Inside the Headset with the AFCA

On this episode of Inside the Headset Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Lou Marinelli, Head Coach at New Canaan High School. Coach Marinelli shares reflections from his long and successful coaching career, including how he built a winning program, developed players, and stayed true to the values that define great leadership. This conversation dives into program culture, consistency, and the...

On this episode of Inside the Headset, presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Benedictine Head Coach Joel Osborn, the 2025 AFCA NAIA Coach of the Year. Coach Osborn shares his journey from Northwest Missouri State to leading one of the top programs in the NAIA, the value of coaching multiple positions, and how that experience shaped him as a play caller and leader. He also discusses building a c...

In this episode of Inside the Headset, presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Ryan Jirgl, the Special Teams Coordinator and Safeties Coach at Long Island University. Coach Jirgl shares the story of his journey through the coaching profession, including the people and experiences that helped shape his approach to teaching, leadership, and player development. This interview took place before the s...

On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Clint Killough, Head Coach at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). This conversation was recorded prior to the start of the season. Coach Killough reflects on his journey through football, how the game shaped his relationships, and the experiences that guided his coaching career. He also discusses what it means...

Step inside the innovation that's changing the look and performance of football fields across the country. Shaw Sports Turf's Game On technology is redefining how programs design, install, and customize their synthetic turf. From Kansas' viral wheat-themed end zones to Denver's skyline lacrosse field, schools at every level are turning to Game On for its seamless construction, faster installation,...

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset — Presented by CoachComm, we bring you Army Head Coach Jeff Monken's powerful presentation from the 2025 AFCA Convention. Coach Monken dives into his early passion for football, his leadership philosophy, and why building meaningful relationships is at the core of his coaching approach. 📌 In this talk, you'll learn about: – The moments that shaped Coac...

This week on Inside the Headset, presented by CoachComm , we are featuring Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti's presentation from the 2025 AFCA Convention In this conversation, Coach Cignetti reflects on his coaching journey and the intentional steps he's taken to build winning programs. He explains the foundation of Indiana's cultural transformation, emphasizing the importance of setting high stand...

Today we sit down with Matt Hofer , an offensive lineman at the University of Toledo and a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team . Over the last two years, Matt has committed himself to global mission work, traveling to Kenya and the Philippines to serve in schools, orphanages, and churches, supporting underserved communities through faith and service. His impact extends to his hometown too,...

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm , we sit down with CJ Nightingale , the head coach at Belhaven University. Coach Nightingale discusses how his childhood shaped his coaching philosophy, details the key steps in his development as a coach, and reflects on his experience as a member of the 2022 AFCA 35 Under 35 class. In this episode, Coach Nightingale shares: • The moment he...

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Brett Ekkens, the head coach at Tiffin University. Coach Ekkens shares his journey from player to coach, how adopting a no task is too small mindset shaped his career, and the lessons he learned on the way to becoming a head coach. He also discusses staff building, taking ownership at every stage of the profess...

  In this episode, we're joined by Lennx Brown, wide receiver at Morningside University and a proud member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. A standout on the field, Lennx has helped guide the Mustangs to a conference championship and a national semifinal run, earning All-Conference honors for his leadership and consistency. Off the field, Lennx's commitment to serving others sets him apart. H...

This week, we're spotlighting Dylan Wheeler, a standout wide receiver at Saint John's University and a member of the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Dylan discusses his journey as one of Division III's top receivers and how his commitment to service has shaped his life on and off the field. Last season, Dylan recorded 21 touchdowns and over 1,100 receiving yards, establishing himself as a lead...

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Greg Holsworth, Head Coach at Henderson State University. Coach Holsworth discusses how he got his start in coaching, the lessons learned from balancing multiple roles early in his career, and the mindset it takes to stay consistent and build a winning culture. He also reflects on leadership, self-evaluation, an...

Duke University cornerback Chandler Rivers joins the show to share how leadership, teamwork, and service define his journey on and off the field. A First Team All-ACC selection and All-America honoree, Rivers has been a key part of Duke's nationally recognized defense. Off the field, he's equally committed to making a difference in his community. In his hometown of Beaumont, Texas, he founded the...

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm , we sit down with Richie Leonard IV, a standout offensive lineman for Florida State University and a proud member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Richie has made an incredible impact not only on the field but in the lives of those around him. In addition to being a leader for the Florida State Seminoles, he's deeply commi...

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm , we're joined by Stanton Weber, the Special Teams Coordinator at the University of Toledo. Coach Weber shares his journey from Kansas State walk-on to Toledo coordinator, his approach to building elite special teams units, and how being named to the AFCA 2024 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute has shaped his growth as a c...

On this episode, we sit down with Owen Schuckert, senior kicker and punter at John Carroll University and a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Owen shares how he's balanced athletic excellence, academic achievement, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. A 2024 OAC Special Teams Player of the Year and First Team All-OAC selection, Owen has also volunteered over 300 hours with Sp...

In this episode, we're joined by Josh Kattus, senior tight end for the University of Kentucky and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. On the field, Josh has earned a reputation as a tough, reliable playmaker—starting in 15 of 33 games and delivering clutch moments, including a game-winning touchdown against a top-10 Ole Miss team. Off the field, his leadership and heart for service shine...

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm , we're joined by James Ross III, the Defensive Ends and Outside Linebackers Coach at the University of Houston. Coach Ross shares his journey from player to coach, lessons learned from his time at Michigan, Hope College, Cincinnati, and Tulane, and how he's learned to balance family life with the demands of coaching. A proud me...

After leading Rice University in tackles in 2023, Plae Wyatt entered the 2024 season ready to build on that success. But when an early injury cut his season short, Plae found a new way to lead — through mentorship, service, and community impact. In this episode, we dive into how the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team member turned adversity into action, launching the Plae Wyatt Free Youth Football Camp...

In this episode, we're joined by Auvic White, senior running back at Hendrix College and a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. A two-time All-Conference performer and Academic All-Conference honoree, Auvic is known for his discipline, leadership, and commitment to serving others. Off the field, Auvic works full-time with Athletes in Action, mentoring over 600 student-athletes, leading out...

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm , we're joined by Demario Warren, Special Teams Coordinator and Cornerbacks Coach at Boise State University. Coach Warren shares how he found his passion for coaching, what it means to be a valuable asset to those around you, and how his experiences as a Defensive Coordinator and Head Coach have shaped his perspective in his cur...

In this episode, we sit down with Nolan Ulm, a standout wide receiver for Eastern Washington University and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. A two-time team captain and four-time Big Sky All-Academic honoree, Nolan has earned recognition as one of the Top-10 CFL Canadian draft prospects — but his biggest impact comes off the field. Nolan shares how he's raised over $15,000 for Mamas fo...

In this episode, we sit down with Charlie Pearson, senior offensive tackle at Johns Hopkins University and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Charlie helped lead the Blue Jays to a 12-2 record, a Centennial Conference Championship, and a historic trip to the 2024 NCAA Division III Semifinals — all while maintaining a 3.87 GPA as a Public Health major. Recognized as the Centennial Confere...

This week on Inside the Headset - Presented by CoachComm , we're joined by Jim Tressel, former national championship-winning coach and current Lieutenant Governor of Ohio. Coach Tressel dives into the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge, reflects on his time leading championship programs, and shares how lessons from football continue to shape his work in public service. Whether you're a coach, leader,...