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 Babcock is entering his 12th season leading the Bearcats and has been a member of the AFCA Board of Trustees since 2023.  Follow Coach Babcock...

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 football in the state of Texas. Coach Gillespie was hired at Midway in January after stints as the Defensive Coordinator at Tulsa and TCU.   Follow...

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 others taught him and applied it to his coaching. Coach Bloomgren, who led the Owls to a bowl game last season, was recently selected as a member of...

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 the Head Coach at Central College for 20 years and the Dutch have never finished a season below .500 during his tenure.   Follow Coach McMartin...

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 the AFCA Board of Trustees, is entering his fourth season with the Commodores.   Show Notes:  1:19 Early years in the coaching...

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 career. Coach Norvell, who just completed his second season leading the Rams, was recently selected to the AFCA Board of Trustees, representing...

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 of success highlighted by his time as the head coach at North Dakota State and, most recently, Wyoming.   Show Notes:  1:00...

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 AFCA. Coach Gibboney helped the Tartans to a 10-1 record in the 2023 season.   Follow Coach Gibboney and Carnegie Mellon football on social...

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 AFCA. Coach Robinson helped the Knights to a 9-2 season and a berth in the NAIA playoffs.   Follow Coach Robinson and Marian Football on...

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, and John Mannion of Mountainside High School in Oregon talk about why they chose to be coaches, special moments they have experienced as coaches,...

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 Introduction  1:39 What contributed to your special seasons?   12:19 What has the AFCA meant to you and your development throughout your...

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 skillsets of your players. Coach Taylor was recently named the 2023 AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year serving as the Offensive Coordinator at...

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 the impact that the AFCA convention has had on their careers.  Show Notes:   1:10 Introduction  1:22 In your past season, what special...

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 played in their development as coaches.  Show Notes:   1:04 Introduction  1:28 Moments and lessons from special seasons  28:12 How...

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 Introduction  1:17 Culture within your programs  5:19 Challenges and moments that boosted your teams to success  9:55...

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, and how they have developed as coaches.   Show Notes:   1:06 Introduction  1:15 Culture within your programs  7:47 Challenges and...

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 future success.  Show Notes:   1:06 Introduction  12:30 Breaking into college coaching  15:40 Getting your first GA job  19:59...

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 about how High School football relates to College Football. Coach McGuire just finished his second season leading the Red Raiders.   Connect with...

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 practical advice to young coaches. Coach Bielema just completed his third season as the Head Coach of the Fighting Illini.  Connect with Coach...

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 talks about the ever-changing nature of college football.  Follow Coach Smith and Michigan State Football on social media here:  @Coach_Smith...

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset presented by CoachComm, we are featuring University of Houston Head Coach, Willie Fritz’s General Session speech from the 2023 AFCA Convention. In his talk, Coach Fritz highlights his coaching career, some of his coaching principles, and his Plan to Win. Coach Fritz, a long-time college head coach, has coached at many levels and was recently hired as the Head Coach at the University of Houston.   Follow Coach Fritz and Houston football on...

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset presented by CoachComm, AFCA Executive Director, Todd Berry, shares how he got his start in coaching, the highs and lows he experienced throughout his career, and why young coaches should get involved with the AFCA. Coach Berry is a former FBS Head Coach and has led the AFCA since 2016.   Connect with the AFCA on social media here: @WeAreAFCA  Show Notes:  0:58 Introduction  1:23 When did you decide that you wanted to be a football...

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset presented by CoachComm, Heather Marini, the quarterbacks coach at Brown University, shares about beginning her coaching career in Australia, taking opportunities as they present themselves, and becoming the first female position coach in Division 1. Coach Marini is in her fourth season at Brown and third season coaching the QBs for the Bears.  Follow Coach Marini and Brown Football on social media here:   @coach_marini &...

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset presented by CoachComm, C.J. Cox, the Corners coach at Kent State, shares how coaching many positions has benefitted him, how he found his voice as a young coach, and where he has seen the most growth throughout his career. Coach Cox, a member of the 2023 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class, is in his third season with the Golden Flashes.   Follow Coach Cox and Kent State Football on social media here:   @CoachCox_GF & @KentStFootball  Show...