Inside the Headset with the AFCA

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Eric Jones, Offensive Line Coach at Central College and AFCA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year. Coach Jones shares his journey from high school coaching to the college level, lessons learned along the way, and how he develops offensive linemen while building meaningful relationships with his players. Follow Central College Football: @CentralDutchFB Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform. New episodes drop every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches find the show. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

Kennesaw State Head Coach Jerry Mack joins Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm to share his journey through the coaching profession and the lessons that shaped him along the way. From breaking into coaching at Delta State to leading programs at multiple levels of college football and gaining experience in the NFL. Coach Mack reflects on the key moments that defined his career. He discusses the value of relationships, adaptability, and continuous growth, while offering insight into building a coaching philosophy and managing people effectively. Whether you're an aspiring coach or a veteran in the profession, this episode provides practical advice on navigating a coaching career, developing as a leader, and maximizing opportunities at every level of the game. Be sure to subscribe to Inside the Headset for weekly conversations with leaders across the coaching profession.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Steve Englehart, Head Coach at West Georgia and the 2025 AFCA FCS Coach of the Year. Coach Englehart reflects on the journey that shaped his career in the coaching profession, including building programs at multiple levels of college football, launching a startup program at Florida Tech, and the lessons learned through the highs and challenges of leading a team. He also shares insight into hiring and developing assistant coaches, the experience of coaching his son at Presbyterian College, and what it meant to be recognized by the American Football Coaches Association as the 2025 AFCA FCS Coach of the Year. 🎧 Inside the Headset is the official podcast of the American Football Coaches Association, featuring conversations with coaches and leaders from across the football profession. Follow Coach Englehart and West Georgia Football: X: @Coach_Englehart X: @UWGFootball

Film study has always been one of the most time-consuming parts of the coaching profession. Hours of data entry, tagging plays, and searching through film can take coaches away from what matters most developing players and preparing their team. ANSRS is changing that. In this video, we take a closer look at how ANSRS is transforming the way football coaches analyze film, build scouting reports, and make in-game adjustments. Built by a former college coach who experienced the grind of the film room firsthand, ANSRS automates film breakdown, instantly generates video cutups, and allows coaches to filter game situations in seconds. Instead of digging through endless hours of film, coaches can now find exactly what they need with a few clicks. Programs across the country are using ANSRS to streamline film study, improve game planning, and make faster adjustments on Friday nights and Saturdays. Learn how this technology is helping football staffs work smarter and giving coaches more time to do what they love coach the game. This content was created in partnership with ANSRS. For more information, you can visit https://ansrs.ai/.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Tyler Almond, Head Coach at Carson-Newman University. In this conversation, Coach Almond shares his journey through the coaching profession, beginning as a young coach trying to establish himself at just 19 years old and working his way through multiple roles across college football. Coach Almond discusses his early coaching experiences, breaking into the college ranks, and the lessons he learned while navigating the realities of the profession—from volunteer positions to full-time roles. He also reflects on the impact of mentorship, the importance of building meaningful relationships in coaching, and the experiences that helped shape his leadership style. A member of the 2020 AFCA 35 Under 35 class, Almond talks about the value of the program and the connections he built through the AFCA. He also reflects on the honor of being named the 2025 AFCA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year. Now leading the Carson-Newman football program as head coach, Almond shares how his experiences across the profession prepared him for the responsibility of leading a team and building a program culture. Follow Coach Almond and Carson-Newman Football X / Twitter: @Coach_Almond @cnfootball

On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Bryant Haines, Defensive Coordinator at Indiana University and the 2025 AFCA FBS Assistant Coach of the Year. Coach Haines shares the experiences that shaped his coaching journey from his early days as a graduate assistant to leading a Power Four defense. He discusses lessons learned early in his career, mentorship and leadership development, navigating coaching opportunities across the country, and the challenges that come with building championship-caliber programs. Haines also reflects on working alongside Curt Cignetti, transitioning into a full-time defensive coordinator role, and the advice he gives young coaches looking to grow in today's profession. 🎧 Subscribe to Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen everywhere: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Brent Vigen, head coach at Montana State University. Coach Vigen shares his journey from graduate assistant to national championship head coach and reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy. He discusses learning under Craig Bohl, developing players at a high level — including his experience coaching Josh Allen and what it takes to build and sustain a championship culture. In this conversation, Coach Vigen breaks down: Earning credibility as a young coach Leading fellow staff members early in his career Building and maintaining standards within a program Motivating players after winning a national title The importance of serving the coaching profession through the AFCA Board of Trustees This episode is packed with practical insight for coaches at every level who are focused on leadership development, culture building, and long-term program success. 🎧 Subscribe to Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform for weekly conversations with leaders across the game.

On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Keith Clark, Offensive Line Coach at Dartmouth and the 2025 AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year. Coach Clark shares his unconventional coaching journey, including his early experience coaching football in Italy, the lessons he learned as a young head coach overseas, and how those experiences shaped his teaching philosophy. He discusses returning to his alma mater, earning an opportunity at the University of Maine, navigating his first full-time role in college football, and building credibility within a staff. Clark also reflects on his time in the Ivy League, what it takes to win in that environment, and what being named AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year means to him. The conversation highlights risk-taking, humility, professional growth, and the importance of staying connected within the coaching profession. New episodes of Inside the Headset drop weekly. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review to help other coaches find the show.

On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Matt Walker, head football coach at University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Coach Walker reflects on his journey through the profession, including his early years as both a head baseball and football coach, the lessons learned from navigating tough seasons, and the mindset shifts that helped him build a national championship program at the Division III level. Follow Coach Walker and UW–River Falls Football: @CoachWalkerRF | @UWRFFootball Subscribe, rate, and review Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform to help more coaches discover the show. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset Episode Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:09 Getting into the profession 01:33 When did you want to be a part of this great profession? 05:14 Breaking away from the family career path 06:44 Taking over as interim head coach 09:23 Maturing quickly to handle the workload 12:26 Life as an offensive assistant (2000–2005) 14:44 Leading both baseball and football programs 18:28 Lessons learned coaching multiple sports 21:25 Learning to step back after leading 23:46 Building a sharper plan at River Falls 25:31 Putting your own flavor on a program 29:13 Learning from gambles that didn't work 32:49 Why UW–River Falls was the right fit 35:25 Importance of administrative support 37:58 Lessons from a 0–10 season 40:11 Championships and hardship 41:10 Mindset shifts as a head coach 46:23 Transitioning to tempo 49:04 Team communication and internal leadership 51:24 Creating a program opponents feel 53:13 Reflecting on the journey 59:43 Closing

On this episode of Inside the Headset Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Lou Marinelli, Head Coach at New Canaan High School. Coach Marinelli shares reflections from his long and successful coaching career, including how he built a winning program, developed players, and stayed true to the values that define great leadership. This conversation dives into program culture, consistency, and the lessons learned from decades on the sidelines. It's a powerful look at what it takes to sustain success and positively impact young athletes through football. Follow Coach Marinelli and New Canaan Football: @NewCanaanFB  Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more conversations with coaches from across the country. New episodes drop every week. Find us here: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

On this episode of Inside the Headset, presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Benedictine Head Coach Joel Osborn, the 2025 AFCA NAIA Coach of the Year. Coach Osborn shares his journey from Northwest Missouri State to leading one of the top programs in the NAIA, the value of coaching multiple positions, and how that experience shaped him as a play caller and leader. He also discusses building a championship culture at Benedictine, hiring a trusted staff, and what it means to be recognized by his peers with one of the highest honors in the profession.

In this episode of Inside the Headset, presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Ryan Jirgl, the Special Teams Coordinator and Safeties Coach at Long Island University. Coach Jirgl shares the story of his journey through the coaching profession, including the people and experiences that helped shape his approach to teaching, leadership, and player development. This interview took place before the seasoooooooooooooooooon. He talks about the importance of relationships in coaching, staying committed to growth, and the unique opportunity that comes with working across the entire roster through special teams. Coach Jirgl also discusses how he helps student athletes mature both on and off the field and what continues to drive his passion for the profession. If you enjoy the conversation, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and follow Inside the Headset wherever you listen to podcasts. You can find all of our links here: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset Explore the podcast

On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Clint Killough, Head Coach at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). This conversation was recorded prior to the start of the season. Coach Killough reflects on his journey through football, how the game shaped his relationships, and the experiences that guided his coaching career. He also discusses what it means to be in charge of an FCS program, the responsibility that comes with leading young men, and the importance of culture, trust, and personal growth within a team. Topics include: How football influenced Coach Killough's life and relationships Lessons learned throughout his coaching journey Growth through different coaching roles Leadership and responsibility as a head coach Becoming the head coach at UIW 🎧 Inside the Headset features weekly conversations with coaches from across the football profession, focusing on leadership, culture, and the journey behind the headset. 📍 Listen & Subscribe

Step inside the innovation that's changing the look and performance of football fields across the country. Shaw Sports Turf's Game On technology is redefining how programs design, install, and customize their synthetic turf. From Kansas' viral wheat-themed end zones to Denver's skyline lacrosse field, schools at every level are turning to Game On for its seamless construction, faster installation, and expanded creative capabilities. With lines, numbers, logos, and field markings built directly into the turf at the factory, Game On eliminates hundreds of cuts, reducing failure points and enhancing player safety. In this video, you'll hear how the technology works, why coaches and administrators love it, and how Game On is reshaping the future of athletic surfaces. 📍 See Shaw Sports Turf at the 2026 AFCA Convention in Charlotte, Booth #1007 📅 January 11–13, 2026

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset — Presented by CoachComm, we bring you Army Head Coach Jeff Monken's powerful presentation from the 2025 AFCA Convention. Coach Monken dives into his early passion for football, his leadership philosophy, and why building meaningful relationships is at the core of his coaching approach. 📌 In this talk, you'll learn about: – The moments that shaped Coach Monken's coaching journey – His belief in disciplined, purpose-driven leadership – How relationships influence culture, performance, and longevity – Core principles he uses to guide the Army Football program 📣 Follow Coach Monken & Army Football: @CoachJeffMonken | @ArmyWP_Football 🎧 Listen to Inside the Headset: Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and follow us here for weekly conversations with coaches across all levels of football. If you enjoyed this episode, please like the video and drop a review—it helps more coaches and fans discover the show. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

This week on Inside the Headset, presented by CoachComm, we are featuring Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti's presentation from the 2025 AFCA Convention In this conversation, Coach Cignetti reflects on his coaching journey and the intentional steps he's taken to build winning programs. He explains the foundation of Indiana's cultural transformation, emphasizing the importance of setting high standards, maintaining clear expectations, and enforcing strong accountability at every level. A must-listen for coaches looking to strengthen culture, leadership, and program development. Follow Indiana Football: CCignettiIU & @IndianaFootball

Today we sit down with Matt Hofer, an offensive lineman at the University of Toledo and a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Over the last two years, Matt has committed himself to global mission work, traveling to Kenya and the Philippines to serve in schools, orphanages, and churches, supporting underserved communities through faith and service. His impact extends to his hometown too, where he volunteers with the Cherry Street Mission, the Toledo Boys & Girls Club, and Victory Day, along with outreach efforts in local schools and community programs throughout Toledo. In this conversation, Matt opens up about his faith, leadership mindset, life as a student athlete, and the deeper purpose that drives him beyond the football field. A story about serving others, leading with humility, and using the platform of sport to make a real difference. 🔔 New episodes drop every week. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to hear more leadership and

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with CJ Nightingale, the head coach at Belhaven University. Coach Nightingale discusses how his childhood shaped his coaching philosophy, details the key steps in his development as a coach, and reflects on his experience as a member of the 2022 AFCA 35 Under 35 class. In this episode, Coach Nightingale shares: • The moment he knew he wanted to coach • Lessons learned early in his career • The transition from high school to college coaching • His time building the Indiana Wesleyan program • Establishing a defensive culture at Wheaton • The decision to take on the head coaching role at Belhaven • Insights from the AFCA 35 Under 35 program Follow Coach Nightingale: @Coach_CDN2 Follow Belhaven Football: @BelhavenFB 📌 Subscribe for weekly conversations with coaches at every level of football. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Brett Ekkens, the head coach at Tiffin University. Coach Ekkens shares his journey from player to coach, how adopting a no task is too small mindset shaped his career, and the lessons he learned on the way to becoming a head coach. He also discusses staff building, taking ownership at every stage of the profession, and the leadership habits that drive success inside the Tiffin program. This is a valuable conversation for coaches at every level who are striving to grow, lead, and elevate their teams. Follow Coach Ekkens and Tiffin Football: @Coach_Ekkens • @TiffinFootball Stay connected with Inside the Headset: New episodes drop every week. Subscribe, rate, and review to help more coaches find the show. All links: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

  In this episode, we're joined by Lennx Brown, wide receiver at Morningside University and a proud member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. A standout on the field, Lennx has helped guide the Mustangs to a conference championship and a national semifinal run, earning All-Conference honors for his leadership and consistency. Off the field, Lennx's commitment to serving others sets him apart. He has participated in mission work across Louisiana, Cuba, Uganda, and Honduras, while also supporting his local community through tornado relief and youth mentorship. Much of his passion for service is inspired by the memory of his sister, Merzedes, whose legacy continues through the Merzedes Hard Memorial Fund, created by Lennx and his family to support families in need and fund meaningful community projects. This conversation dives into Lennx's journey of resilience, purpose, and impact, and how he uses his platform to honor others and bring lasting change. Follow Morningside Football: @msidefootball