Advertise on podcast: Inside the Headset with the AFCA

On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Ricky Rahne, Head Coach at Old Dominion. Coach Rahne shares his journey from collegiate quarterback to FBS head coach, including the key moments that shaped his path, the mentors who influenced his development, and the lessons learned through coaching transitions at multiple programs. He also discusses building an offensive identity, navigating career growth, and what it means to serve on the AFCA Board of Trustees in today's college football landscape. Key Topics: Transition from player to coach Early career opportunities and networking Lessons from coaching transitions Offensive development and leadership Growth through multiple programs Building a program at Old Dominion Role with the AFCA Board of Trustees Follow: Twitter/X: @RickyRahne | @OldDominionFB Subscribe to Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes every week.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Sean Lewis, Head Coach at San Diego State. Coach Lewis shares his journey into the coaching profession, the offensive philosophy that helped accelerate his rise to a young head coach, and the lessons learned through both success and adversity along the way. He also discusses the importance of staying involved in the evolution of the game through his role on the AFCA Board of Trustees. From early career decisions to leading at the FBS level, this episode provides valuable insight for coaches at every stage of the profession. Follow Coach Lewis and San Diego State Football: Twitter/X: @TheHC_CoachLew | @FA_SDSU Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform, and subscribe for new episodes every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches find the show. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset 🔗 For more information on joining the AFCA, visit https://www.afca.com 1:10 Introduction 1:27 When did you know you wanted to coach? 2:51 First job and offensive approach 4:07 The conversation that got you into coaching 5:34 Path to Nebraska 7:01 First AFCA Convention experience 8:53 Comparing GA roles 10:31 Early eye-opening lessons 11:42 Opportunity at Akron 13:12 Navigating unexpected situations 15:36 Starting at Akron 16:18 Lessons from difficult seasons 17:42 Being let go 18:54 Career outlook and next steps 21:01 Preparing for interviews 24:21 Honesty in leadership 25:43 Staff dynamics 27:27 Evolution of roles 28:21 Adjustments as OC/QB coach 30:50 Offensive success at Bowling Green 32:58 Lessons from Syracuse 35:55 Becoming a young head coach 37:15 Transition from HC to OC 38:46 New offensive perspective 40:36 Returning to head coaching 41:58 Role on AFCA Board of Trustees 43:54 Closing

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Nick Garrett, Head Coach at Andrew College. Coach Garrett shares the key moments that led him into the coaching profession and reflects on his journey through multiple levels of football. He discusses transitioning from player to coach, lessons learned from working under different staffs, and how those experiences have shaped his approach as a head coach. He also dives into navigating adversity, balancing the demands of coaching and family, and the importance of modeling excellence within a program. Follow Coach Garrett & Andrew College Football Twitter/X: @Dr_NickGarrett Twitter/X: @TigersAndrew Subscribe & Follow Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches find the show. We drop new episodes every week. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Joe Price III, Wide Receivers Coach at Kentucky. Coach Price shares his journey through the coaching profession, from his early days at the high school level to coaching in the SEC. He discusses the importance of relationships, maintaining a servant mindset, and the lessons learned at each stop along the way. In this episode, Coach Price also reflects on his experience as a video coordinator, transitioning between levels of football, and developing as a wide receivers coach. Additionally, he talks about his role on the AFCA Board of Trustees and what it means to represent assistant coaches across the profession. Follow Coach Price & Kentucky Football @CoachJP3 @UKFootball Inside the Headset Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show. We drop new episodes every week. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset For more information on joining the American Football Coaches Association, visit afca.com Timestamps 1:09 Introduction 1:33 Getting started in coaching 2:42 Early leadership and playing experience 5:13 Breaking into the profession 7:03 Lessons as a video coordinator 9:31 Transition to North Shore High School 11:05 Coaching state championships 15:31 Player-coach relationships 18:11 Transitioning levels 21:09 Advice for aspiring college coaches 23:38 First college job experience 26:14 Early college coaching lessons 32:18 Moving to UTSA 38:20 Thriving as a WR coach 41:25 Evaluating opportunities 43:59 Building staff relationships 46:41 Coaching at Kentucky 48:14 AFCA Board of Trustees role 50:11 Advice for young coaches 51:56 Conclusion

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.