entering his second season in Tampa, w…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Chris Klieman, the head coach at Kansas State. In this conversation, Coach Klieman discusses how he focuses on preparing his players for life after football, how he makes himself present as a Head Coach, and why he chose to join the AFCA’s Board of Trustees. Coa…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Dominique Bowman, the Defensive Backs coach at Temple. In this conversation, Coach Bowman discusses his approach to interviews, getting an early start in the profession, and how he used social media to build his reputation. Coach Bowman is entering his second se…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm we sit down with Chennis Berry, the head coach at South Carolina State University. In this conversation, Coach Berry talks through the journey he took into the coaching profession, the impact that building relationships can have on your career, and coaching HBCU football. Coach B…

On this episode of The Extra Yard, AFCA Executive Director, Craig Bohl, sat down with Steve Hatchell and Matthew Sign of the National Football Foundation. Steve Hatchell serves as the President and CEO and Matthew Sign serves as the COO of the NFF, which is an organization that strives to support football student athletes in their pursuit of academ…

On this weeks’ episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Brennan Marion, the Offensive Coordinator at UNLV. In this conversation, Coach Marion discusses why building relationships with players is central to who he is as a coach, how he has continued to grow as a coach, and the origin of the Go-Go Offense. Coach Marion…

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Anthony Goliver a defensive GA at UCLA. In this conversation, Coach Goliver discusses his transition from serving in the US Marine Corps to coaching at UCLA, getting the opportunity to coach on-base while in Japan, and his future goals in the profession. Coach Goliver is a 7…

On this episode of The Extra Yard, we sit down with Clark Flatt of the Jason Foundation and Dr. Don Arterburn of Baylor Athletics to discuss mental health awareness. May is Mental Health Awareness month, and Mr. Flatt and Dr. Arterburn talk about preparing coaches to recognize warning signs of mental health struggles in their players and staffs, ho…

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Van Malone, the Assistant Head Coach and Corners coach at Kansas State. In this conversation, Coach Malone discusses his journey into the profession following a successful NFL career, his passion for developing young athletes, and his commitment to pushing for minority inclu…

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Jason Simpson, the Head Coach at UT Martin. In this conversation, Coach Simpson discusses the importance of using your network, being willing to self-evaluate and change for the betterment of the team, and joining the AFCA Board of Trustees this year. Coach Simpson is enteri…

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Mike Babcock, the Head Coach at McKendree University. In this conversation, Coach Babcock discusses his humble beginnings in the profession, how he has navigated the ever-changing world of college football, and his commitment to pushing the game of football forward. Coach Ba…

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Joe Gillespie, the Head Coach at Midway High School in Waco, Texas. In this conversation, Coach Gillespie shares why he chose to pursue coaching, some of the behind-the-scenes conversations that take place when making career decisions, and his passion for high school footbal…

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Mike Bloomgren, the Head Coach at Rice University. In this conversation, Coach Bloomgren takes us through his career that has taken him to schools across the country, explains the value of coaching at different levels of football, and talks through how he took the lessons ot…

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Jeff McMartin, the Head Coach at Central College. In this conversation, Coach McMartin discusses why he got into coaching, getting to serve as the head coach at his alma mater, and being selected as the President of the AFCA this past January. Coach McMartin has served as th…

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Clark Lea, the Head Coach at Vanderbilt University. In this conversation, Coach Lea talks through his journey to becoming the head coach of his alma mater, working hard to earn job opportunities, and the value of constantly learning. Coach Lea, who was recently appointed to …

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Jay Norvell, the head coach at Colorado State University. In this conversation, Coach Norvell takes us through the journey he took to get to where he is today, his experiences in both high level college football and the NFL, and the people that helped him grow throughout his…

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Craig Bohl, the new Executive Director of the AFCA. In this conversation, Coach Bohl walks through his career as a coach, shares his love for College Football, and talks about his new role with the AFCA. Coach Bohl is a well-respected football coach and has had a long career…

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Ben Gibboney, the defensive coordinator at Carnegie Mellon. In this conversation, Coach Gibboney discusses how he got his start in the coaching profession, his unique journey to where he is today, and being selected as the 2023 Division 3 Assistant Coach of the Year by the A…

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Justin Robinson, the defensive coordinator at Marian University. In this conversation, Coach Robinson discusses why he chose to be a football coach, the impact that high school football had on his career and being selected as the 2023 NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year by the …

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring the 2023 Power of Influence Roundtable. This year's Regional Winners, Gerry Gallagher of Delbarton School in New Jersey, Rodney Saulsberry Sr. of Whitehaven High School in Tennessee, Kurt Tippmann of Snider High School in Indiana, Lee Wiginton of Allen High School in Texas, …

This week, on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring the 2023 D3 COTY Panel. In this discussion, Former Keiser HC Doug Socha, Saint Xavier HC Mike Feminis Evangel HC Chuck Hepola, Northwestern HC Matt McCarty, discuss what contributed to their successful seasons and what the AFCA has meant to them in their careers. 1:20 Intro…

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we hear from Christian Taylor, current Defensive Quality Control coach for the Buffalo Bills. In this episode, Coach Taylor discusses the importance of making and sustaining good connections, having a willingness to do what is best for the team, and creatively adapting schemes to fit the ski…

This week, on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring the 2023 D3 COTY Panel. In this discussion, Cortland HC Curt Fitzpatrick, Johns Hopkins HC Greg Chimera, Trinity HC Jerheme Urban, Alma HC Jason Couch, and Wartburg HC Chris Winter, discuss the special moments from this past season, the purity of Division 3 football, and th…

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring the 2023 D2 COTY Panel. In this discussion, Kutztown HC Jim Clements, Central Missouri HC Josh Lamberson, Harding HC Paul Simmons, and former Benedict College HC Chennis Berry discuss the special seasons they just completed and the important role that the AFCA Convention has…

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring the 2023 FCS COTY Panel. In this discussion, Albany HC Greg Gattuso, Furman HC Clay Hendrix, and Drake HC Todd Stepsis dive into what culture means to their programs, challenges they faced throughout the season, and how they have grown as football coaches. Show Notes: 1:04 I…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring the 2023 FBS COTY Roundtable. In this discussion, Florida State HC Mike Norvell, Northwestern HC David Braun, and Former New Mexico State HC Jerry Kill dive into the culture they have established in their programs, challenges and defining moments from the season…

On this week’s epsiode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring the Graduate Assistant Panel discussion from the 2023 AFCA Convention. In this discussion, panelists Fred Farrier, Justin Burke, Charles Huff, Joseph Henry, and Kenny Dillingham, discuss how they began their careers as GAs and how that experience shaped them for…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset presented by CoachComm, we are featuring Texas Tech Head Coach, Joey McGuire’s High School Academy talk from the 2023 AFCA Convention. In this conversation, Coach McGuire expresses his passion for high school football, discusses how he has created cultures at each school he has coached at, and talks abou…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset presented by CoachComm, we are featuring Illinois Head Coach, Bret Bielema’s General Session speech from the 2023 AFCA Convention. In this talk, Coach Bielema discusses how he creates a culture of being Tough, Smart, and Dependable, defines important characteristics of Illinois Football, and gives some p…

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset presented by CoachComm, we are featuring Michigan State Head Coach, Jonathan Smith’s General Session talk from the 2023 AFCA Convention. In this conversation, Coach Smith reflects on those who have impacted him throughout his football journey, discusses how he recruits his players and his staff, and talk…