Advertise on podcast: Inside the Headset with the AFCA

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Justin Fuente, Senior Advisor for Football with the College Football Playoff. Coach Fuente reflects on his journey through college football, the lessons learned throughout his coaching career, and the importance of developing players and building a championship culture. Before joining the CFP in September 2025, Fuente spent 21 years coaching at the collegiate level, including head coaching stops at Memphis and Virginia Tech. He led Memphis to the 2014 American Athletic Conference championship and earned conference Coach of the Year honors at both programs. Now with the College Football Playoff, Fuente helps guide operational policies and best practices across the postseason. In this conversation, Coach Fuente shares the experiences that shaped his approach to coaching, the challenges and rewards of leading a program, and the leadership principles that helped define his career. Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel for new episodes every Thursday! https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we welcome CSU Pueblo Head Coach Philip Vigil! A former quarterback at Colorado Mesa, Vigil's coaching journey includes stops at Colorado School of Mines, Northwest Missouri State, Colorado Mesa, Fort Hays State, and Stephen F. Austin before earning his first head coaching opportunity at Western New Mexico. Since taking over at CSU Pueblo in December 2022, Vigil has guided the ThunderWolves to consecutive Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championships and NCAA Division II playoff appearances in 2024 and 2025. Tune in for this week's episode with Coach Vigil, and follow Inside the Headset for more conversations with coaches from across the profession. Learn more about the AFCA and membership opportunities at AFCA.com.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Travis McClain, Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Mount Vernon High School in Texas. McClain took over at Mount Vernon in January 2025 after spending two seasons as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Rivercrest High School. His coaching background also includes eight years at Celina, where he served as offensive coordinator before becoming a head coach. A native of Weatherford, Texas, McClain played wide receiver and special teams at Baylor before beginning his coaching career. His journey has taken him from college football to leading high school programs in the Lone Star State. Join us for this week's conversation with Coach McClain, and subscribe for more stories from coaches at every level of the game. 🏈 Become an AFCA member: afca.com/become-a-member 🎙️ Follow the AFCA and find more Inside the Headset episodes: linktr.ee/AFCA

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Jake Wissing, Head Football Coach at UW-River Falls. Named interim head coach in February 2026, Wissing has the Falcons off to a 3-0 start and ranked No. 2 nationally. Wissing spent 15 seasons on the UW-River Falls staff before taking over, coaching both sides of the ball and helping the Falcons capture the 2025 NCAA Division III National Championship. As defensive coordinator, he led a unit that topped the nation with 40 turnovers gained during that championship season. His coaching journey also includes stops at Alfred, Norwich, Saint Joseph's, DePauw, and Sewanee. Listen to this week's conversation with Coach Wissing and follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform for more stories from across the coaching profession. Learn more about the AFCA and become a member at afca.com.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Nate Langford, Defensive Line Coach at UTRGV. Coach Langford reflects on his experiences coaching at various levels of football, the meaningful relationships that have shaped his career, and the passion for the profession that continues to drive him. Tune in for a conversation about growing as a coach and building connections throughout your coaching journey. Follow Coach Langford and UTRGV Football: • Nate Langford: https://x.com/coachlangford46 • UTRGV Football: https://x.com/UTRGVFootball Follow Inside the Headset for new episodes every Thursday. Enjoyed this conversation? Leave a rating and review, and share it with a fellow coach. Find all listening platforms: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset Learn more about AFCA membership: https://www.afca.com/become-a-member/

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by MD Daniels, Head Coach at Mount Mercy. The first head football coach in Mount Mercy history, Daniels previously served as co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Bethel University in Tennessee and as head coach at Iowa Wesleyan. He shares the opportunities and experiences that shaped his journey, the importance of building genuine relationships with players, and why fundamentals, hard work, and continued growth remain central to his coaching approach. Follow Coach Daniels on X: @CoachMDDaniels Follow Mount Mercy Football on X: @MountMercyFB AFCA membership is open! Explore coaching education, connect with fellow coaches, and invest in your development at afca.com. New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with a fellow coach. Listen, watch, and follow Inside the Headset.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Mack Brown, former head coach at Texas and North Carolina. Coach Brown reflects on his coaching career, the path that led him to Texas and UNC, and how the Longhorns built a championship program that captured the 2005 national title. He also discusses the importance of building meaningful relationships, continually developing as a coach and the impact the AFCA has had on his career, including his time serving as AFCA President in 2013. Follow Coach Brown on X: @CoachMackBrown https://x.com/CoachMackBrown Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset Learn more about the AFCA and membership opportunities at: https://www.afca.com

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Rashard Alston, Running Game Coordinator and Running Backs Coach at South Carolina State. Coach Alston discusses his journey from playing at Newberry College to beginning his coaching career at North Charleston High School. He shares how his experiences at Hastings College and Bluefield State helped shape him as a coach, including his role in rebuilding the Bluefield State program and his progression through several offensive and leadership positions. He also discusses his move to South Carolina State, his approach to developing running backs and the lessons he has learned throughout his career. Inside the Headset is presented by CoachComm. Follow the show: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset Join the AFCA: https://www.afca.com/become-a-member/

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Maurice Flowers, head football coach at Johnson C. Smith University. Coach Flowers shares the experiences and lessons that shaped his journey to becoming a head coach. He discusses his approach to turning around a football program, building a winning culture and developing players into leaders and successful young men beyond the football field. Follow Coach Flowers and JCSU Football: Coach Flowers: https://x.com/CoachFlowers JCSU Football: https://x.com/JCSUFootball AFCA membership is open. Join the AFCA for access to coaching education, professional development, networking opportunities, the AFCA Digital Library and more: https://www.afca.com/membership/ Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and find more AFCA content at https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset. If you enjoyed the episode, please follow the show and leave a rating or review. Inside the Headset is presented by CoachComm.

On Part 2 of this two-part episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by former Georgia Tech and Temple head coach Geoff Collins. Coach Collins discusses his defensive philosophy and approach to player development, the importance of building meaningful relationships and trust with players and staff, and the leadership, standards and daily habits required to create a successful program culture. Follow Coach Collins: X: @CoachCollins Instagram: @coachcollins Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Connect with the show: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

On Part 1 of this two-part episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by former Georgia Tech and Temple head coach Geoff Collins. Coach Collins reflects on his playing days at Western Carolina, beginning his coaching career at the high school level, and the mistakes that helped shape him early in his career. He also discusses stepping away from on-field coaching to work in player personnel at Georgia Tech and Alabama, where he gained valuable experience alongside Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, and Curt Cignetti. Because the full conversation lasted nearly two hours, we divided it into two parts so coaches wouldn't miss any of Coach Collins' insights. Follow Coach Collins: X: @CoachCollins Instagram: @coachcollins AFCA membership is open. Join today for access to educational resources, professional development, networking opportunities, convention benefits, and more. Connect with the AFCA: https://linktr.ee/AFCA

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Vann Hunt, Head Coach at Manchester University. Coach Hunt reflects on the early experiences that shaped his coaching philosophy and leadership style. He discusses the value of embracing failure as an opportunity to learn, grow, and become a better coach, while sharing lessons that have guided him throughout his career. The conversation also explores Coach Hunt's experience in the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, highlighting the relationships, professional development and leadership opportunities the program provided as he prepared to lead his own program. Follow Coach Hunt and Manchester Football on X: @CoachV_MU | @MU_SpartanFB Be sure to subscribe to Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm on your favorite podcast platform and leave a rating and review if you enjoy the show. New episodes are released every week featuring football coaches from every level of the game. AFCA Membership is open. Visit AFCA.com to learn more about the benefits of joining the American Football Coaches Association.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Zach Hanson, Offensive Line Coach at USC. Coach Hanson discusses his transition from player to coach, the relationships that have helped shape his career, and the role his family has played throughout his coaching journey. He also shares his experience with the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute and how the program has helped him grow as a coach and leader. Follow Coach Hanson and USC Football: @CoachZachHanson | @uscfb Follow Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes each week. AFCA Membership is open. Visit afca.com for more information on joining the American Football Coaches Association.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Brian Ware, Defensive Coordinator at Cy Ranch High School in Texas. Coach Ware discusses his return to coaching, reflects on the experiences that have shaped his career, and shares how participating in the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute influenced his growth as a leader. He also offers advice for coaches looking to continue developing both personally and professionally. Follow Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes every week. For more coaching resources and professional development opportunities, visit afca.com. AFCA Membership is open.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Frank Reich, Offensive Coordinator of the New York Jets. Coach Reich discusses his journey from NFL quarterback to coach, how his playing career prepared him for life on the sidelines, and the lessons he learned from working alongside Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy. He also reflects on becoming an NFL offensive coordinator, leading an organization as a head coach, and the perspective gained through both the highs and lows of coaching. Show Notes: Transitioning from player to coach Learning from Peyton Manning Leadership lessons from Tony Dungy Becoming an NFL offensive coordinator Growing into a head coach Handling success and adversity Developing as a leader Advice for coaches Follow Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes every week. For more coaching resources and professional development opportunities, visit afca.com. AFCA Membership is open.