Ed Raby

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Ed Raby, the Head Coach at SUNY Morrisville. In this episode, Coach Raby shares about the value of coaching many positions, coaching through the COVID-19 Pandemic, and his experience with the AFCA 35 Under 35 Program. Coach Raby was a part of the 2023 35 Under 35 class and is beginning his second season as Head Coach for SUNY Morrisville.    Follow Coach Raby and SUNY Morrisville Football on social media.   @CoachRabyJr &amp; @MvilleMustangFB  Show Notes:   0:32 Introduction  0:51 When did you know you wanted to coach?  2:50 Starting out as a coach  4:26 Pursuit of an MBA while coaching  8:18 Different hats worn working at a small school   10:25 Value of experience coaching many positions  12:46 Preparing to coach new positions  14:57 Challenges as a coach  16:23 Serving as an Interim during COVID  22:21 Improving as a Head Coach  28:56 What do you look for in a coach?  34:08 AFCA 35 Under 35 Experience  35:29 Experience at 1st AFCA National Convention  37:22 Conclusion 

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Ed Raby, the Head Coach at SUNY Morrisville. In this episode, Coach Raby shares about the value of coaching many positions, coaching through the COVID-19 Pandemic, and his experience with the AFCA 35 Under 35 Program. Coach Raby was a part of the 2023 35 Under 35 class and is beginning his second season as Head Coach for SUNY Morrisville.   Follow Coach Raby and SUNY Morrisville Football on social media.   <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachRabyJr" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@CoachRabyJr</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/MvilleMustangFB" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@MvilleMustangFB</a> Show Notes:   0:32 Introduction  0:51 When did you know you wanted to coach?  2:50 Starting out as a coach  4:26 Pursuit of an MBA while coaching  8:18 Different hats worn working at a small school   10:25 Value of experience coaching many positions  12:46 Preparing to coach new positions  14:57 Challenges as a coach  16:23 Serving as an Interim during COVID  22:21 Improving as a Head Coach  28:56 What do you look for in a coach?  34:08 AFCA 35 Under 35 Experience  35:29 Experience at 1st AFCA National Convention  37:22 Conclusion

Ed Raby, Head Coach - SUNY Morrisville

Kyle Segler

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Kyle Segler, the offensive line coach at the University of Louisiana-Monroe. In this episode, Coach Segler shares his passion for coaching, reflects on change within coaching, and discusses his experience with the AFCA 35 Under 35 Program. Coach Segler is in his second stint at ULM after coaching at Marshall. While at ULM the first time he was the tight ends coach and special teams coordinator for one season. Segler's special teams units were some of the best in the Sun Belt Conference, sporting net kickoff and punt return averages that ranked in the top 20 nationally. Prior to that, Segler was an assistant coach at Sam Houston State for eight seasons, where he coached the offensive line and tight ends. In 2016, he added the duties of special teams coach. Here, Segler's offensive linemen paved the way for a unit that broke 35 school records. He also helped develop four All-Americans. Prior to returning to his alma mater, he spent the 2009 season coaching at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas, helping relaunch a football program that was discontinued in 1945. Segler was an offensive lineman on Sam Houston's team that won a share of the Southland regular-season title, advanced to the FCS semifinals and finished 11-3. He earned two degrees from Sam Houston, receiving his Bachelor's in kinesiology in 2006 and his Master's in sports management in 2010. Follow Coach Segler and ULM Football on social media.   @coach_segler &amp; @ULM_FB 0:25 Introduction  1:39 When did you know you wanted to coach?  9:49 Experiences at different schools  14:28 Learning a new position  22:40 Coaching at the G5 Level  27:25 Managing Change as a Coach  31:40 Transition to OL  35:40 AFCA 35u35 Program  38:50 Conclusion 

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Kyle Segler, the offensive line coach at the University of Louisiana-Monroe. In this episode, Coach Segler shares his passion for coaching, reflects on change within coaching, and discusses his experience with the AFCA 35 Under 35 Program. Coach Segler is in his second stint at ULM after coaching at Marshall. While at ULM the first time he was the tight ends coach and special teams coordinator for one season. Segler's special teams units were some of the best in the Sun Belt Conference, sporting net kickoff and punt return averages that ranked in the top 20 nationally. Prior to that, Segler was an assistant coach at Sam Houston State for eight seasons, where he coached the offensive line and tight ends. In 2016, he added the duties of special teams coach. Here, Segler's offensive linemen paved the way for a unit that broke 35 school records. He also helped develop four All-Americans. Prior to returning to his alma mater, he spent the 2009 season coaching at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas, helping relaunch a football program that was discontinued in 1945. Segler was an offensive lineman on Sam Houston's team that won a share of the Southland regular-season title, advanced to the FCS semifinals and finished 11-3. He earned two degrees from Sam Houston, receiving his Bachelor's in kinesiology in 2006 and his Master's in sports management in 2010. Follow Coach Segler and ULM Football on social media.   <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Segler" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@coach_segler</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ULM_FB" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@ULM_FB</a> 0:25 Introduction  1:39 When did you know you wanted to coach?  9:49 Experiences at different schools  14:28 Learning a new position  22:40 Coaching at the G5 Level  27:25 Managing Change as a Coach  31:40 Transition to OL  35:40 AFCA 35u35 Program  38:50 Conclusion

Kyle Segler, OL - ULM

Nick Davis

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Nick Davis, the head coach at Ottawa University. Coach Davis reflects on his career progression, growth as a coach, and experience with the AFCA 35u35. Coach Davis enters his second year as the head coach at Ottawa University, after successful stops at Rose-Hulman, Michigan, Western Illinois, and Monmouth. Coach Davis was recently a part of the 2022 AFCA 35u35 class and is active in the coaching education community.  Follow Coach Davis and Ottawa University on social media  @CoachNickDavis &amp; @OttawaBravesFB  0:32 Introduction  1:20 What made you want to coach?  6:43 Learning to be a coach  8:23 Preparing  10:04 Struggles with recruiting  11:20 Wearing various hats as a coach  13:40 Growth at Rose-Hulman  15:20 Taking opportunities at small schools  16:50 Getting back to Ottawa  20:00 Preparing for HC interview  23:00 Defining culture  25:25 Structuring staff  29:00 Staff turnover  32:25 Unexpected things as HC  34:35 AFCA 35u35 Class  36:03 Social/Conclusion 

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Nick Davis, the head coach at Ottawa University. Coach Davis reflects on his career progression, growth as a coach, and experience with the AFCA 35u35. Coach Davis enters his second year as the head coach at Ottawa University, after successful stops at Rose-Hulman, Michigan, Western Illinois, and Monmouth. Coach Davis was recently a part of the 2022 AFCA 35u35 class and is active in the coaching education community.  Follow Coach Davis and Ottawa University on social media  <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachNickDavis" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@CoachNickDavis</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/OttawaBravesFB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@OttawaBravesFB</a> 0:32 Introduction  1:20 What made you want to coach?  6:43 Learning to be a coach  8:23 Preparing  10:04 Struggles with recruiting  11:20 Wearing various hats as a coach  13:40 Growth at Rose-Hulman  15:20 Taking opportunities at small schools  16:50 Getting back to Ottawa  20:00 Preparing for HC interview  23:00 Defining culture  25:25 Structuring staff  29:00 Staff turnover  32:25 Unexpected things as HC  34:35 AFCA 35u35 Class  36:03 Social/Conclusion

Nick Davis, Head Coach - Ottawa

This week on Inside the Headset we are featuring De'Rail Sims, the running backs coach at Cincinnati. Coach Sims discusses his coaching development, where he has seen growth and the transition to Cincinnati. Coach Sims has seen success at all levels of collegiate football as a running backs coach for a national championship with JMU to multiple team and player rushing honors as a coach at Western Carolina, ECU, and Louisville. Coach Sims began his coaching career with stops at his alma mater of Pikeville, Millersville, and Carson-Newman.  Follow Coach Sims and the Bearcats on social media!  @DeRailSims &amp; @GoBearcatsFB  0:33 Introduction  1:55 Coaching position out of comfort zone  4:05 How did this help you as RB coach now?  5:06 Talking defense with your RBs  6:20 Hardest part of being JV coach at Pikeville  7:42 How did this translate to your future as a coach  9:25 Game management  10:43 Where did you learn the most?  14:15 Advice to young coach for choosing opportunities  18:08 Challenges recruiting  19:47 Transitioning to Cincinnati  21:25 Bowl Game Louisville vs Cincinnati  24:02 Recruiting for a new school  26:00 Signed recruits prior to transition  27:25 Importance of 35u35  30:00 Did you see yourself in this spot at the start of your career?  31:23 Social/Conclusion 

This week on Inside the Headset we are featuring De'Rail Sims, the running backs coach at Cincinnati. Coach Sims discusses his coaching development, where he has seen growth and the transition to Cincinnati. Coach Sims has seen success at all levels of collegiate football as a running backs coach for a national championship with JMU to multiple team and player rushing honors as a coach at Western Carolina, ECU, and Louisville. Coach Sims began his coaching career with stops at his alma mater of Pikeville, Millersville, and Carson-Newman.  Follow Coach Sims and the Bearcats on social media!  <a href="https://twitter.com/DeRailSims" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@DeRailSims</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/GoBearcatsFB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@GoBearcatsFB</a> 0:33 Introduction  1:55 Coaching position out of comfort zone  4:05 How did this help you as RB coach now?  5:06 Talking defense with your RBs  6:20 Hardest part of being JV coach at Pikeville  7:42 How did this translate to your future as a coach  9:25 Game management  10:43 Where did you learn the most?  14:15 Advice to young coach for choosing opportunities  18:08 Challenges recruiting  19:47 Transitioning to Cincinnati  21:25 Bowl Game Louisville vs Cincinnati  24:02 Recruiting for a new school  26:00 Signed recruits prior to transition  27:25 Importance of 35u35  30:00 Did you see yourself in this spot at the start of your career?  31:23 Social/Conclusion

De'Rail Sims, RB - Cincinnati

Justin Hoffman

This week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Justin Hoffman, Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment and assistant coach at Concordia University - Nebraska. Coach Hoffman highlights his passion for coaching, his career path, and maintaining boundaries for a good work-life balance. Coach Hoffman previously spent time at Peru State College and the high school level as an assistant coach and is entering his fourth year as an assistant at Concordia University – Nebraska. He recently stepped into his full-time role as the Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment this past year at Concordia.  Follow Coach Hoffman and the Bulldogs on social media!  Instagram: JHoffman_Coach  Twitter: @Coach_JHoffman &amp; @CUNEFOOTBALL  0:36 Introduction  1:24 Deciding to coach  4:45 Conversation with the wife  8:00 Increased time commitment  11:15 Prepping for new positions  15:35 Teaching points  20:50 The light bulb moment  21:45 Transitioning to Concordia  28:45 Setting up boundaries  33:37 AFCA Convention  37:20 Social 

This week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Justin Hoffman, Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment and assistant coach at Concordia University - Nebraska. Coach Hoffman highlights his passion for coaching, his career path, and maintaining boundaries for a good work-life balance. Coach Hoffman previously spent time at Peru State College and the high school level as an assistant coach and is entering his fourth year as an assistant at Concordia University – Nebraska. He recently stepped into his full-time role as the Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment this past year at Concordia.  Follow Coach Hoffman and the Bulldogs on social media!  Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jhoffman_coach/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">JHoffman_Coach</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_JHoffman" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@Coach_JHoffman</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/CUNEFOOTBALL" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@CUNEFOOTBALL</a> 0:36 Introduction  1:24 Deciding to coach  4:45 Conversation with the wife  8:00 Increased time commitment  11:15 Prepping for new positions  15:35 Teaching points  20:50 The light bulb moment  21:45 Transitioning to Concordia  28:45 Setting up boundaries  33:37 AFCA Convention  37:20 Social

Justin Hoffman, RB - Concordia University

Adam Waugh

This week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Adam Waugh, the head coach at Southeastern University.  Coach Waugh discusses his coaching journey, his family of football coaches, and the influence of former coaches and the AFCA. Coach Waugh is in his first season as the head football coach for Southeastern after serving as the defensive coordinator in 2021 and as the acting head coach this past season. Coach Waugh has been successful at the FCS and FBS Division 1 level and is part of a football family ranging from the NFL to the collegiate ranks.  Follow Coach Waugh and Southeastern Football on  Social Media @SEUFireFootball  0:33 Introduction  1:30 Deciding to Coach  3:45 Football Family  5:30 Knowledge Gained  7:00 Family &amp; Football  7:53 Variety of Experiences  11:55 No Comfort in the Growth Zone  13:00 Balancing Football with Personal Decisions  15:15 Southeastern Football  16:35 Starting from Scratch  18:00 Unforeseen things as a Head Coach 20:00 Mentors 

This week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Adam Waugh, the head coach at Southeastern University.  Coach Waugh discusses his coaching journey, his family of football coaches, and the influence of former coaches and the AFCA. Coach Waugh is in his first season as the head football coach for Southeastern after serving as the defensive coordinator in 2021 and as the acting head coach this past season. Coach Waugh has been successful at the FCS and FBS Division 1 level and is part of a football family ranging from the NFL to the collegiate ranks.  Follow Coach Waugh and Southeastern Football on Social Media <a href="https://twitter.com/SEUFireFootball" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@SEUFireFootball</a> 0:33 Introduction  1:30 Deciding to Coach  3:45 Football Family  5:30 Knowledge Gained  7:00 Family &amp; Football  7:53 Variety of Experiences  11:55 No Comfort in the Growth Zone  13:00 Balancing Football with Personal Decisions  15:15 Southeastern Football  16:35 Starting from Scratch  18:00 Unforeseen things as a Head Coach 20:00 Mentors

Adam Waugh, Head Coach - Southeastern University

Darius Davis

Robert Morris

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Darius Davis, the defensive line coach at Robert Morris. Coach Davis reflects on his journey, development as a coach, and stepping into his current role at RMU. Coach Davis is entering his second year at Robert Morris as the defensive line coach after a 5-year run at Findlay as the Co-Defensive Coordinator. Prior to his time at Findlay, Coach Davis spent time back at his alma mater as a defensive line coach at Wayne State from 2013-2015.  Follow Coach Davis and Robert Morris football on social media!  @theDariusDavis &amp; @RMU_Football  0:34 Introduction  1:25 When did you know that you wanted to coach?  3:10 Two different HS, two different coaches  5:35 Transfer portal impact  13:30 Getting back to Wayne State  23:08 Developing as a coach  26:55 Transitioning from player to coach  30:12 Getting opportunity  35:35 Co-Defensive Coordinator at Findlay  40:40 Growth  42:00 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion  52:10 Experience at RMU  58:30 Social/Conclusion 

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Darius Davis, the defensive line coach at Robert Morris. Coach Davis reflects on his journey, development as a coach, and stepping into his current role at RMU. Coach Davis is entering his second year at Robert Morris as the defensive line coach after a 5-year run at Findlay as the Co-Defensive Coordinator. Prior to his time at Findlay, Coach Davis spent time back at his alma mater as a defensive line coach at Wayne State from 2013-2015.  Follow Coach Davis and Robert Morris football on social media!  <a href="https://twitter.com/theDariusDavis" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@theDariusDavis</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/RMU_Football" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@RMU_Football</a> 0:34 Introduction  1:25 When did you know that you wanted to coach?  3:10 Two different HS, two different coaches  5:35 Transfer portal impact  13:30 Getting back to Wayne State  23:08 Developing as a coach  26:55 Transitioning from player to coach  30:12 Getting opportunity  35:35 Co-Defensive Coordinator at Findlay  40:40 Growth  42:00 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion  52:10 Experience at RMU  58:30 Social/Conclusion

Darius Davis, DL - Robert Morris

Andrew Heffler

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Andrew Heffler, the WR coach and ST coordinator at Culver-Stockton. Coach Heffler discusses his start in coaching, convention experience, and the transition from being a defensive player to now an offensive coach.  Coach Heffler is entering his second year at Culver-Stockton College as the wide receiver coach and special teams coordinator. Prior to his time at Culver-Stockton, Coach Heffler was a graduate assistant at Concordia University Wisconsin after he graduated from Pomona Pitzer College in California.  Follow Coach Heffler and Culver-Stockton College football on social media!  @Coach_Heffler &amp; @CSCwildcatsfb  0:35 Introduction  1:20 Getting started in coaching  8:25 AFCA convention experience  12:50 First Opportunity  18:15 Responsibilities as a GA  21:55 Hiring at Culver-Stockton  28:35 Coaching positions outside of comfortability  32:40 Coaching either side of the ball  33:35 Social/Conclusion 

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Andrew Heffler, the WR coach and ST coordinator at Culver-Stockton. Coach Heffler discusses his start in coaching, convention experience, and the transition from being a defensive player to now an offensive coach.  Coach Heffler is entering his second year at Culver-Stockton College as the wide receiver coach and special teams coordinator. Prior to his time at Culver-Stockton, Coach Heffler was a graduate assistant at Concordia University Wisconsin after he graduated from Pomona Pitzer College in California.  Follow Coach Heffler and Culver-Stockton College football on social media!  <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Heffler" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@Coach_Heffler</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/CSCwildcatsfb" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@CSCwildcatsfb</a> 0:35 Introduction  1:20 Getting started in coaching  8:25 AFCA convention experience  12:50 First Opportunity  18:15 Responsibilities as a GA  21:55 Hiring at Culver-Stockton  28:35 Coaching positions outside of comfortability  32:40 Coaching either side of the ball  33:35 Social/Conclusion

Andrew Heffler, WR/ST Coord - Culver-Stockton

Joe Bowen

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Joe Bowen, the defensive run game coordinator and linebackers coach at Miami (OH). Coach Bowen discusses his entrance into the profession, time as a GA at high-level FBS programs, and returning to his alma mater to coach.  Joe Bowen recently completed his first year at Miami (OH) and will add defensive run game coordinator to his responsibilities for the fall. Coach Bowen is a Miami graduate and has spent time at numerous Power 5 programs as a graduate assistant learning from some of the best in the profession. He has also coached and worked with multiple defensive NFL draft selections.  Follow Coach Bowen and the Miami Redhawks on Social Media  @Coach_JoeBowen &amp; @MiamiOHFootball  1:10 Start in coaching  3:30 Student Assistant at Miami University  7:19 Responsibilities  10:20 Learning more about the game  12:35 Disciplined approach  15:25 Remaining on staff as defensive GA  18:50 Being vocal as a young coach  23:00 Time at high-level schools as a GA  28:50 Takeaways as GA  32:00 Various memories at GA spots  34:25 Decision-making process for job selection  38:15 Development as a coach 41:00 Returning to alma mater  44:00 Importance of the AFCA  46:10 Social/Conclusion 

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Joe Bowen, the defensive run game coordinator and linebackers coach at Miami (OH). Coach Bowen discusses his entrance into the profession, time as a GA at high-level FBS programs, and returning to his alma mater to coach.  Joe Bowen recently completed his first year at Miami (OH) and will add defensive run game coordinator to his responsibilities for the fall. Coach Bowen is a Miami graduate and has spent time at numerous Power 5 programs as a graduate assistant learning from some of the best in the profession. He has also coached and worked with multiple defensive NFL draft selections.  Follow Coach Bowen and the Miami Redhawks on Social Media  <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_JoeBowen" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@Coach_JoeBowen</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOHFootball" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@MiamiOHFootball</a> 1:10 Start in coaching  3:30 Student Assistant at Miami University  7:19 Responsibilities  10:20 Learning more about the game  12:35 Disciplined approach  15:25 Remaining on staff as defensive GA  18:50 Being vocal as a young coach  23:00 Time at high-level schools as a GA  28:50 Takeaways as GA  32:00 Various memories at GA spots  34:25 Decision-making process for job selection  38:15 Development as a coach 41:00 Returning to alma mater  44:00 Importance of the AFCA  46:10 Social/Conclusion

Joe Bowen, LB - Miami (OH)

Blaise Faggiano

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Blaise Faggiano, the head coach at Utica University. Coach Faggiano details his coaching journey, hiring process, and the value he finds in the AFCA convention. Blaise Faggiano has been the head coach at Utica University since 2008. This past year, Coach Faggiano led Utica to a 10-2 record and 2nd round appearance in the NCAA championship. He holds the most victories in program history along with leading Utica to four ECAC Bowl appearances.  Follow Coach Faggiano and Utica Football on  Social Media  @CoachFaggiano &amp; @Utica_Football  0:33 Introduction  1:05 Start in coaching  2:35 Playing at Ithaca  5:15 First job  8:00 Preparing for interview  10:53 Getting back to alma mater  14:55 St. John Fisher interview  19:00 Working outside of comfort zone  22:25 Lessons learned  30:00 Putting together staff  35:05 What do you do when needing to fill a role?  40:07 Big things to do well in an interview  44:25 Why the AFCA is important  48:10 Wrapping up  48:40 Social  49:00 Conclusion 

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Blaise Faggiano, the head coach at Utica University. Coach Faggiano details his coaching journey, hiring process, and the value he finds in the AFCA convention. Blaise Faggiano has been the head coach at Utica University since 2008. This past year, Coach Faggiano led Utica to a 10-2 record and 2nd round appearance in the NCAA championship. He holds the most victories in program history along with leading Utica to four ECAC Bowl appearances.  Follow Coach Faggiano and Utica Football on Social Media  <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachFaggiano" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@CoachFaggiano</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/Utica_Football" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@Utica_Football</a> 0:33 Introduction  1:05 Start in coaching  2:35 Playing at Ithaca  5:15 First job  8:00 Preparing for interview  10:53 Getting back to alma mater  14:55 St. John Fisher interview  19:00 Working outside of comfort zone  22:25 Lessons learned  30:00 Putting together staff  35:05 What do you do when needing to fill a role?  40:07 Big things to do well in an interview  44:25 Why the AFCA is important  48:10 Wrapping up  48:40 Social  49:00 Conclusion

Blaise Faggiano, Head Coach - Utica

Inside the Headset with the AFCA takes you in-depth with interviews, career breakdowns, and coaching development with football coaches around the country.

Would love to hear Coach Cutcliffe from Duke and Coach Herman at Texas

Justin Dixson

Outstanding work by guys who get it inside out! A must listen.

Superb

Inside the Headset with the AFCA

Mike Norvell

This week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Memphis Head Coach Mike Norvell's General Session speech from the 2018 AFCA Convention in Charlotte. Coach Norvell shared what "climb" means to him, the three core values of his program, and the importance of giving yourself a structure for success. Coach Norvell is in his fourth season leading the Memphis Tigers. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Central Arkansas in 2006 after he finished his playing days there. In 2007, he joined the staff at Tulsa as a graduate assistant working with the wide receivers, but he was promoted to a full-time staff position the following season and added the title of Passing Game Coordinator. In 2011, Norvell was the Co-Offensive Coordinator for Pittsburgh before being named the Offensive Coordinator for Arizona State and later adding the role of Assistant Head Coach (2012-2015). On December 3, 2015, Norvell was named Head Coach for the Memphis football program.  [1:42] Start of General Session [3:18] The word "CLIMB" [4:49] C - Commitment [14:52] Memphis football program's core values [16:02] First core value: service [27:26] Second core value: sacrifice [34:35] Third core value: respect [39:28] L - Little things [45: 32] I - Intensity [46:36] "How you do anything..." [47:59] M - Mental toughness [51:49] B - Brotherhood [55:48] "Are your habits of today on par for the dreams of your future?"  You can follow Mike Norvell on Twitter. Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com. 

This week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Memphis Head Coach Mike Norvell's General Session speech from the 2018 AFCA Convention in Charlotte. Coach Norvell shared what "climb" means to him, the three core values of his program, and the importance of giving yourself a structure for success. <a href="https://gotigersgo.com/staff.aspx?staff=210" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Coach Norvell</a> is in his fourth season leading the Memphis Tigers. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Central Arkansas in 2006 after he finished his playing days there. In 2007, he joined the staff at Tulsa as a graduate assistant working with the wide receivers, but he was promoted to a full-time staff position the following season and added the title of Passing Game Coordinator. In 2011, Norvell was the Co-Offensive Coordinator for Pittsburgh before being named the Offensive Coordinator for Arizona State and later adding the role of Assistant Head Coach (2012-2015). On December 3, 2015, Norvell was named Head Coach for the Memphis football program. <ul> <li>[1:42] Start of General Session</li> <li>[3:18] The word "CLIMB"</li> <li>[4:49] C - Commitment</li> <li>[14:52] Memphis football program's core values</li> <li>[16:02] First core value: service</li> <li>[27:26] Second core value: sacrifice</li> <li>[34:35] Third core value: respect</li> <li>[39:28] L - Little things</li> <li>[45: 32] I - Intensity</li> <li>[46:36] "How you do anything..."</li> <li>[47:59] M - Mental toughness</li> <li>[51:49] B - Brotherhood</li> <li>[55:48] "Are your habits of today on par for the dreams of your future?"</li> </ul> You can follow Mike Norvell on <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Norvell" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter.</a> Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at <a href="mailto:podcast@afca.com">podcast@afca.com</a>.

Mike Norvell, Head Coach - University of Memphis

This week on Inside the Headset we're joined by three-time national champion Head Coach Urban Meyer. We discuss his coaching career, the "Real Life Wednesdays" program he instituted with his teams, and what he would change about college football. Coach Meyer's career began as an assistant at St. Xavier HS (OH) working with the defensive backs in 1985. He went on to be a graduate assistant at Ohio State for two years (1986-1987) before joining the staff at Illinois State to work with the outside linebackers (1988) and later the quarterbacks and receivers (1989). Coach Meyer also served as the wide receivers coach at Colorado State (1990-1995) and Notre Dame (1996-2000). Meyer's first head coaching position was at Bowling Green (2001-2002). After another two tremendous seasons leading Utah's program (2003-2004), he was named head coach at Florida (2005-2010) and led the Gators to National Championship victories in 2006 and 2008. Meyer sat out the 2011 football season to focus on his family and personal health, and he worked as an analyst for ESPN during that time. He was named Ohio State's head coach following the 2011 season, and he led the Buckeyes to a National Championship victory in 2014. Meyer retired following the 2018 season, and he currently serves as an Assistant Athletics Director for OSU and analyst for Fox Sports.  [0:24] Start of interview [1:11] Minor league baseball career [2:14] Mentors [3:41] Transition to becoming a head coach [5:10] Implementing the Spread [6:53] Process for hiring assistants [9:09] Developing coaches [10:47] Real Life Wednesdays [15:35] Changes in the recruiting landscape [16:57] Determining a recruit's "fit" [18:33] Advice to younger self [19:53] Changes in college football  You can follow Urban Meyer on Twitter. Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com.  RELATED CONTENT: Inside The Headset: Jeremy Hawkins [PODCAST] RELATED CONTENT: Inside The Headset: Adam Cushing [PODCAST]

This week on Inside the Headset we're joined by three-time national champion Head Coach Urban Meyer. We discuss his coaching career, the "Real Life Wednesdays" program he instituted with his teams, and what he would change about college football. Coach Meyer's career began as an assistant at St. Xavier HS (OH) working with the defensive backs in 1985. He went on to be a graduate assistant at Ohio State for two years (1986-1987) before joining the staff at Illinois State to work with the outside linebackers (1988) and later the quarterbacks and receivers (1989). Coach Meyer also served as the wide receivers coach at Colorado State (1990-1995) and Notre Dame (1996-2000). Meyer's first head coaching position was at Bowling Green (2001-2002). After another two tremendous seasons leading Utah's program (2003-2004), he was named head coach at Florida (2005-2010) and led the Gators to National Championship victories in 2006 and 2008. Meyer sat out the 2011 football season to focus on his family and personal health, and he worked as an analyst for ESPN during that time. He was named Ohio State's head coach following the 2011 season, and he led the Buckeyes to a National Championship victory in 2014. Meyer retired following the 2018 season, and he currently serves as an Assistant Athletics Director for OSU and analyst for Fox Sports. <ul> <li>[0:24] Start of interview</li> <li>[1:11] Minor league baseball career</li> <li>[2:14] Mentors</li> <li>[3:41] Transition to becoming a head coach</li> <li>[5:10] Implementing the Spread</li> <li>[6:53] Process for hiring assistants</li> <li>[9:09] Developing coaches</li> <li>[10:47] Real Life Wednesdays</li> <li>[15:35] Changes in the recruiting landscape</li> <li>[16:57] Determining a recruit's "fit"</li> <li>[18:33] Advice to younger self</li> <li>[19:53] Changes in college football</li> </ul> You can follow Urban Meyer on <a href="https://twitter.com/OSUCoachMeyer" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter.</a> Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at <a href="mailto:podcast@afca.com">podcast@afca.com</a>.  RELATED CONTENT: <a href="http://insider.afca.com/inside-the-headset-jeremy-hawkins-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Inside The Headset: Jeremy Hawkins [PODCAST]</a> RELATED CONTENT: <a href="http://insider.afca.com/inside-the-headset-adam-cushing-podcast-2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Inside The Headset: Adam Cushing [PODCAST]</a>

Urban Meyer

Kliff Kingsbury

LeCharles Bentley

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset, we speak with Texas Tech Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury, and LeCharles Bentley, the founder of L.Bentley O-Line Performance (OLP). We spoke with Coach Kingsbury prior to the season about his daily schedule, how the Air Raid has evolved since his playing days, and how he got into coaching. With LeCharles Bentley, we discuss his motivation to create his training club and his philosophy on offensive line play and development. Kliff Kingsbury began coaching after playing quarterback professionally for five seasons. He got his start as the offensive quality control coach at the University of Houston (2008-2009), and he was later promoted to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach (2010-2011). In 2012 he followed Houston's Head Coach Kevin Sumlin to Texas A&amp;M University and served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Kingsbury, who played quarterback at Texas Tech from 1998-2002, was named the head coach of the Red Raiders in 2013.  [0:39] Start of interview [0:59] A day in the life of Kliff Kingsbury [2:23] Preparation for daily staff meetings [3:23] Consistency throughout the office [3:58] Evolution of the air raid offense [5:36] The pros of learning air raid concepts at an early age [7:30] Early life experiences impact coaching career [8:31] Positives and negatives of being a veteran Texas football coach [9:53] How to evolve in this fast-paced profession  You can follow Kliff Kingsbury on Twitter. LeCharles Bentley played collegiately at Ohio State University (1998-2001) before being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2002 NFL draft. A two-time Pro-Bowler, he signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2006, but a knee injury sustained prior to the season would eventually cause him to retire. In 2008 he created L.Bentley O-Line Performance in Ohio (now located in Chandler, Arizona), and he works as a trainer for some of the premiere offensive linemen in the NFL. Bentley is also the author of Building the Block and Rebuilt to Dominate.  [11:25] Start of interview [11:42] How a career-ending injury shapes an athlete [13:24] Motivation to start L.Bentley O-Line performance [17:10] "Paying your dues" [20:40] Fulfilling a void for offensive linemen [24:48] Developing O-Line skill sets [27:26] "Drive-Catch" philosophy [32:52] Giving athletes the best chance for success [38:19] The importance of coaching development in today's world  You can follow LeCharles Bentley on Twitter. Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com. 

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset, we speak with Texas Tech Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury, and LeCharles Bentley, the founder of <a href="http://lbolineperformance.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">L.Bentley O-Line Performance</a> (OLP). We spoke with Coach Kingsbury prior to the season about his daily schedule, how the Air Raid has evolved since his playing days, and how he got into coaching. With LeCharles Bentley, we discuss his motivation to create his training club and his philosophy on offensive line play and development. Kliff Kingsbury began coaching after playing quarterback professionally for five seasons. He got his start as the offensive quality control coach at the University of Houston (2008-2009), and he was later promoted to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach (2010-2011). In 2012 he followed Houston's Head Coach Kevin Sumlin to Texas A&amp;M University and served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Kingsbury, who played quarterback at Texas Tech from 1998-2002, was named the head coach of the Red Raiders in 2013. <ul> <li>[0:39] Start of interview</li> <li>[0:59] A day in the life of Kliff Kingsbury</li> <li>[2:23] Preparation for daily staff meetings</li> <li>[3:23] Consistency throughout the office</li> <li>[3:58] Evolution of the air raid offense</li> <li>[5:36] The pros of learning air raid concepts at an early age</li> <li>[7:30] Early life experiences impact coaching career</li> <li>[8:31] Positives and negatives of being a veteran Texas football coach</li> <li>[9:53] How to evolve in this fast-paced profession</li> </ul> You can follow Kliff Kingsbury on <a href="https://twitter.com/ttukingsbury" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. LeCharles Bentley played collegiately at Ohio State University (1998-2001) before being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2002 NFL draft. A two-time Pro-Bowler, he signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2006, but a knee injury sustained prior to the season would eventually cause him to retire. In 2008 he created L.Bentley O-Line Performance in Ohio (now located in Chandler, Arizona), and he works as a trainer for some of the premiere offensive linemen in the NFL. Bentley is also the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Building-Block-Definitive-Offensive-Athletes/dp/1986709671/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1537979260&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=rebuilt+to+dominate" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Building the Block</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rebuilt-Dominate-LeCharles-Bentley/dp/1986410862/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1537979260&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=rebuilt+to+dominate" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rebuilt to Dominate</a>. <ul> <li>[11:25] Start of interview</li> <li>[11:42] How a career-ending injury shapes an athlete</li> <li>[13:24] Motivation to start L.Bentley O-Line performance</li> <li>[17:10] "Paying your dues"</li> <li>[20:40] Fulfilling a void for offensive linemen</li> <li>[24:48] Developing O-Line skill sets</li> <li>[27:26] "Drive-Catch" philosophy</li> <li>[32:52] Giving athletes the best chance for success</li> <li>[38:19] The importance of coaching development in today's world</li> </ul> You can follow LeCharles Bentley on <a href="https://twitter.com/LeCharlesBent65" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at <a href="mailto:podcast@afca.com">podcast@afca.com</a>.

Kliff Kingsbury, Head Coach - Texas Tech University and LeCharles Bentley, Founder - LB O-Line Performance

PJ Fleck

This week on Inside The Headset we are featuring Minnesota Head Coach, PJ Flecks’s kickoff session speech from the 2020 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Coach Fleck discusses how he works to build a strong culture, the story behind his famous “Row the Boat” mantra, as well as five things he learned as a head coach.  PJ Fleck was named head football coach at Minnesota in January of 2017. In 2019, Fleck led Minnesota to unprecedented heights as the Gophers won 10 games in the regular season for the first time since 1905. Minnesota also won seven Big Ten games for the first time in school history and Fleck was voted Big Ten Coach of the Year. Minnesota won four Big Ten games by at least 20 points for the first time since 1934 and beat No. 5 Penn State at home. Fleck came to Minnesota after spending four years as the head coach at Western Michigan, where he was 30-22 overall and 21-11 in the Mid-American Conference. Prior to his time at Western Michigan, Fleck served as the wide receivers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012 and coached the receivers at Rutgers from 2010-11. He coached receivers and was the recruiting coordinator at Northern Illinois in 2009 and tutored the receivers for the Huskies from 2007-08. Fleck’s coaching career began at Ohio State as a graduate assistant (2006).  1:28] Start of General Session [4:15] What YOU bring to the table [6:06] Minnesota football culture [12:39] How do you know your culture is successful? [16:50] Three things all leaders do [24:19] The right people and the right fit [38:47] The “Row the Boat” mantra [41:54] Fail more than you succeed 

This week on Inside The Headset we are featuring Minnesota Head Coach, PJ Flecks’s kickoff session speech from the 2020 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Coach Fleck discusses how he works to build a strong culture, the story behind his famous “Row the Boat” mantra, as well as five things he learned as a head coach. <a href="https://gophersports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/p-j-fleck/1918" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> PJ Fleck</a> was named head football coach at Minnesota in January of 2017. In 2019, Fleck led Minnesota to unprecedented heights as the Gophers won 10 games in the regular season for the first time since 1905. Minnesota also won seven Big Ten games for the first time in school history and Fleck was voted Big Ten Coach of the Year. Minnesota won four Big Ten games by at least 20 points for the first time since 1934 and beat No. 5 Penn State at home. Fleck came to Minnesota after spending four years as the head coach at Western Michigan, where he was 30-22 overall and 21-11 in the Mid-American Conference. Prior to his time at Western Michigan, Fleck served as the wide receivers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012 and coached the receivers at Rutgers from 2010-11. He coached receivers and was the recruiting coordinator at Northern Illinois in 2009 and tutored the receivers for the Huskies from 2007-08. Fleck’s coaching career began at Ohio State as a graduate assistant (2006). <ul> <li>1:28] Start of General Session</li> <li>[4:15] What YOU bring to the table</li> <li>[6:06] Minnesota football culture</li> <li>[12:39] How do you know your culture is successful?</li> <li>[16:50] Three things all leaders do</li> <li>[24:19] The right people and the right fit</li> <li>[38:47] The “Row the Boat” mantra</li> <li>[41:54] Fail more than you succeed</li> </ul>

PJ Fleck, Head Coach - Minnesota

Dana Holgorsen

This week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Dana Holgorsen’s general session from the 2019 AFCA Convention. Mario Price served as the moderator for the conversation, and audience members were able to submit their questions for Coach Holgo. We discuss some of his coaching mentors, the importance of developing relationships with players, and his transition to becoming the head coach for the University of Houston. Coach Holgorsen's career began at Valdosta State working with the quarterbacks, receivers, and coaching the special teams (1993-1995). From there, he went on to have stints at Mississippi College (1996-1998) and Wingate (1999) before joining the staff at Texas Tech to work with the receivers (2000-2004). Coach Holgorsen served as the co-offensive coordinator at TTU for two seasons before being named the offensive coordinator in 2007. He went on to be the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Houston (2008-2009) and later Oklahoma State (2010). Holgorsen went on to be named head coach of West Virginia University in 2011, and he led the Mountaineers for eight seasons. The University of Houston named Holgorsen head coach in January of 2019.  [0:30] Start of interview [1:45] Priorities when starting at a new football program [3:09] Mentors [4:52] Advice to young coaches [6:22] Transitioning from one program to another [7:30] Evaluating a job's "fit" [9:03] Developing and improving relationships [10:48] Dealing with player frustration [12:21] Favorite offensive play call [14:59] Advice to younger self [16:44] Advice to high school coaches [18:06] The "next" big offensive concept [20:04] First thing to accomplish when getting to the office [21:41] The most important message to a new team [23:12] Assembling a new staff [24:45] Philosophy, culture, and values [27:09] QB development [29:04] Developing assistant coaches [30:09] Deciding to go for 2 [32:09] Favorite moment as a football coach [33:52] Special teams philosophy [35:14] Coaching on both sides of the ball [36:42] Recruiting advice  You can follow Dana Holgorsen on Twitter. Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com. 

This week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Dana Holgorsen’s general session from the 2019 AFCA Convention. Mario Price served as the moderator for the conversation, and audience members were able to submit their questions for Coach Holgo. We discuss some of his coaching mentors, the importance of developing relationships with players, and his transition to becoming the head coach for the University of Houston. Coach Holgorsen's career began at Valdosta State working with the quarterbacks, receivers, and coaching the special teams (1993-1995). From there, he went on to have stints at Mississippi College (1996-1998) and Wingate (1999) before joining the staff at Texas Tech to work with the receivers (2000-2004). Coach Holgorsen served as the co-offensive coordinator at TTU for two seasons before being named the offensive coordinator in 2007. He went on to be the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Houston (2008-2009) and later Oklahoma State (2010). Holgorsen went on to be named head coach of West Virginia University in 2011, and he led the Mountaineers for eight seasons. The University of Houston named Holgorsen head coach in January of 2019. <ul> <li>[0:30] Start of interview</li> <li>[1:45] Priorities when starting at a new football program</li> <li>[3:09] Mentors</li> <li>[4:52] Advice to young coaches</li> <li>[6:22] Transitioning from one program to another</li> <li>[7:30] Evaluating a job's "fit"</li> <li>[9:03] Developing and improving relationships</li> <li>[10:48] Dealing with player frustration</li> <li>[12:21] Favorite offensive play call</li> <li>[14:59] Advice to younger self</li> <li>[16:44] Advice to high school coaches</li> <li>[18:06] The "next" big offensive concept</li> <li>[20:04] First thing to accomplish when getting to the office</li> <li>[21:41] The most important message to a new team</li> <li>[23:12] Assembling a new staff</li> <li>[24:45] Philosophy, culture, and values</li> <li>[27:09] QB development</li> <li>[29:04] Developing assistant coaches</li> <li>[30:09] Deciding to go for 2</li> <li>[32:09] Favorite moment as a football coach</li> <li>[33:52] Special teams philosophy</li> <li>[35:14] Coaching on both sides of the ball</li> <li>[36:42] Recruiting advice</li> </ul> You can follow Dana Holgorsen on <a href="https://twitter.com/Holgorsendana" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter.</a> Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at <a href="mailto:podcast@afca.com">podcast@afca.com</a>.

Dana Holgorsen, Head Coach - University of Houston

Michael Christensen

Bronco Mendenhall

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset, we speak with Bronco Mendenhall, head coach at the University of Virginia, and Mike Christensen, head coach at Lakewood (Calif.) HS. Coach Mendenhall shared how coaching is truly a form of teaching, how he made an adventure out of his family’s move from Provo to Charlottesville in 2016, and why you should make an effort to serve on an AFCA committee. 1:01 - Start of interview 2:03 - Coaching as teaching 4:55 - Power of expectations &amp; the Pygmalion Effect 6:58 - Extreme Ownership &amp; accountability 8:42 - Eco-Challenge &amp; “will before skill” 12:15 - Making an adventure out of moving from Provo to Charlottesville 14:56 - Plan for sons’ future fiancées 18:02 - Flaws in the current recruiting model 19:45 - Player interviews: “Words mean nothing to me.” 21:02 - Importance of serving on AFCA Committees 23:36 - Recap Follow Coach Mendenhall on Twitter: @UVACoachBronco In our second segment, Coach Christensen, the AFCA's HS Committee Chairman discussed the importance of the game of football and how interested HS coaches can get involved with the HS Committee. 35:13 - Start of interview 35:26 - Importance of the game of football 36:37 - Role as Chairman of National HS Committee for the AFCA 37:25 - Impact of AFCA’s online content 39:30 - Committee involvement 42:20 - Importance of the high school coach Follow Coach Christensen on Twitter: @FBCoachC Email Coach Christensen: michaelechristensen(at)gmail.com For any questions, comments, or show suggestions, send an email to podcast@afca.com

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset, we speak with Bronco Mendenhall, head coach at the University of Virginia, and Mike Christensen, head coach at Lakewood (Calif.) HS. Coach Mendenhall shared how coaching is truly a form of teaching, how he made an adventure out of his family’s move from Provo to Charlottesville in 2016, and why you should make an effort to serve on an AFCA committee. 1:01 - Start of interview 2:03 - Coaching as teaching 4:55 - Power of expectations &amp; the Pygmalion Effect 6:58 - Extreme Ownership &amp; accountability 8:42 - Eco-Challenge &amp; “will before skill” 12:15 - Making an adventure out of moving from Provo to Charlottesville 14:56 - Plan for sons’ future fiancées 18:02 - Flaws in the current recruiting model 19:45 - Player interviews: “Words mean nothing to me.” 21:02 - Importance of serving on AFCA Committees 23:36 - Recap Follow Coach Mendenhall on Twitter: @UVACoachBronco In our second segment, Coach Christensen, the AFCA's HS Committee Chairman discussed the importance of the game of football and how interested HS coaches can get involved with the HS Committee. 35:13 - Start of interview 35:26 - Importance of the game of football 36:37 - Role as Chairman of National HS Committee for the AFCA 37:25 - Impact of AFCA’s online content 39:30 - Committee involvement 42:20 - Importance of the high school coach Follow Coach Christensen on Twitter: @FBCoachC Email Coach Christensen: michaelechristensen(at)<a href="http://gmail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gmail.com</a> For any questions, comments, or show suggestions, send an email to podcast@afca.com

Bronco Mendenhall, Head Coach - University of Virginia and Michael Christensen, Head Coach - Lakewood HS (CA)

For the next three episodes, we’ll be catching up with alums of the AFCA/NCAA 30 Under 30 Coaches’ Leadership Institute. In today’s episode we’re joined by 2017 selection Mike Ridings, safeties coach at Marian University. Coach Ridings shares his coaching philosophy, connections he made in 30 Under 30, and a wise tip he learned from Duke University head coach David Cutcliffe. Follow Coach Ridings on Twitter: @CoachRidings In our second segment, our first AFCA Staff Spotlight, AFCA Graduate Assistant Shelby Cozette sits down with the AFCA’s Director of Media Relations Vince Thompson. He shares how he got his start at the AFCA, how interested coaches can get involved on a committee, and his award-winning weekend hobby. Have any questions, comments or ideas for the show? Send us an email, podcast at afca (dot) com. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday and check back next Thursday for another episode of Inside the Headset with the AFCA.

For the next three episodes, we’ll be catching up with alums of the AFCA/NCAA 30 Under 30 Coaches’ Leadership Institute. In today’s episode we’re joined by 2017 selection Mike Ridings, safeties coach at Marian University. Coach Ridings shares his coaching philosophy, connections he made in 30 Under 30, and a wise tip he learned from Duke University head coach David Cutcliffe. Follow Coach Ridings on Twitter: @CoachRidings In our second segment, our first AFCA Staff Spotlight, AFCA Graduate Assistant Shelby Cozette sits down with the AFCA’s Director of Media Relations Vince Thompson. He shares how he got his start at the AFCA, how interested coaches can get involved on a committee, and his award-winning weekend hobby. Have any questions, comments or ideas for the show? Send us an email, podcast at afca (dot) com. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday and check back next Thursday for another episode of Inside the Headset with the AFCA.

Fundamentals of Safety Play and the Three T's

Kenny Dillingham

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset we speak with Kenny Dillingham, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the University of Memphis. We discuss his time as a graduate assistant, how he prepared himself to become a coordinator, and he offers advice for high school coaches trying to transition to the collegiate level. Coach Dillingham's career began after a season-ending injury during his senior year of high school, and he became a junior varsity coach at the age of 17 for Chaparral HS (AZ). While attending Arizona State University, Dillingham remained on staff at Chaparral and eventually was named offensive coordinator. After meeting Mike Norvell during his stint at ASU, Dillingham joined the Sun Devils as an offensive quality control coach (2014) for one season before transitioning to an offensive graduate assistant role (2015). When Norvell was named the head coach at Memphis in 2016, Dillingham followed as a graduate assistant, but he was elevated to quarterbacks and tight ends coach in 2017, and 2018 is his first season as offensive coordinator for the Tigers.  [0:38] Start of interview [1:01] Start to coaching career [2:24] Relationships and networking [4:49] Graduate assistantship at Memphis [6:35] Making your boss better [8:44] Constantly adapting [10:02] How to manage coaching two different positions [11:51] Value trumps talent [14:05] Darrell Dickey as a mentor [15:39] "Fit and Family" [18:48] Honest recruiting [20:32] AFCA 35 under 35 [22:49] Advice for aspiring collegiate coaches  You can follow Kenny Dillingham on Twitter. Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com.  RELATED CONTENT: Inside The Headset: Tremaine Jackson [PODCAST] RELATED CONTENT: Inside The Headset: Stephen Mackey [PODCAST]

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset we speak with Kenny Dillingham, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the University of Memphis. We discuss his time as a graduate assistant, how he prepared himself to become a coordinator, and he offers advice for high school coaches trying to transition to the collegiate level. Coach Dillingham's career began after a season-ending injury during his senior year of high school, and he became a junior varsity coach at the age of 17 for Chaparral HS (AZ). While attending Arizona State University, Dillingham remained on staff at Chaparral and eventually was named offensive coordinator. After meeting Mike Norvell during his stint at ASU, Dillingham joined the Sun Devils as an offensive quality control coach (2014) for one season before transitioning to an offensive graduate assistant role (2015). When Norvell was named the head coach at Memphis in 2016, Dillingham followed as a graduate assistant, but he was elevated to quarterbacks and tight ends coach in 2017, and 2018 is his first season as offensive coordinator for the Tigers. <ul> <li>[0:38] Start of interview</li> <li>[1:01] Start to coaching career</li> <li>[2:24] Relationships and networking</li> <li>[4:49] Graduate assistantship at Memphis</li> <li>[6:35] Making your boss better</li> <li>[8:44] Constantly adapting</li> <li>[10:02] How to manage coaching two different positions</li> <li>[11:51] Value trumps talent</li> <li>[14:05] Darrell Dickey as a mentor</li> <li>[15:39] "Fit and Family"</li> <li>[18:48] Honest recruiting</li> <li>[20:32] AFCA 35 under 35</li> <li>[22:49] Advice for aspiring collegiate coaches</li> </ul> You can follow Kenny Dillingham on <a href="https://twitter.com/kennydillingham" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter.</a> Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at <a href="mailto:podcast@afca.com">podcast@afca.com</a>.  RELATED CONTENT: <a href="http://insider.afca.com/inside-the-headset-tremaine-jackson-podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Inside The Headset: Tremaine Jackson [PODCAST]</a> RELATED CONTENT: <a href="http://insider.afca.com/inside-the-headset-stephen-mackey-podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Inside The Headset: Stephen Mackey [PODCAST]</a>

Kenny Dillingham, Offensive Coordinator - University of Memphis

Brennan Marion

Mike London

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset we speak with Mike London, head coach at Howard University, and Brennan Marion, offensive coordinator at Howard University. Coach London discusses what he’s learned in his thirty years of coaching football, how he has gotten players to buy-in at Howard, and he shares a truly incredible story about his daughter, Ticynn. Later, Coach Marion discusses what he’s learned from Coach London, how he became the OC for the Bison, and changes he wants to make in his second season running the offense.

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset we speak with Mike London, head coach at Howard University, and Brennan Marion, offensive coordinator at Howard University. Coach London discusses what he’s learned in his thirty years of coaching football, how he has gotten players to buy-in at Howard, and he shares a truly incredible story about his daughter, Ticynn. Later, Coach Marion discusses what he’s learned from Coach London, how he became the OC for the Bison, and changes he wants to make in his second season running the offense.

Mike London, Head Coach - Howard University and Brennan Marion, Offensive Coordinator - Howard University

On this episode of Inside the Headset, we are joined by Pete Shinnick, head football coach at the University of West Florida, to discuss how he started football programs at two different universities, UWF's run to the D2 National Championship game, growing up in a football family, and what makes Pensacola, Florida a special place to play football. 0:34 - Start of interview 0:52 - Starting a brand new football program 2:20 - Learning experience from UNC-Pembroke and applying lessons at West Florida 8:41 - Finding success quickly through player buy-in and belief 12:28 - Creating a “PG” mentality for the Argos 15:08 - Navigating milestones for a new program &amp; “Expect to Win” 18:31 - Growing up on the Oakland Raiders’ sideline &amp; watching his dad’s example 21:07 - Having his daughters on the sideline as his assistants 23:54 - Playing football in Pensacola &amp; #BallingByTheBay 26:18 - Advice to young coaches     Follow Coach Shinnick on Twitter: @PeteShinnick Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com. 

On this episode of Inside the Headset, we are joined by Pete Shinnick, head football coach at the University of West Florida, to discuss how he started football programs at two different universities, UWF's run to the D2 National Championship game, growing up in a football family, and what makes Pensacola, Florida a special place to play football. 0:34 - Start of interview 0:52 - Starting a brand new football program 2:20 - Learning experience from UNC-Pembroke and applying lessons at West Florida 8:41 - Finding success quickly through player buy-in and belief 12:28 - Creating a “PG” mentality for the Argos 15:08 - Navigating milestones for a new program &amp; “Expect to Win” 18:31 - Growing up on the Oakland Raiders’ sideline &amp; watching his dad’s example 21:07 - Having his daughters on the sideline as his assistants 23:54 - Playing football in Pensacola &amp; #BallingByTheBay 26:18 - Advice to young coaches Follow Coach Shinnick on Twitter: @PeteShinnick Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at <a href="mailto:podcast@afca.com">podcast@afca.com</a>.

Pete Shinnick - Head Coach, University of West Florida

This week on Inside the Headset we speak with Lincoln Riley, Head Coach for the University of Oklahoma. We discuss his journey from player to full-time position coach at Texas Tech, and how he proved himself as a young coach on his way to taking over the Sooners' program. Coach Riley's career began as a student assistant for Mike Leach at Texas Tech in 2003. After spending the 2006 season as a graduate assistant, he was promoted to an assistant coaching position in 2007 working with the wide receivers (2007-2009). From Tech, he went on to become the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for East Carolina (2010-2014), adding the responsibility of assistant head coach in 2014. Riley spent the 2015 and 2016 seasons at Oklahoma serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. After the retirement of Bob Stoops in June of 2017, Lincoln Riley was named head coach, and he has led the program to back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff.  [1:53] Start of interview [2:04] Coaching at Texas Tech [4:35] Proving yourself [6:25] Transition from player to coach   You can follow Lincoln Riley on Twitter. Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com. 

This week on Inside the Headset we speak with Lincoln Riley, Head Coach for the University of Oklahoma. We discuss his journey from player to full-time position coach at Texas Tech, and how he proved himself as a young coach on his way to taking over the Sooners' program. Coach Riley's career began as a student assistant for Mike Leach at Texas Tech in 2003. After spending the 2006 season as a graduate assistant, he was promoted to an assistant coaching position in 2007 working with the wide receivers (2007-2009). From Tech, he went on to become the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for East Carolina (2010-2014), adding the responsibility of assistant head coach in 2014. Riley spent the 2015 and 2016 seasons at Oklahoma serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. After the retirement of Bob Stoops in June of 2017, Lincoln Riley was named head coach, and he has led the program to back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff. <ul> <li>[1:53] Start of interview</li> <li>[2:04] Coaching at Texas Tech</li> <li>[4:35] Proving yourself</li> <li>[6:25] Transition from player to coach </li> </ul> You can follow Lincoln Riley on <a href="https://twitter.com/LincolnRiley" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter.</a> Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at <a href="mailto:podcast@afca.com">podcast@afca.com</a>.

Lincoln Riley, Head Coach - University of Oklahoma

Matt Drinkall

This week on Inside the Headset, we were joined by Kansas Wesleyan Head Coach Matt Drinkall.   0:36 - Start of interview 0:57 - Becoming a student-assistant at the University of Iowa 5:14 - Benefits of having a young coaching staff 10:03 - Riding a dirt bike to work 12:10 - Wrestling as entertainment 15:01 - Hiring a Director of Player Morale 18:48 - Creating &amp; using efficiency cut-ups in game-planning 23:22 - Philosophy behind KWU's "Power Spread" 31:24 - Incorporating tags to take shots off base plays 34:48 - Carrying only a few plays offensively 37:47 - Utilizing sprint-out pass concepts 46:45 - "Embrace Debate" - Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James   Follow Coach Drinkall on Twitter: @CoachKWU Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com. 

This week on Inside the Headset, we were joined by Kansas Wesleyan Head Coach Matt Drinkall. 0:36 - Start of interview 0:57 - Becoming a student-assistant at the University of Iowa 5:14 - Benefits of having a young coaching staff 10:03 - Riding a dirt bike to work 12:10 - Wrestling as entertainment 15:01 - Hiring a Director of Player Morale 18:48 - Creating &amp; using efficiency cut-ups in game-planning 23:22 - Philosophy behind KWU's "Power Spread" 31:24 - Incorporating tags to take shots off base plays 34:48 - Carrying only a few plays offensively 37:47 - Utilizing sprint-out pass concepts 46:45 - "Embrace Debate" - Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James Follow Coach Drinkall on Twitter: @CoachKWU Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at <a href="mailto:podcast@afca.com">podcast@afca.com</a>.

Matt Drinkall - Head Coach, Kansas Wesleyan University

Mack Brown

On this episode of Inside the Headset, we take a road trip to Austin, Texas, to speak with Mack Brown, legendary former head coach for the University of Texas Longhorns.  Coach Brown shared memories of the 2005 National Championship team, how coaching stops early in his career formed his philosophy, the importance of high school coaches, and the impact of the AFCA.   Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com. 

On this episode of Inside the Headset, we take a road trip to Austin, Texas, to speak with Mack Brown, legendary former head coach for the University of Texas Longhorns. Coach Brown shared memories of the 2005 National Championship team, how coaching stops early in his career formed his philosophy, the importance of high school coaches, and the impact of the AFCA.   Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com.

Larry Kehres

On this episode of Inside the Headset, we speak with Larry Kehres, former head football coach and current athletics director at University of Mount Union, to discuss some of his favorite memories from coaching, how leading a swim team made him a better football coach, and what he misses most about coaching. Coach Kehres began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Bowling Green (1971-1972) before becoming the head coach for Johnstown-Monroe HS in Ohio (1973). From there, Kehres joined the staff at Mount Union and served as the offensive coordinator until being named the head coach and athletic director in 1986. Prior to retiring from coaching after the 2012 season, Coach Kehres led the Purple Raiders to 11 national championships. 0:26 - Start of interview 0:46 - Accomplishments as Mount Union's head coach 2:30 - Recruiting profile 4:50 - Hiring coaches to a staff 6:43 - Helping players transition to the coaching profession 10:02 - Kehres' Coaching tree 12:18 - Being a head swim coach and professor 16:57 - Coaching as teaching 18:48 - Longevity at Mount Union 21:42 - Watching his son, Vince, take over the program 25:08 - What Kehres misses most about coaching 29:14 - Importance of being active in the AFCA Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com. 

On this episode of Inside the Headset, we speak with Larry Kehres, former head football coach and current athletics director at University of Mount Union, to discuss some of his favorite memories from coaching, how leading a swim team made him a better football coach, and what he misses most about coaching. Coach Kehres began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Bowling Green (1971-1972) before becoming the head coach for Johnstown-Monroe HS in Ohio (1973). From there, Kehres joined the staff at Mount Union and served as the offensive coordinator until being named the head coach and athletic director in 1986. Prior to retiring from coaching after the 2012 season, Coach Kehres led the Purple Raiders to 11 national championships. 0:26 - Start of interview 0:46 - Accomplishments as Mount Union's head coach 2:30 - Recruiting profile 4:50 - Hiring coaches to a staff 6:43 - Helping players transition to the coaching profession 10:02 - Kehres' Coaching tree 12:18 - Being a head swim coach and professor 16:57 - Coaching as teaching 18:48 - Longevity at Mount Union 21:42 - Watching his son, Vince, take over the program 25:08 - What Kehres misses most about coaching 29:14 - Importance of being active in the AFCA Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at <a href="mailto:podcast@afca.com">podcast@afca.com</a>.

Larry Kehres - AD/Former Head Coach, University of Mount Union

Matt Campbell

Lukkes Gilgan

On this episode of Inside the Headset, we speak with Matt Campbell to discuss Iowa State’s Cyclone Code of Conduct and how he's used it to shape the program. Follow Coach Campbell on Twitter: @ISU_CoachCampbell In our second segment we are joined by Lukkes Gilgan, Defensive Coordinator at Pacific University to talk about his defensive philosophy and being a young coordinator. Follow Coach Gilgan on Twitter: @Coach_Gilgan Have an idea, comment or suggestion for the show? Email us, podcast@afca.com

On this episode of Inside the Headset, we speak with Matt Campbell to discuss Iowa State’s Cyclone Code of Conduct and how he's used it to shape the program. Follow Coach Campbell on Twitter: @ISU_CoachCampbell In our second segment we are joined by Lukkes Gilgan, Defensive Coordinator at Pacific University to talk about his defensive philosophy and being a young coordinator. Follow Coach Gilgan on Twitter: @Coach_Gilgan Have an idea, comment or suggestion for the show? Email us, podcast@afca.com

Matt Campbell and Lukkes Gilgan

Van Malone

This week on Inside the Headset, we speak with Kansas State Cornerbacks Coach Van Malone. We discuss how he builds relationships with players and other coaches, how he has navigated transitions throughout his career, and his commitment to balancing time with his family. Coach Malone began his career at the high school level not long after retiring from the NFL in 1998, where he spent 1994-1997 with the Detroit Lions, and he played collegiately at the University of Texas from 1989-1993. His first job was at his alma mater, Waltrip HS (TX), as an assistant from 1999-2002, and he jumped to the collegiate level as a restricted-earnings wide receiver coach at North Dakota State University in 2003. Malone went on to coach cornerbacks and special teams at Western Michigan (2004) and North Texas (2005) before landing at Texas A&amp;M to work with the defensive backs (2006-2009). After coaching the secondary at Tulsa (2010-2011) and Oklahoma State (2012-2014), he received his first defensive coordinator position at SMU (2015-2017). Malone spent the 2018 season at Mississippi State as a defensive analyst, and he joined the Kansas State staff this offseason as cornerbacks coach.  [0:22] Start of interview [0:58] Experiences that led to becoming a high school coach [2:42] The jump from high school to the collegiate level [6:49] Networking and its importance in the coaching profession [10:34] The reality of being in "transition" [19:00] GameStrat Ad - Discount Code [19:33] The work-life balance [24:37] Involvement in the AFCA [27:51] Relationships vs. Networking [30:22] Playing with Barry Sanders in the NFL  You can follow Van Malone on Twitter. This episode is brought to you in part by GameStrat. Use the promo code AFCA2019 for 10% off any package. Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com. 

This week on Inside the Headset, we speak with Kansas State Cornerbacks Coach Van Malone. We discuss how he builds relationships with players and other coaches, how he has navigated transitions throughout his career, and his commitment to balancing time with his family. Coach Malone began his career at the high school level not long after retiring from the NFL in 1998, where he spent 1994-1997 with the Detroit Lions, and he played collegiately at the University of Texas from 1989-1993. His first job was at his alma mater, Waltrip HS (TX), as an assistant from 1999-2002, and he jumped to the collegiate level as a restricted-earnings wide receiver coach at North Dakota State University in 2003. Malone went on to coach cornerbacks and special teams at Western Michigan (2004) and North Texas (2005) before landing at Texas A&amp;M to work with the defensive backs (2006-2009). After coaching the secondary at Tulsa (2010-2011) and Oklahoma State (2012-2014), he received his first defensive coordinator position at SMU (2015-2017). Malone spent the 2018 season at Mississippi State as a defensive analyst, and he joined the Kansas State staff this offseason as cornerbacks coach. <ul> <li>[0:22] Start of interview</li> <li>[0:58] Experiences that led to becoming a high school coach</li> <li>[2:42] The jump from high school to the collegiate level</li> <li>[6:49] Networking and its importance in the coaching profession</li> <li>[10:34] The reality of being in "transition"</li> <li>[19:00] GameStrat Ad - Discount Code</li> <li>[19:33] The work-life balance</li> <li>[24:37] Involvement in the AFCA</li> <li>[27:51] Relationships vs. Networking</li> <li>[30:22] Playing with Barry Sanders in the NFL</li> </ul> You can follow Van Malone on <a href="https://twitter.com/VanBMalone3rd" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. This episode is brought to you in part by <a href="https://www.gametimestrategy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">GameStrat</a>. Use the promo code AFCA2019 for 10% off any package. Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at <a href="mailto:podcast@afca.com">podcast@afca.com</a>.

Van Malone, Cornerbacks - Kansas State University

This week on Inside the Headset with the AFCA we’re joined by SMU Defensive Quality Control Coach, Chris Scott. Scott began his coaching career on the high school level at Nimitz High School in Irving, Texas in 2012, followed by a two-year stint as defensive and special teams coordinator at Katy Tompkins HS in Katy, Texas. In 2015, he made the jump to the college level at Southern University as defensive backs coach. In 2016, he joined the SMU staff as graduate assistant. On this episode Coach Scott talked about the transition from high school coaching to the college ranks, how to bring value as a graduate assistant, and he also shared insight from his AFCA Insider article, 13 Keys To Success For The Graduate Assistant. Follow Coach Scott on Twitter: @Coach_Scott31 13 Keys To Success For The Graduate Assistant: http://insider.afca.com/graduate-assistant-success

This week on Inside the Headset with the AFCA we’re joined by SMU Defensive Quality Control Coach, Chris Scott. Scott began his coaching career on the high school level at Nimitz High School in Irving, Texas in 2012, followed by a two-year stint as defensive and special teams coordinator at Katy Tompkins HS in Katy, Texas. In 2015, he made the jump to the college level at Southern University as defensive backs coach. In 2016, he joined the SMU staff as graduate assistant. On this episode Coach Scott talked about the transition from high school coaching to the college ranks, how to bring value as a graduate assistant, and he also shared insight from his AFCA Insider article, 13 Keys To Success For The Graduate Assistant. Follow Coach Scott on Twitter: @Coach_Scott31 13 Keys To Success For The Graduate Assistant: <a href="http://insider.afca.com/graduate-assistant-success" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://insider.afca.com/graduate-assistant-success</a>

13 Keys To Success for the Graduate Assistant

Bryan Nardo

This week on Inside the Headset we speak with Bryan Nardo, Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach for Emporia State University. We dive in to his coordinator philosophy, and he gives us the details on how he and the rest of the defensive staff approach each day of a typical game week. Bryan Nardo's coaching career began as a student assistant coach at Ohio University in 2005, and he worked with the linebackers and defensive backs (2005-2007). In 2008, he briefly served as the offensive graduate assistant for Southwest Minnesota State before becoming the defensive graduate assistant for Ohio University. Coach Nardo then joined the staff at Missouri University of Science &amp; Technology as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator (2011). In 2012, Nardo was named the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Emporia State University. Coach Nardo was a participant in the AFCA's 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute in 2019.  [0:25] Start of interview [0:33] Student assistant at Ohio University [1:43] Shaping his coaching philosophy [3:55] "This profession chooses us" [6:10] Defensive Coordinator Philosophy [6:24] Grading film &amp; game-planning process [10:15] Self-Scout &amp; being unpredictable [11:30] Approach to practice throughout the week [13:22] Defensive call-sheet [14:45] Calling the defense from the box [17:50] Difficulty of facing triple-option teams [20:15] Professional development through the AFCA  You can follow Bryan Nardo on Twitter. Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com.

This week on Inside the Headset we speak with Bryan Nardo, Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach for Emporia State University. We dive in to his coordinator philosophy, and he gives us the details on how he and the rest of the defensive staff approach each day of a typical game week. Bryan Nardo's coaching career began as a student assistant coach at Ohio University in 2005, and he worked with the linebackers and defensive backs (2005-2007). In 2008, he briefly served as the offensive graduate assistant for Southwest Minnesota State before becoming the defensive graduate assistant for Ohio University. Coach Nardo then joined the staff at Missouri University of Science &amp; Technology as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator (2011). In 2012, Nardo was named the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Emporia State University. Coach Nardo was a participant in the AFCA's 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute in 2019. <ul> <li>[0:25] Start of interview</li> <li>[0:33] Student assistant at Ohio University</li> <li>[1:43] Shaping his coaching philosophy</li> <li>[3:55] "This profession chooses us"</li> <li>[6:10] Defensive Coordinator Philosophy</li> <li>[6:24] Grading film &amp; game-planning process</li> <li>[10:15] Self-Scout &amp; being unpredictable</li> <li>[11:30] Approach to practice throughout the week</li> <li>[13:22] Defensive call-sheet</li> <li>[14:45] Calling the defense from the box</li> <li>[17:50] Difficulty of facing triple-option teams</li> <li>[20:15] Professional development through the AFCA</li> </ul> You can follow Bryan Nardo on <a href="https://twitter.com/coachnardo27" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at <a href="mailto:podcast@afca.com">podcast@afca.com</a>.

Bryan Nardo, Defensive Coordinator - Emporia State University

This week’s guest on Inside the Headset with the AFCA is Richan Gaskins, defensive backs coach at Ferrum College.  He joined us while on the road recruiting the DC/Maryland area. Coach Gaskins shared his coaching background including a stop at Gallaudet University where communicating with players who were deaf and hard of hearing improved his coaching skills. He also provided his thoughts on combating tempo and RPO offenses, plus his answer on the hotly debated question, do you teach the shuffle or backpedal to your cornerbacks?  Follow Coach Gaskins on Twitter: @CoachRGaskins  (25:23 mark) Our AFCA Staff Spotlight this week is with Coordinator of Convention Services, Amy Gilstrap. Amy provided an update on September's Childhood Cancer Awareness campaign and exciting news about the AFCA Convention, things to do in Charlotte and much more.

This week’s guest on Inside the Headset with the AFCA is Richan Gaskins, defensive backs coach at Ferrum College. He joined us while on the road recruiting the DC/Maryland area. Coach Gaskins shared his coaching background including a stop at Gallaudet University where communicating with players who were deaf and hard of hearing improved his coaching skills. He also provided his thoughts on combating tempo and RPO offenses, plus his answer on the hotly debated question, do you teach the shuffle or backpedal to your cornerbacks? Follow Coach Gaskins on Twitter: @CoachRGaskins (25:23 mark) Our AFCA Staff Spotlight this week is with Coordinator of Convention Services, Amy Gilstrap. Amy provided an update on September's Childhood Cancer Awareness campaign and exciting news about the AFCA Convention, things to do in Charlotte and much more.

How to Effectively Combat RPO and Tempo Offenses

Chris Hixson

This week on Inside the Headset, we speak with Chris Hixson—Founder of QBIQ—and later on the show we breakdown the concept of “padding”. With Coach Hixson, we discuss the QBIQ system and how his experiences as a player and coach helped lead to its creation. During our discussion on padding, Mike Cross sits down with Mario Price and Alec Finch to learn more about their experience and the insights they gained by going through the process of charting the Rams’ offense. Coach Hixson was a four-year starting quarterback at the University of Rhode Island (1993-1996) before going on to play in the Arena Football League (2001-2005). After serving as offensive coordinator for the Amarillo Dusters in 2006, Chris went on to start "The Passing Academy," QBTV (Quarterback Technique Videos), and he most recently launched QBIQ.  [0:39] Start of interview [0:59] What is QBIQ? [2:24] Coming from a coaching background [4:23] How QBIQ can be implemented into any offensive system [7:09] Teaching players to think conceptually [10:48] Buying-in to QBIQ [12:48] "Read it, draw it, run it" [14:54] "How To'sdays" [16:45] Presenting at the 2019 AFCA Skills &amp; Drills [19:50] GameStrat Ad - Discount Code  You can follow Chris Hixson on Twitter. In the second half of the episode, Mario Price, Mike Cross, and Alec Finch sit down to discuss "padding"--the process of watching all-22 game film and transferring onto paper (or a notepad) exactly what is happening on each play of a game. They talk through their experience with the process and the insights they gained from their first attempts.  [20:40] Start of "Padding" roundtable discussion  Check out the article we just released discussing the entire process, and don't forget to look at their examples from the Rams-Chiefs in Week 11 and the Rams-Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.  This episode is brought to you in part by GameStrat. Use the promo code AFCA2019 for 10% off any package. Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at podcast@afca.com. 

This week on Inside the Headset, we speak with Chris Hixson—Founder of QBIQ—and later on the show we breakdown the concept of “padding”. With Coach Hixson, we discuss the QBIQ system and how his experiences as a player and coach helped lead to its creation. During our discussion on padding, Mike Cross sits down with Mario Price and Alec Finch to learn more about their experience and the insights they gained by going through the process of charting the Rams’ offense. Coach Hixson was a four-year starting quarterback at the University of Rhode Island (1993-1996) before going on to play in the Arena Football League (2001-2005). After serving as offensive coordinator for the Amarillo Dusters in 2006, Chris went on to start "The Passing Academy," QBTV (Quarterback Technique Videos), and he most recently launched <a href="https://chrishixson.com/qbiq/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">QBIQ</a>. <ul> <li>[0:39] Start of interview</li> <li>[0:59] What is QBIQ?</li> <li>[2:24] Coming from a coaching background</li> <li>[4:23] How QBIQ can be implemented into any offensive system</li> <li>[7:09] Teaching players to think conceptually</li> <li>[10:48] Buying-in to QBIQ</li> <li>[12:48] "Read it, draw it, run it"</li> <li>[14:54] "How To'sdays"</li> <li>[16:45] Presenting at the 2019 AFCA Skills &amp; Drills</li> <li>[19:50] GameStrat Ad - Discount Code</li> </ul> You can follow Chris Hixson on <a href="https://twitter.com/qb_tv" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. In the second half of the episode, Mario Price, Mike Cross, and Alec Finch sit down to discuss "<a href="http://insider.afca.com/the-power-of-padding-how-it-helped-create-the-patriots-dynasty/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">padding</a>"--the process of watching all-22 game film and transferring onto paper (or a notepad) exactly what is happening on each play of a game. They talk through their experience with the process and the insights they gained from their first attempts. <ul> <li>[20:40] Start of "Padding" roundtable discussion</li> </ul> Check out the <a href="http://insider.afca.com/the-power-of-padding-how-it-helped-create-the-patriots-dynasty/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">article</a> we just released discussing the entire process, and don't forget to look at their examples from the <a href="http://insider.afca.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Rams-Chiefs-Week-11-Padding-with-COLOR-ilovepdf-compressed.pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rams-Chiefs in Week 11</a> and the <a href="http://insider.afca.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Rams-Pats-SB53-ilovepdf-compressed-1.pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rams-Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.</a> This episode is brought to you in part by <a href="https://www.gametimestrategy.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GameStrat</a>. Use the promo code AFCA2019 for 10% off any package. Have any questions, comments, or ideas for the show? Send us an email at <a href="mailto:podcast@afca.com">podcast@afca.com</a>.

Chris Hixson - QBIQ, & "Padding" the Rams

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