Inside the Headset with the AFCA

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Mike Babcock, the Head Coach at McKendree University. In this conversation, Coach Babcock discusses his humble beginnings in the profession, how he has navigated the ever-changing world of college football, and his commitment to pushing the game of football forward. Coach Babcock is entering his 12th season leading the Bearcats and has been a member of the AFCA Board of Trustees since 2023. Follow Coach Babcock and McKendree Football on social media here: @MikeBabcock44 & @Mckendree_FB Show Notes: 1:04 Becoming a coach after playing, value of coaching on both sides of the ball, humble beginnings as a coach. 21:23 First full-time job at San Diego, navigating the profession with your significant other, juggling other responsibilities on top of coaching. 40:41 Opportunity at Colorado State-Pueblo, learning from mentors and peers, transition to McKendree. 57:52 Differences between being the Head Coach and an Assistant Coach, finding comfort in longevity, moving football forward.

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Joe Gillespie, the Head Coach at Midway High School in Waco, Texas. In this conversation, Coach Gillespie shares why he chose to pursue coaching, some of the behind-the-scenes conversations that take place when making career decisions, and his passion for high school football in the state of Texas. Coach Gillespie was hired at Midway in January after stints as the Defensive Coordinator at Tulsa and TCU. Follow Coach Gillespie and Midway HS Football on social media here: @joe_gillespi3 & @MidwayFB 1:04 Fulfilling the dream of being a football coach, getting on staff at Stephenville HS, challenges that come with leading a successful high school program. 26:49 The impact that player health has on success, getting the opportunity to move to coaching in college, determining if a job is the right fit. 46:00 Learning curves that came with being a first-time coordinator, behind the scenes conversations that happen in job transitions. 1:01:28 Coaching at a place with no previous connections to the staff, similarities in successful teams at the high school level and the college level, returning to high school football.

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Mike Bloomgren, the Head Coach at Rice University. In this conversation, Coach Bloomgren takes us through his career that has taken him to schools across the country, explains the value of coaching at different levels of football, and talks through how he took the lessons others taught him and applied it to his coaching. Coach Bloomgren, who led the Owls to a bowl game last season, was recently selected as a member of the AFCA Board of Trustees. Follow Coach Bloomgren and Rice Football on social media here: @mbloom11 & @RiceFootball Show Notes: 1:05 Starting out as a football coach, playing football vs. coaching football, including your significant other in career decisions. 17:23 Sharpening your tools as a young coach and experience coaching in the NFL. 28:15 Opportunity to coach at Stanford, interviewing and hiring coaches, making the jump to being a head coach. 43:42 Turning down head coaching jobs in order to find the right fit, creating a culture, being named to the AFCA Board of Trustees.

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Jeff McMartin, the Head Coach at Central College. In this conversation, Coach McMartin discusses why he got into coaching, getting to serve as the head coach at his alma mater, and being selected as the President of the AFCA this past January. Coach McMartin has served as the Head Coach at Central College for 20 years and the Dutch have never finished a season below .500 during his tenure. Follow Coach McMartin and Central College Football on social media here: @mac4fb & @CUI_Football 1:00 Getting started in the coaching profession, taking advantage of unexpected opportunities, working as a Graduate Assistant. 23:07 Getting your first full-time job, involving your family in decisions to move/change jobs, serving as a track coach and a football coach. 35:58 Sharpening your tools as you go throughout your career, flipping to the offensive side of the ball, taking your first coordinator job. 51:32 Taking your first head coaching job at your alma mater, finding success year after year, experience being a part of the AFCA.

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Clark Lea, the Head Coach at Vanderbilt University. In this conversation, Coach Lea talks through his journey to becoming the head coach of his alma mater, working hard to earn job opportunities, and the value of constantly learning. Coach Lea, who was recently appointed to the AFCA Board of Trustees, is entering his fourth season with the Commodores. Show Notes: 1:19 Early years in the coaching profession. 17:57 First experience as a full-time coach being responsible for a position group. 32:00 Years spent as a position coach to prepare yourself for a coordinator position. 40:10 Challenges as a first-time coordinator and first-time head coach.

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Jay Norvell, the head coach at Colorado State University. In this conversation, Coach Norvell takes us through the journey he took to get to where he is today, his experiences in both high level college football and the NFL, and the people that helped him grow throughout his career. Coach Norvell, who just completed his second season leading the Rams, was recently selected to the AFCA Board of Trustees, representing the Mountain West Conference. Show Notes: 1:01 Introduction 1:19 When did you know that you wanted to be a football coach? 3:23 Transitioning from a player to a coach 5:17 Impact of being around well-known, popular coaches 8:01 Transitioning from defense to offense 10:49 Ending NFL career and beginning coaching career 12:27 Opportunities to coach at Northern Iowa and Wisconsin 14:58 Growth experienced while at Wisconsin 16:34 Transition to Iowa State 18:32 Largest areas of growth up to this point in your career 20:54 Learning as a coach. 23:56 Experience in the NFL 29:42 Takeaways from being an NFL coach 32:50 Developing your own offense in preparation for a coordinator job 36:51 Learning curves that come with being a first-time coordinator 39:55 How are you continuing to develop yourself professionally as you grow in your career? 42:58 Experience at Oklahoma, stepping away from being a coordinator 46:57 Process behind becoming a Head Coach for the first time 48:57 Importance of building relationships 51:44 Building a Staff and Investing in Minority Coaching Programs 55:54 Being named to the AFCA Board of Trustees 57:40 Conclusion

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Craig Bohl, the new Executive Director of the AFCA. In this conversation, Coach Bohl walks through his career as a coach, shares his love for College Football, and talks about his new role with the AFCA. Coach Bohl is a well-respected football coach and has had a long career of success highlighted by his time as the head coach at North Dakota State and, most recently, Wyoming. Show Notes: 1:00 Introduction 1:26 When did you decide you wanted to be a football coach? 2:12 How did you grow in your first few years coaching? 2:56 Differences between working as a Student Assistant and a Graduate Assistant 4:21 Transition to North Dakota State 5:07 How did you go about sharpening your tools as a young coach? 6:51 Experience at North Dakota State 7:34 Learning to coach unfamiliar positions 9:15 Transition to Tulsa 10:31 Transition to Wisconsin 12:25 When did you start going to the AFCA convention? 15:11 What position would you say is your position? 16:40 First Coordinator position with Rice 17:56 Differences between Year 1 and Year 2 as a coordinator 19:31 Experience at Duke 20:18 Uniqueness of working at Private Schools 21:47 What advice would you give your younger self? 23:34 Opportunity to return to Nebraska 25:09 Differences in coaches over time 26:36 Nebraska Football Culture 31:08 Opportunity to take over as the Defensive Coordinator at Nebraska 32:25 First Head Coaching opportunity at NDSU 34:00 How did you know you were ready to be a head coach? 35:19 Constructing a coaching staff as a head coach 38:16 Experience in interviews 39:50 What are some common characteristics of successful teams? 41:40 What was your recruiting philosophy? 44:38 Finding the right fit in a job 49:13 What did you do on Day 1 at Wyoming? 50:06 What are some takeaways from your time in the profession? 52:20 What attracted you to the Executive Director position with the AFCA? 53:54 What led you to get involved with the AFCA Board? 54:47 Why is it important to get involved with the AFCA as a young coach? 55:45 Conclusion

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Ben Gibboney, the defensive coordinator at Carnegie Mellon. In this conversation, Coach Gibboney discusses how he got his start in the coaching profession, his unique journey to where he is today, and being selected as the 2023 Division 3 Assistant Coach of the Year by the AFCA. Coach Gibboney helped the Tartans to a 10-1 record in the 2023 season. Follow Coach Gibboney and Carnegie Mellon football on social media here: @CoachGibboney & @TartanFB Show Notes: 1:05 Introduction 1:33 When did you decide to become a football coach? 3:49 How did you go about finding your first coaching opportunity? 5:43 What was it like coaching with your father? 6:58 Transition to Shippensburg 8:28 Experience taking time away from coaching 10:25 Trying to find a coaching job while being out of the profession 12:13 Balancing life as a part-time coach while also having another job 15:34 Leveraging your jobs to prepare you for future jobs 17:38 Transition from part-time coach to full time defensive coordinator 20:03 Replacing a well-known and well-respected long-time coach 22:24 Working through kinks as a first-time coordinator 25:21 How did you work to improve your craft as a coach? 27:39 What advice would you give to your younger self? 29:20 Working with Bone Marrow foundations at Carnegie Mellon 31:31 Being named the AFCA’s 2023 D3 Assistant Coach of the Year 35:25 Conclusion

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Justin Robinson, the defensive coordinator at Marian University. In this conversation, Coach Robinson discusses why he chose to be a football coach, the impact that high school football had on his career and being selected as the 2023 NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year by the AFCA. Coach Robinson helped the Knights to a 9-2 season and a berth in the NAIA playoffs. Follow Coach Robinson and Marian Football on social media here: @Coach_Jay53 & @MarianUFootball Show Notes: 1:04 Introduction 1:19 What made you decide that you wanted to be a football coach? 3:45 How did you get rolling in the profession? 6:35 Learning to be a coordinator without a lot of experience. 9:33 Challenges you experienced as a first-time coordinator. 13:13 What did coaching High School Football teach you? 16:42 Making the transition to college coaching. 19:45 Including your family in career decisions. 23:50 What was the biggest thing you had to adapt to in coaching in college? 26:35 How do you learn to step back and listen? 29:50 What attributed to your success at Hanover? 32:15 Transition to UT Martin. 34:34 Differences in levels of football you have experienced? 38:18 Maturing in your career decisions. 41:49 What advice would you give your younger self? 43:50 How did opportunities as a position coach make you a better coordinator? 47:00 Involvement in the AFCA and social media to promote professional development. 49:55 Being named 2023 NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year. 53:00 Conclusion

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring the 2023 Power of Influence Roundtable. This year's Regional Winners, Gerry Gallagher of Delbarton School in New Jersey, Rodney Saulsberry Sr. of Whitehaven High School in Tennessee, Kurt Tippmann of Snider High School in Indiana, Lee Wiginton of Allen High School in Texas, and John Mannion of Mountainside High School in Oregon talk about why they chose to be coaches, special moments they have experienced as coaches, and how the AFCA has aided them in their development throughout their careers. Show Notes: 1:16 Introduction 1:55 What has impacted you in your career? What special moments have you experienced? 17:55 What has your experience been at the AFCA convention and how has the association helped you in your development as a coach?

This week, on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring the 2023 D3 COTY Panel. In this discussion, Former Keiser HC Doug Socha, Saint Xavier HC Mike Feminis Evangel HC Chuck Hepola, Northwestern HC Matt McCarty, discuss what contributed to their successful seasons and what the AFCA has meant to them in their careers. 1:20 Introduction 1:39 What contributed to your special seasons? 12:19 What has the AFCA meant to you and your development throughout your career? 20:23 Conclusion

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we hear from Christian Taylor, current Defensive Quality Control coach for the Buffalo Bills. In this episode, Coach Taylor discusses the importance of making and sustaining good connections, having a willingness to do what is best for the team, and creatively adapting schemes to fit the skillsets of your players. Coach Taylor was recently named the 2023 AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year serving as the Offensive Coordinator at William & Mary before accepting a position on the Buffalo Bills staff. Follow Coach Taylor on social media here: @CoachChristianT Show Notes: 1:05 Introduction 1:25 When did you know that you wanted to be a football coach? 2:27 What was the transition from player to coach like in your first job at William & Mary? 4:12 Learning to coach a position that you didn't play 6:55 How did coaching different positions help you as a coach? 8:57 Transition to coaching the quarterbacks at William & Mary 10:30 Experience taking over a position group 12:17 Experience leaving your alma mater for a new role 13:40 Process behind your transition to San Diego State 14:45 How did you prepare for your first interview? 16:27 Experiencing transitioning from FCS to FBS 17:34 Positives of taking a step back from coaching a position to a quality control position 19:13 Transition to and experience at Michigan 25:39 Transition to San Diego in first full-time role 27:49 What was your experience in a full-day interview? 29:16 Making sure a school is the right fit 30:34 Experience in first stint at San Diego 32:46 Transition to Illinois Wesleyan 36:05 Learning curves that come with being a first-time coordinator 38:16 Holding multiple roles and using it to grow 38:55 Transition back to San Diego 40:58 What led to your success at San Diego? 43:14 How have you developed as a coach? 44:37 Transition back to William & Mary and serving as the OC and the RB coach 47:20 Did you feel extra pressure when coaching at your alma mater? 48:45 Developing creativity in a scheme 51:26 Feelings associated with being named AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year 53:01 Conclusion

This week, on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring the 2023 D3 COTY Panel. In this discussion, Cortland HC Curt Fitzpatrick, Johns Hopkins HC Greg Chimera, Trinity HC Jerheme Urban, Alma HC Jason Couch, and Wartburg HC Chris Winter, discuss the special moments from this past season, the purity of Division 3 football, and the impact that the AFCA convention has had on their careers. Show Notes: 1:10 Introduction 1:22 In your past season, what special moments occurred and how did your team respond to trials? 19:35 What impact has the AFCA Convention had on your career development? 30:26 Conclusion

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring the 2023 D2 COTY Panel. In this discussion, Kutztown HC Jim Clements, Central Missouri HC Josh Lamberson, Harding HC Paul Simmons, and former Benedict College HC Chennis Berry discuss the special seasons they just completed and the important role that the AFCA Convention has played in their development as coaches. Show Notes: 1:04 Introduction 1:28 Moments and lessons from special seasons 28:12 How has the AFCA Convention helped in your development as a coach? 40:16 Conclusion

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring the 2023 FCS COTY Panel. In this discussion, Albany HC Greg Gattuso, Furman HC Clay Hendrix, and Drake HC Todd Stepsis dive into what culture means to their programs, challenges they faced throughout the season, and how they have grown as football coaches. Show Notes: 1:04 Introduction 1:17 Culture within your programs 5:19 Challenges and moments that boosted your teams to success 9:55 Leadership within your programs 18:08 Personal growth throughout your career 25:02 Conclusion

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring the 2023 FBS COTY Roundtable. In this discussion, Florida State HC Mike Norvell, Northwestern HC David Braun, and Former New Mexico State HC Jerry Kill dive into the culture they have established in their programs, challenges and defining moments from the season, and how they have developed as coaches. Show Notes: 1:06 Introduction 1:15 Culture within your programs 7:47 Challenges and Obstacles that helped you toward success 14:09 Leadership within your programs 20:42 Personal Growth throughout your career 30:36 Conclusion

On this week’s epsiode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring the Graduate Assistant Panel discussion from the 2023 AFCA Convention. In this discussion, panelists Fred Farrier, Justin Burke, Charles Huff, Joseph Henry, and Kenny Dillingham, discuss how they began their careers as GAs and how that experience shaped them for future success. Show Notes: 1:06 Introduction 12:30 Breaking into college coaching 15:40 Getting your first GA job 19:59 Roles that GA’s can take and how to seek out opportunities 36:18 Identifying GA Candidates 42:24 As a coordinator, what do you need from a GA? 55:52 Career development and job selection 1:04:17 Balancing goals of being a FBS Coach and taking a job at a lower division 1:12:48 Value of GA’s in recruiting 1:15:21 What separates average recruiters from great recruiters? 1:26:13 How can young coaches become more knowledgeable in the beginning of their career? 1:34:30 Importance of discipline in your program 1:38:11 Work Life balance throughout your career 1:42:24 Final Comments 1:47:34 Conclusion

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset presented by CoachComm, we are featuring Texas Tech Head Coach, Joey McGuire’s High School Academy talk from the 2023 AFCA Convention. In this conversation, Coach McGuire expresses his passion for high school football, discusses how he has created cultures at each school he has coached at, and talks about how High School football relates to College Football. Coach McGuire just finished his second season leading the Red Raiders. Connect with Coach McGuire and Texas Tech Football on social media here: @JoeyMcGuireTTU & @TexasTechFB Show Notes: 1:06 Introduction 1:37 When did you know that you wanted to be a football coach? 4:10 What have you done to create a culture of success in your programs? 6:27 What are the commonalities and differences between High School and College football? 8:27 Who are some coaches who have influenced you? 10:51 How have analytics changed the game? 15:31 What things do successful coaches have in common? 18:12 How do you go about promoting High School players to college coaches 22:00 Preparing High School players for NIL and the Transfer Portal 29:10 What’re traits of a great assistant coach? 32:11 Why is High School football important today? 35:28 Conclusion

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset presented by CoachComm, we are featuring Illinois Head Coach, Bret Bielema’s General Session speech from the 2023 AFCA Convention. In this talk, Coach Bielema discusses how he creates a culture of being Tough, Smart, and Dependable, defines important characteristics of Illinois Football, and gives some practical advice to young coaches. Coach Bielema just completed his third season as the Head Coach of the Fighting Illini. Connect with Coach Bielema and Illinois football on social media here. @BretBielema & @IlliniFootball Show Notes: 1:06 Introduction 3:41 Career Highlights 5:20 Tough. Smart. Dependable. 7:35 Characteristics of Illinois Football 13:55 Practice Planning 19:21 In-Practice Drills 31:05 Culture outside of the building 32:08 Choose a job you love 33:10 Conclusion

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset presented by CoachComm, we are featuring Michigan State Head Coach, Jonathan Smith’s General Session talk from the 2023 AFCA Convention. In this conversation, Coach Smith reflects on those who have impacted him throughout his football journey, discusses how he recruits his players and his staff, and talks about the ever-changing nature of college football. Follow Coach Smith and Michigan State Football on social media here: @Coach_Smith & @MSU_Football Show Notes: 1:04 Introduction 1:57 Pivotal moments in successful seasons 3:52 Playing physical football 5:10 Uniqueness of individual football programs and conferences 8:55 What was the first thing you did when you got the head coach job at Oregon State? 10:15 Maintaining relationships while trying to our-recruit your current roster 11:19 Beauty of college football 11:38 Coaching at your alma mater 13:59 Watching players grow and develop over time 14:35 Unique cultures in a team 17:07 People that influenced you in your football journey 23:10 Experience at first AFCA convention and how to get the most out of the convention 30:21 Advice for those transitioning from playing to coaching 31:17 How do you go about putting a staff together? 34:31 Challenges facing college football coaches today 41:30 Conclusion