Inside the Headset with the AFCA
369 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago - ★★★★★ - 216 ratingsInside the Headset with the AFCA takes you in-depth with interviews, career breakdowns, and coaching development with football coaches around the country.
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Episodes
Chris Harris, Defensive Backs - Washington Redskins
March 19, 2020 11:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with Washington Redskins Defensive Backs Coach, Chris Harris. We discuss the challenges of going from a player to a coach, the importance of getting out of your comfort zone when networking, as well as the differences and challenges of coaching at the NFL level. Chris Harris was a sixth-round draft pick out of the University of Louisiana at Monroe (2001-04) and played eight years in the NFL with the Bears (2005-06, 10-11), Panthers (2007-09), Lions ...
Jovan Dewitt, Special Teams Coordinator - North Carolina
March 12, 2020 11:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBThis week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring the University of North Carolina Special Teams Coordinator and Outside Linebackers Coach, Jovan Dewitt. Coach Dewitt discusses the importance of seeking different perspectives, his unexpected battle with cancer, and the significance of meaningful relationships. Jovan Dewitt, a 21-year veteran of collegiate coaching, joined the North Carolina football staff this past January. Dewitt joined Mack Brown’s staff after a two-year stint as specia...
Peter Cancro, CEO - Jersey Mike's Subs
March 05, 2020 12:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBThis week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Jersey Mike's Subs co-founder and CEO, Peter Cancro. Cancro discusses how his youth football coach helped him buy his first sub shop, the similarities between football and business, as well as the importance of giving back and impacting others. In 1971, Peter Cancro was a high school student in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. He began working at Mike's Subs at the age of 14. When Peter was a senior in high school, he overheard the owner of Mik...
Winston October, Passing Game Coordinator/WR - Edmonton Eskimos
February 27, 2020 12:00 - 32 minutes - 44.6 MBThis week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring the Edmonton Eskimos Passing Game Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach, Winston October. Coach October discusses his transition from playing to coaching, the challenges of coaching in different leagues, and the importance of networking at the annual AFCA Convention. Winston October recently joined the Edmonton Eskimos staff as the wide receivers coach and pass game coordinator (2020). October began his CFL coaching career last year with the...
John Cannova, Graduate Assistant - Texas Tech
February 20, 2020 12:00 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Texas Tech Graduate Assistant, John Cannova. Coach Cannova discusses his path to coaching at the FBS level, the importance of personal development, and the significance of relationships within the industry. John Cannova recently completed his first season as an offensive graduate assistant at Texas Tech where he worked primarily with the Red Raider offensive line. Before Texas Tech, Cannova served in a similar capacity the past two seasons a...
Dave Plungas, Defensive Coordinator - Robert Morris University
February 13, 2020 12:00 - 33 minutes - 30.2 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Robert Morris defensive coordinator, Dave Plungas. Coach Plungas discusses his unusual path to playing football, the challenges of coaching at your alma mater, and breaks down his defensive philosophy. Dave Plungas was named the Robert Morris University defensive coordinator in January of 2018. Prior to Robert Morris, Plungas served as the outside linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator for three seasons at his alma mater, the Universi...
Ryan Smith - Head Coach, Southwestern Assemblies of God University
February 06, 2020 12:00 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Southwestern Assemblies of God University Head Coach, Ryan Smith. Coach Smith discusses the transition from being a young preacher to a head coach, his offensive philosophy, and the value of attending the annual AFCA Convention. Ryan Smith returned to his alma mater in April of 2018, when he was named SAGU's head football coach. As a student-athlete at SAGU, Smith was the starting quarterback all four years. In 2004, he was named as an NAIA...
Chad Olson - Head Coach, Pecos HS (TX)
January 30, 2020 12:00 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Pecos High School (TX) Head Coach, Chad Olson. Coach Olson discusses the importance of high school football, the challenges of leading a football team through adversity, and how he turned around the Pecos High School football program. Chad Olson has been a Texas High School football coach for over 20 years. He was named the head coach and athletic director at Pecos High School in July of 2019. Prior to this dual role, Olson was the offensive...
PJ Fleck, Head Coach - Minnesota
January 23, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBThis 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...
2020 AFCA Convention Playbook
January 09, 2020 12:00 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we are featuring the annual AFCA Convention Playbook. The AFCA's Mario Price and Mike Cross break down everything you need to know going into the 2020 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. They highlight the convention schedule, including what sessions they are looking forward to most, as well as different tips and tricks to help maximize your time in Nashville. [1:35] Start of interview [2:58] Registration logistics & exhibit hall [4:32] Skill and Dri...
Willie Fritz, Head Coach - Tulane
January 02, 2020 13:30 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we are featuring the first-half of Tulane Head Coach, Willie Fritz's general session speech from the 2019 AFCA Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Coach Fritz breaks down his program's five-part, "Plan to Win" philosophy. Coach Fritz inherited the keys to Tulane's football program in 2016. In the past four seasons, Fritz has already made an impact, providing the program with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and a winning culture. The 2019 season marked his 27th a...
Justin Fuente, Head Coach - Virginia Tech
December 26, 2019 12:00 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Virginia Tech Head Coach, Justin Fuente's general session speech from the 2017 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Coach Fuente shares the importance of developing your players on and off the field, the crucial role strong leadership on your team, and what it means to be committed rather than involved. Coach Fuente was named Virginia Tech’s head coach in November of 2015, after a monumental resurrection of the football program at the Un...
Mike Gundy, Head Coach - Oklahoma State
December 19, 2019 12:00 - 58 minutes - 53.7 MBThis week on Inside The Headset we are featuring Oklahoma State Head Coach, Mike Gundy's general session speech from the 2017 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Coach Gundy shares how he got into coaching at Oklahoma State, how he keeps his players fresh all season long, and how his staff builds credibility with his players. After graduating from Oklahoma State, Gundy immediately joined the OSU football staff at the age of 23. He coached the receivers (1990), the quarterbacks (1991-1...
Ken Niumatalolo, Head Coach - Navy
December 12, 2019 12:00 - 59 minutes - 54.2 MBThis week on Inside The Headset we have a special two part episode in honor fo the Army Navy game this up coming weekend. Part two features Navy Head Coach, Ken Niumatalolo's general session speech from the 2016 AFCA Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Coach Niumatalolo shares the importance of building a strong culture, the value of knowing the "who, how, and why" for your football program, and the importance of leading by example. In his 11 seasons at the helm of the Navy football program ...
Jeff Monken, Head Coach - Army
December 11, 2019 12:00 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we have a special two part episode celebrating Army Navy week. First up is Army Head Coach Jeff Monken. This episode features Coach Monken's 2018 AFCA Convention General Session. Coach Monken is in his sixth season as Head Coach of Army. Prior to arriving at Army, Monken was the Head Coach at Georgia Southern for four seasons. Coach Monken talks about how he got his start in college coaching, his experiences as a first-time head coach, and the 7 commandme...
Craig Bohl, Head Coach - University of Wyoming
December 05, 2019 12:00 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Wyoming Head Coach Craig Bohl's Q & A General Session from the 2019 AFCA Convention in San Antonio. Coach Bohl shared how the profession has changed throughout his career, how he's maintained success at various levels of the game, and he gives advice for young coaches looking to expand their network. Coach Bohl is in his sixth season leading the University of Wyoming Football program and his 17th season as a head coach at the collegiate leve...
S 2 EP 15 Friday Night Lights: All Good Things Must Come To An End
December 04, 2019 12:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBIn the final episode of this season of Friday Night Lights we hear from Coach Jones one last time. Coach breaks down what happened in Greenwood's semi-final game. He also lets us know what happens when the season ends. Thanks for following along with us for this season with Greenwood Football.
Mike Norvell, Head Coach - University of Memphis
November 28, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBThis 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 200...
S 2 EP 14 Friday Night Lights: On To The Semis
November 27, 2019 12:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MBOn this weeks episode we hear Coach Jones break down Greenwood's hard fought win in their final game at home. We also hear a unique story about coach having to pay for his own ticket to play in his first college football game. This and a preview of the Bulldogs semifinal matchup.
James Franklin, Head Coach - Penn State University
November 21, 2019 12:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with James Franklin, Head Coach for Penn State University. We discuss his passion for developing coaches, the importance of relationships, and his path to becoming Head Coach of the Nittany Lions. Coach Franklin began his coaching career at Kutztown University as a wide receivers coach in 1995 before returning to his alma mater East Stroudsburg as the defensive backs coach for the 1996 season. He then spent time on staff at James Madison (1999), Wa...
S 2 EP 13 Friday Night Lights: Power of Influence
November 20, 2019 12:00 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBOn this episode of Friday Night Lights listen in as Coach Rick Jones accepts the Power of Influence Award at the 2019 AFCA Convention. We will also hear from Coach as we preview Greenwood's second round game.
Pat Fitzgerald, Head Coach - Northwestern University
November 14, 2019 12:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with Pat Fitzgerald, Head Coach for Northwestern University. We discuss building loyalty in a coaching staff, the uniqueness of being the only private school in the Big Ten Conference, and what it was like becoming the head coach at his alma mater. Coach Fitzgerald is in 14th season as the Head Coach of Northwestern, and he was named the Big Ten's Coach of the year in 2018. Fitzgerald began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Maryland (19...
S 2 EP 12 Friday Night Lights: We're Talking About Playoffs
November 13, 2019 12:00 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBThe regular seasons is over for Greenwood and it is time for the Bulldogs to focus on the playoffs. In this episode Coach Jones talks to us about the regular season finale and also fills us in on how Greenwood approaches the playoffs.
Matt Campbell, Head Coach - Iowa State University
November 07, 2019 12:00 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with Matt Campbell, Head Coach at Iowa State University. We discuss his time playing for and working with Larry Kehres at Mount Union, the characteristics he looks for in assistants, and what he did to build his network as a young coach. Coach Campbell is in his fourth season as the Head Coach of Iowa State, and was named the Big XII’s Coach of the year in 2017 and 2018. Campbell started out as a graduate assistant at Bowling Green (2003-2004) befor...
S 2 EP 11 Friday Night Lights: Perfect Thursday
November 06, 2019 12:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this episode we find out if Greenwood was able to bounce back from their first loss of the season. We also hear from Coach Jones about his approach to Thursday's before games.
AJ Blazek, Offensive Line - North Dakota State University
October 31, 2019 11:00 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with AJ Blazek, Offensive Line Coach for North Dakota State University. We discuss his entrance to the coaching profession, how he builds relationships with players and coaches, and what he looks for when recruiting offensive linemen. Coach Blazek's career began as a student assistant in 2001 at Iowa after finishing his playing career as a Hawkeye. He remained with the program for the 2002-2004 seasons working as a graduate assistant before acceptin...
S 2 EP 10 Friday Night Lights: Bulldogs from the Past
October 30, 2019 11:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBIn this episode of Friday Night Lights Greenwood's undefeated season is put to the test. We also hear to former Greenwood, University of Arkansas and NFL quarterback Tyler Wilson. Tyler shares with us what it was like growing up and playing football in Greenwood.
Seth Littrell, Head Coach--UNT & Lovie Smith, Head Coach--Illinois
October 24, 2019 11:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with Seth Littrell, Head Coach for the University of North Texas, and Lovie Smith, Head Coach for the University of Illinois. With Coach Littrell we discuss his use of the Air Raid offense and how he builds relationships in his program. With Coach Smith we discuss his entrance to the coaching profession and the importance of building relationships with players. Coach Littrell's career began as a graduate assistant at Kansas (2002-2004). His first fu...
S 2 EP 9 Friday Night Lights: Building Future Bulldogs
October 23, 2019 11:00 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBIn this episode of Friday Night Lights we hear how Greenwood is able to develop players from the youth level on up to Varsity. We also find out if the Bulldogs were able to keep Arkansas' longest winning streak alive.
Bill Clark, Head Coach - UAB
October 17, 2019 11:00 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with Bill Clark, Head Coach for the University of Alabama--Birmingham. We discuss the process of bringing back the UAB football program in 2017, a unique partnership with the Children's Harbor Family Center, and his high school coaching days in Alabama. Coach Clark's career began as an assistant at Piedmont HS (AL) in 1990. After two seasons, he was named defensive coordinator at Tuscaloosa County HS (AL) (1992-1994), and he also went on to serve as...
S2 E8 Friday Night Lights: Practice Makes Perfect
October 16, 2019 11:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBThe football season can be a grind. In Episode 8 of Friday Night Lights hear how Coach Jones and Greenwood keeps the players fresh and engaged by switching things up at practice. We also find out if Greenwood was able to remain unbeaten after a tough Homecoming Game.
Frank Wilson, Head Coach - UTSA
October 10, 2019 11:00 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with Frank Wilson, Head Coach for the University of Texas at San Antonio. We discuss his time as a high school teacher and coach in Louisiana, and how he's working to build tradition in a young football program. Coach Wilson's career began as a student assistant at Nicholls State University in 1996 after he finished his playing career there. He then returned home to New Orleans and became an assistant coach at Karr HS (LA) for three seasons (1997-19...
S2 E7 Friday Night Lights: The Boys Up Front
October 09, 2019 11:00 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBIn Episode 7 we hear from Coach Jones on how Greenwood bounced back from their first real test this past Friday. We also discuss how Greenwood plays in the trenches with offensive line coach Brian Simms and defensive line coach Brandon Elmore. All this and a preview of this weeks homecoming game.
Jay Hopson, Head Coach - University of Southern Mississippi
October 03, 2019 11:00 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with Jay Hopson, Head Coach for the University of Southern Mississippi. We discuss coaching at all different levels of college football, and he gives advice for young coaches. Coach Hopson's career began as a graduate assistant for Tulane in 1992. From there, he coached defensive backs at Delta State (1993), and was a graduate assistant for LSU (1994) and Florida (1995) before landing at Marshall coaching the defensive backs (1996-2000). In 2001, Co...
S2 E6 Friday Night Lights: What Makes the Bulldogs so Special
October 02, 2019 11:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBIn this weeks episode of Friday Night Lights we find out how Greenwood did in their latest test on the road. We then take a look at how Greenwood gains an advantage in the kicking game. Coach Jones and his Special Teams staff breaks down how that advantage leads to winning games.
Neal Brown, Head Coach - West Virginia University, and Reggie Bush - FOX Sports
September 26, 2019 11:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with Neal Brown, Head Coach for West Virginia University, and in the second segment, we're joined by Reggie Bush, college football analyst for FOX Sports. With Coach Brown, we discuss the process of turning around the Troy football program, as well as the importance of creating a family atmosphere with a team. Later, with Reggie Bush, we discuss the impact his coaches had on his career, and a story from the 2006 BCS National Championship. Coach Brow...
S2 E5 Friday Night Lights: Defense Wins Championships
September 25, 2019 11:00 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBIn Episode 5 Friday Night Lights Season 2 we recap Greenwood's 3-0 start. Coach Jone's gives us his thoughts on defense and how he manages that side of the ball while giving his coaches freedom. We also hear from Defensive Coordinator Jason Gill and learn about his journey from Head Coach to JV Assistant to Defensive Coordinator.
Les Miles, Head Coach - University of Kansas
September 19, 2019 11:00 - 10 minutes - 9.78 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with Les Miles, Head Coach for the University of Kansas. We discuss how he kept busy during his time away from coaching and the first steps he took when he got to Kansas. Coach Miles' career began at Michigan as a graduate assistant in 1980. After two seasons, he joined the Colorado staff as the offensive line coach (1982-1986). Miles then returned to Michigan as the offensive line coach in 1987, where he remained until he accepted the offensive co...
S2 E4 Friday Night Lights: Offense Wins Games
September 18, 2019 11:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBIn Episode 4 of Friday Night Lights Season 2 we recap Greenwood's big win against Fort Smith Southside. We also learn how Coach Jones developed Greenwood's offensive scheme. Offensive Coordinator Chris Young joined us to talk about his relationship with Coach Jones and give us his thoughts on Greenwood's offense.
Tom Allen, Head Coach - Indiana University
September 12, 2019 11:00 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with Tom Allen, Head Coach for Indiana University. We discuss his journey from high school assistant to head coach for the Hoosiers in the Big Ten. Coach Allen's career began at Temple Heights HS (FL) in 1992 as an assistant, but after one season, he was named their head coach at the age of 23. He spent a total 15 years coaching high school football, which included stints as defensive coordinator for Armwood HS (FL) (1995-1996), Marion HS (IN) (1997...
S2 E3 Friday Night Lights: Senior Retreat
September 11, 2019 11:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBIn Episode 3 of Friday Night Lights season 2 we hear from Coach Jones on how Greenwood was able to avenge last years only loss in week 1. A preseason retreat, that is a tradition at Greenwood, may have helped the Bulldogs get off to a fast start. We will also preview this weeks big game against Fort Smith Southside.
Gary Patterson, Head Coach - TCU
September 05, 2019 11:00 - 10 minutes - 9.74 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with TCU Head Coach Gary Patterson. We discuss how he and his staff work to project and develop talent in student-athletes, as well as the importance of being yourself as a coach. Coach Patterson's career began as a graduate assistant at Kansas State in 1982 after he finished his playing days for the Wildcats. He went on to serve as the linebackers coach at Tennessee Tech (1983-1984) and UC Davis (1986) before becoming the defensive coordinator at C...
S2 E2 Friday Night Lights: Fasdogs
September 04, 2019 11:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBIn Episode 1 of Friday Night Lights Season 2 we preview Greenwood's opening night opponent Fort Smith Northside. We also take a deep dive into the Bulldogs unique approach to off-season conditioning. It's a program they call Fasdogs, and it's not just for football players.
Lincoln Riley, Head Coach - University of Oklahoma
August 29, 2019 11:00 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBThis 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 wi...
S2 E1 Friday Night Lights: This is Greenwood
August 28, 2019 11:00 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBIn Episode 1 of Friday Night Lights Season 2 we introduce Greenwood High School (AR) Head Coach Rick Jones. Coach Jones tells us about his coaching journey and what led him to Greenwood. We explore what it is like coaching for a community that takes its football seriously and has high expectations. Coming off back to back state championships, Greenwood is shooting for a three-peat and it all starts with Coach Jones.
Chris Klieman, Head Coach - Kansas State University
August 22, 2019 11:00 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with Chris Klieman, Head Coach for Kansas State University. We discuss his head-coaching journey from Division III Loras College to Power 5 FBS Kansas State and what it's like taking over an already well-established program. Coach Klieman's career began as a defensive backs coach for his alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa (1991-1993). From there, he went on to coach the defensive backs at Western Illinois (1994-1996), Kansas (1997), and Mis...
Friday Night Lights: Season 2 Trailer
August 21, 2019 11:00 - 1 minute - 1.78 MBFootball is back. As teams across the country prepare for kickoff we're proud to announce season 2 of Friday Night Lights presented by the AFCA and Inside the Headset. This year we are following Greenwood High School in Greenwood, Arkansas. Led by Coach Rick Jones, Greenwood has won back to back state championships and eight since 2004. This season we will cover coaching philosophy, scheme, and everything else that goes into running a championship program. As the Bulldogs look to pull o...
David Marsh, Offensive Coordinator - Texas Southern University
August 15, 2019 11:00 - 41 minutes - 56.3 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with David Marsh, Offensive Coordinator for Texas Southern University. We discuss why he joined the Marine Corps, how he got into coaching, and his unusual path to climbing the ladder in the coaching profession. Coach Marsh's career began as an assistant at Mesquite HS (AZ) in 2008, after he completed five years of service as a member of the United States Marine Corps. Following his three years at Mesquite, Marsh spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons at S...
Fisher DeBerry
August 08, 2019 11:00 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with Fisher DeBerry, former Air Force head coach. We discuss what motivated him to become a coach, the changes he saw in football over his nearly 50-year coaching career, and his advice for coaches. Coach DeBerry's career began at Bennettsville HS (SC) as an assistant coach in 1962. He then spent the next six seasons as an assistant at Florence McClenaghan HS (SC) before joining the staff at Wofford College (1969-1970). Coach DeBerry also served as ...
Matt Wells, Head Coach - Texas Tech University
August 01, 2019 11:00 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBThis week on Inside the Headset we speak with Matt Wells, Head Coach for Texas Tech University. We discuss taking over the Red Raider football program, transitioning his staff to a new school, and establishing his culture in a new environment. Coach Wells' career began at the Naval Academy, where he worked with quarterbacks, fullbacks, and receivers (1997-2001). From there he coached tight ends and was a recruiting coordinator at Tulsa (2002-2006), coached receivers and served as recruitin...