Inside the Headset with the AFCA

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. Coach Meekins is in his first season at the helm at Lutheran South following a 3-year stint at the University of Houston.  Follow Coach Meekins and Lutheran South Football on social media here:  @corbymeekins & @SouthFootball24  1:05 Following your passion to be a coach, becoming a coordinator for the first time, and navigating quick and unexpected transitions.   30:35 Having tough conversations in job moves, working to build competitive rosters at the HS level, and becoming a head coach for the first time.  1:00:23 Transitioning to the college level, differences between high school football and college football, and navigating staff changes.

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 second season with the Brahmas after a 7-3 season this past spring.   Follow Coach Pardee and the San Antonio Brahmas on social media here:  @CoachPardee & @XFLBrahmas  Show Notes:   1:05 Following in your grandfather’s footsteps, landing your first coaching job, and navigating the transition from a player to a coach.  22:42 Building a network to help you as a young coach, learning to recruit amid change, and managing rosters at the college and the professional level.  42:01 Prioritizing player development in the UFL, navigating the XFL/UFL merger and job transition, and how you have grown in the profession.  

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 in his first season at Jax State.   Follow Coach Napoleon and Jax State football on social media here:   @CoachNapoleon & @JaxStateFB  1:05 Impact of transferring on your career as a coach, breaking into the coaching profession, and finding ways to learn and build a network.   20:04 Early job opportunities, taking advantage of learning opportunities, and experience at Buffalo.   43:00 Most impactful stops in your career, landing at Jax State, and looking back on your career.  

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 the Moravian program and was a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.   Follow Coach Long and Moravian football on social media here:   @CoachLongMUFB & @MoravianFB  Show Notes:   1:05 Similarities between Teaching and Coaching, breaking into the profession, and transitioning from coaching high school to college.   24:05 Internship with Philadelphia Eagles, developing as a young coach, and transitioning to John Carroll.  46:41 Becoming a coordinator for the first time, the opportunity to be a Head Coach, and AFCA 35 Under 35 Experience.  

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 in his first season at West Georgia and was a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.   Follow Coach Sanders and West Georgia Football on social media here:   @RTS_9 & @UWGFootball  1:05 Breaking into the profession, leading a room as a young coach, and returning to your alma mater as a coach.   27:30 Moving to the High School level, applying professional and college schemes to the high school level, and becoming a head coach.  44:47 Hiring a high school coaching staff, returning to the collegiate level, and AFCA 35 Under 35 Experience.  

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 a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.   Follow Coach Vaughn and Furman Football on social media here:   @Coach_DVaughn & @PaladinFootball  1:05 Getting started at Furman, the value of coaching on both sides of the ball, and getting promoted to full-time.   17:25 Moving to the defensive side of the ball, staying focused on your tasks as you navigate staff change, and serving as a recruiting coordinator as college football changes.   39:32 Getting promoted to Defensive Coordinator, learning to see the game holistically, AFCA 35 Under 35 experience.  

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 was a member of the 2020 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.   Follow Coach Barainyak and Widener Football on social media here:   @Coach_Barry & @Widener_FB  Show Notes:   1:05 Having a passion for the game since childhood, coaching guys that you played with, and wearing many hats as a coach at a small school.   22:32 Opportunities to learn at different levels of football, coaching JV as a young coach, and stepping out of your comfort zone and expanding your knowledge.    46:16 Returning to Pennsylvania to coach at Widener, becoming the Head Coach at Widener, and experience in the AFCA 35 Under 35. 

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 Champion at the University of Florida, Danny Wuerffel has devoted his life to serving others and honoring the service contributions of current college football players.  Follow Danny Wuerffel and the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy on social media here:   @DannyWuerffel & @WuerffelTrophy    1:05 Reflecting on your successful playing career and the coaches that impacted your career.   8:30 Getting involved with Desire Street Ministries and becoming the Executive Director following Hurricane Katrina.  16:55 Establishing the Wuerffel Trophy and partnering with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.  

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 Illinois and has helped lead the Salukis to a 2-1 start to their 2024 season.  Follow Coach James and Southern Illinois Football on social media here:   @2_adjames & @SIU_Football  1:05 Getting started at the high school level, emphasizing the basics at every level, and opportunity to jump to the college level.  22:36 Being confident in your teaching ability, navigating staff and job changes as a young coach, and opportunity at Morgan State.  54:30 Learning from each experience, coaching away from the spotlight, and opportunity at Southern Illinois. 

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 AFCA 35 Under 35 class, just kicked off his second season leading the Bears.   Follow Coach Beard and Missouri State Football on social media here:   @Ry_Beard & @MoStateFootball  1:05 Transitioning from player to coach, building genuine relationships with your network, and volatility of the coaching profession.  20:57 Defining your why as a coach, coaching at the Division 2 level, and returning to Western Kentucky.  40:01 Benefits of coaching special teams, navigating the profession with your spouse, and transition to Central Michigan.  1:02:14 Adapting to the ever-changing nature of football, becoming the Head Coach at Missouri State, and experience in the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute.  

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 recently named to the AFCA Board of Trustees and helped lead the Illini to a 45-0 victory to kick off their 2024 campaign.   Follow Coach Bielema and Illinois Football on social media here:   @BretBielema & @IlliniFootball  1:05 Being shaped by tragedy, differentiating yourself as a coach from a player, and the power of the pen and writing notes.   18:31 Becoming a full-time coach at Iowa, taking the leap away from your alma mater to advance your career, and joining the staff at Wisconsin.   39:23 Working under multiple legendary coaches, navigating adversity as a head coach, and joining the AFCA Board of Trustees.  

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 Grayvold, who is set to begin his second season as the defensive signal caller, was a 2020 AFCA 35 Under 35 class member.   Follow Coach Grayvold and Wisconsin-Eau Claire football on social media here:   @CoachGrayvold & @UWECFootball  Show Notes:   1:05 Following in your dad’s footsteps, having a successful playing career at Wisconsin-Whitewater, and starting out in and adapting to high school football.   19:04 Becoming a Head Coach at a young age, jumping to the college level, and learning how to separate work and life.  38:43 Getting the opportunity to be a defensive coordinator, the uniqueness of football in the Upper Midwest, and experience in the AFCA’s 35 Under 35. 

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 fifth season at Mayville State and was a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.   Follow Coach Larson and Mayville State Football on social media here:   @coachlarsonmsu & @mayville_FB  1:05 Shifting from waterboy to safeties coach, the value of coaching on both sides of the ball, and having tough conversations through transitions.   24:02 Navigating through tough times in the profession, becoming a Defensive Coordinator at 23, and building relationships with fellow coaches.   38:25 Becoming the Head Coach at Mayville State, coaching in the NAIA, and serving as the Athletic Director.  

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 Thunderwolves and was a member of the 2019 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.   Follow Coach Faske and CSU Pueblo Football on social media here:  @CoachFaske & @CSUPFootball  1:05 Starting the profession as an Undergrad, finding your voice as a young coach, and getting your first full-time job.   23:34 Opportunity at Texas A&M-Commerce, uniqueness of Division 2 football, and transition to SFA.  39:33 Taking full advantage of great experiences, becoming a coordinator at CSU-Pueblo, and experience in the AFCA 35 Under 35 program.     

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 and was a member of the 2018 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.   Follow Coach Dartt and Mount Union football on social media here:   @CoachGeoffDartt & @MountUnionFB  Show Notes  1:04 Playing days at Mount Union, breaking into the profession, and hardships as a first-time coordinator.   21:46 Opportunity at WKU, navigating health issues while coaching, and becoming the head coach during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  45:00 Developing as a head coach and maintaining success at Mount Union. 

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 the defensive coordinator at McMurry.   Follow Coach Snyder and McMurry football on social media here:   @CoachSnyde & @McMURRYFOOTBALL  Show Notes:   1:05 Importance of constantly learning, chasing the goal of becoming a coordinator, and developing players off the field.   13:53 Building your coaching network, navigating a relationship in the profession, and the importance of relationships.   27:32 Learning many positions in pursuit of being a coordinator, opportunity at McMurry, and involvement with FCA.  

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 entering his first season at the helm of the Stony Brook program.   Follow Coach Cosh and Stony Brook football on social media here:   @CoachBCosh & @StonyBrookFB  Show Notes:   1:30 Following in your dad's footsteps, adjusting to the profession, and transitioning to Indiana.   21:03 Sharpening your tools as a GA, first full-time gig, and developing as a young coordinator.  40:41 Opportunity at Richmond, developing a scheme to fit your personnel, becoming a Head Coach. 

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 season with the Jayhawks, was a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.   Follow Coach Wallace and Kansas Football on social media here:   @CoachWallaceKU & @KU_Football  Show Notes:   1:30 Transitioning from a player to a coach, acclimating to the profession, and transitioning from the SEC to the NAIA.   20:58 Importance of genuine relationships with players, having confidence in yourself, and navigating the profession with your spouse.   38:02 Uniqueness of coaching at a Military Academy, difficulty of leaving a job, and building a culture in a position group.   59:02 Maintaining a personal life outside of coaching and AFCA 35 Under 35 experience.    

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. Coach Hollingshead, who is entering his second season with the Hilltoppers, was a member of the 2023 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.  Follow Coach Hollingshead and WKU Football on social media here:   @WKUCoachDrew & @WKUFootball  Show Notes:   1:35 Playing for and learning from many great coaches and CFL Internship.   15:48 Recruiting players to fit your culture and working under Mike Leach.   34:45 Finding confidence as a young coach and opportunity as an OC at WKU.  

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, was a member of the 2020 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.   Follow Coach Golesh and USF Football on social media here:   @CoachGolesh & @USFFootball  Show Notes:   1:35 Breaking into the profession and the benefits of coaching multiple positions.   18:30 Approach to recruiting and developing as a young position coach.   43:30 Coaching at schools with high expectations and tailoring an offense to fit your personnel.  1:20:00 Building your staff as a first-year head coach and experience in AFCA 35 Under 35.