Inside the Headset with the AFCA

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Bobby Wilder, Head Coach - Tennessee Tech May 21, 2026

Show notes

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Bobby Wilder, head coach at Tennessee Tech.

In this conversation, Coach Wilder reflects on his coaching journey, building and leading programs, developing team culture, and adapting through change. He also shares lessons on leadership and what it takes to guide coaches and student-athletes at a high level.

Follow Coach Wilder and Tennessee Tech Football here: @CoachWilderTTU & @TNTechFootball

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Matt Nardo, Head Coach - Muskingum May 14, 2026

Show notes

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Matt Nardo, Head Coach at Muskingum University.

In this conversation, Coach Nardo discusses the sacrifices he made early in his coaching career, the importance of maximizing opportunities, and how experiences across multiple levels of football helped shape his leadership philosophy. He also reflects on stepping outside of his comfort zone, building high standards within a program, and lessons learned throughout his journey from graduate assistant to collegiate head coach.

Whether you are a young coach looking to grow in the profession or a veteran coach seeking perspective on leadership and development, this episode offers valuable insight into navigating a coaching career with purpose and persistence.

Follow Coach Nardo and Muskingum Football here: @CoachMNardo & @MuskingumFB

1:08 Introduction 1:26 When did you know you wanted to be a part of the profession? 3:00 How did you get selected to be a student assistant? 4:58 Sacrifices early in his coaching career 7:25 Getting his initial coaching opportunity 10:01 First position coached 12:22 First experience at Muskingum 14:41 Teaching high standards 16:22 Transition to high school football 19:41 Getting outside your comfort zone 22:15 Importance of varied experiences 24:27 Returning to college coaching 29:25 Maximizing opportunities 31:09 Time at Emporia State 35:01 Returning to Kansas high school football 39:26 Coaching in North Carolina 43:17 Lessons from first collegiate head coaching experience 47:07 Difference between GA Matt Nardo and Head Coach Matt Nardo 52:12 Advice for young coaches 54:46 Closing

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Tony Dungy, Former Head Coach - Indianapolis Colts May 07, 2026

Show notes

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Tony Dungy. In this conversation, Coach Dungy reflects on his journey from collegiate quarterback at the University of Minnesota to Super Bowl-winning NFL head coach.

Coach Dungy shares lessons learned from legendary coaches like Chuck Noll, Bill Walsh, Marty Schottenheimer, and Dennis Green while discussing leadership, staff building, professional development, and the importance of leading through encouragement. He also opens up about navigating adversity, handling difficult seasons, building championship cultures in Tampa Bay and Indianapolis, and mentoring future coaches and players.

The conversation also dives into Coach Dungy's experiences as one of the early African American NFL head coaches, what it takes to lead in today's NFL, and the advice that shaped his coaching philosophy throughout his Hall of Fame career.

Follow Coach Dungy: @TonyDungy

Be sure to follow Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe for weekly conversations with coaches from across the football profession.

Find more episodes here: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

Kaz Kazadi, Football & Human Performance Coach Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Kaz Kazadi, Football Human Performance Coach and member of the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association Board.

Coach Kazadi shares his journey from a professional playing career into the strength and conditioning profession, along with the lessons learned through transitions across multiple programs. He discusses the role of energy and presence in coaching, and how those elements influence player development, relationships, and team culture.

Follow Coach Kazadi: @muadianvita.kazadi

🎧 Subscribe to Inside the Headset for weekly conversations with coaches across all levels of football. 🔗 Listen to more episodes: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

Ricky Rahne, Head Coach - Old Dominion Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Ricky Rahne, Head Coach at Old Dominion.

Coach Rahne shares his journey from collegiate quarterback to FBS head coach, including the key moments that shaped his path, the mentors who influenced his development, and the lessons learned through coaching transitions at multiple programs.

He also discusses building an offensive identity, navigating career growth, and what it means to serve on the AFCA Board of Trustees in today's college football landscape.

Key Topics:

Transition from player to coach
Early career opportunities and networking
Lessons from coaching transitions
Offensive development and leadership
Growth through multiple programs
Building a program at Old Dominion
Role with the AFCA Board of Trustees

Follow: Twitter/X: @RickyRahne | @OldDominionFB

Subscribe to Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes every week.

Sean Lewis, Head Coach - San Diego State Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Sean Lewis, Head Coach at San Diego State.

Coach Lewis shares his journey into the coaching profession, the offensive philosophy that helped accelerate his rise to a young head coach, and the lessons learned through both success and adversity along the way. He also discusses the importance of staying involved in the evolution of the game through his role on the AFCA Board of Trustees.

From early career decisions to leading at the FBS level, this episode provides valuable insight for coaches at every stage of the profession.

Follow Coach Lewis and San Diego State Football: Twitter/X: @TheHC_CoachLew | @FA_SDSU

Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform, and subscribe for new episodes every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches find the show.

🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset 🔗 For more information on joining the AFCA, visit https://www.afca.com

1:10 Introduction 1:27 When did you know you wanted to coach? 2:51 First job and offensive approach 4:07 The conversation that got you into coaching 5:34 Path to Nebraska 7:01 First AFCA Convention experience 8:53 Comparing GA roles 10:31 Early eye-opening lessons 11:42 Opportunity at Akron 13:12 Navigating unexpected situations 15:36 Starting at Akron 16:18 Lessons from difficult seasons 17:42 Being let go 18:54 Career outlook and next steps 21:01 Preparing for interviews 24:21 Honesty in leadership 25:43 Staff dynamics 27:27 Evolution of roles 28:21 Adjustments as OC/QB coach 30:50 Offensive success at Bowling Green 32:58 Lessons from Syracuse 35:55 Becoming a young head coach 37:15 Transition from HC to OC 38:46 New offensive perspective 40:36 Returning to head coaching 41:58 Role on AFCA Board of Trustees 43:54 Closing

Dr. Nick Garrett, Head Coach - Andrew College Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Nick Garrett, Head Coach at Andrew College.

Coach Garrett shares the key moments that led him into the coaching profession and reflects on his journey through multiple levels of football. He discusses transitioning from player to coach, lessons learned from working under different staffs, and how those experiences have shaped his approach as a head coach.

He also dives into navigating adversity, balancing the demands of coaching and family, and the importance of modeling excellence within a program.

Follow Coach Garrett & Andrew College Football

Twitter/X: @Dr_NickGarrett Twitter/X: @TigersAndrew

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches find the show.

We drop new episodes every week. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

Joe Price III, Wide Receivers - Kentucky Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Joe Price III, Wide Receivers Coach at Kentucky.

Coach Price shares his journey through the coaching profession, from his early days at the high school level to coaching in the SEC. He discusses the importance of relationships, maintaining a servant mindset, and the lessons learned at each stop along the way.

In this episode, Coach Price also reflects on his experience as a video coordinator, transitioning between levels of football, and developing as a wide receivers coach. Additionally, he talks about his role on the AFCA Board of Trustees and what it means to represent assistant coaches across the profession.

Follow Coach Price & Kentucky Football

@CoachJP3 @UKFootball

Inside the Headset

Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show.

We drop new episodes every week.

🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

For more information on joining the American Football Coaches Association, visit afca.com

Timestamps

1:09 Introduction 1:33 Getting started in coaching 2:42 Early leadership and playing experience 5:13 Breaking into the profession 7:03 Lessons as a video coordinator 9:31 Transition to North Shore High School 11:05 Coaching state championships 15:31 Player-coach relationships 18:11 Transitioning levels 21:09 Advice for aspiring college coaches 23:38 First college job experience 26:14 Early college coaching lessons 32:18 Moving to UTSA 38:20 Thriving as a WR coach 41:25 Evaluating opportunities 43:59 Building staff relationships 46:41 Coaching at Kentucky 48:14 AFCA Board of Trustees role 50:11 Advice for young coaches 51:56 Conclusion

Eric Jones, Offensive Line - Central College Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Eric Jones, Offensive Line Coach at Central College and AFCA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year.

Coach Jones shares his journey from high school coaching to the college level, lessons learned along the way, and how he develops offensive linemen while building meaningful relationships with his players.

Follow Central College Football: @CentralDutchFB

Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform. New episodes drop every week.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches find the show.

🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

Jerry Mack, Head Coach - Kennesaw State Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

Kennesaw State Head Coach Jerry Mack joins Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm to share his journey through the coaching profession and the lessons that shaped him along the way.

From breaking into coaching at Delta State to leading programs at multiple levels of college football and gaining experience in the NFL. Coach Mack reflects on the key moments that defined his career. He discusses the value of relationships, adaptability, and continuous growth, while offering insight into building a coaching philosophy and managing people effectively.

Whether you're an aspiring coach or a veteran in the profession, this episode provides practical advice on navigating a coaching career, developing as a leader, and maximizing opportunities at every level of the game.

Be sure to subscribe to Inside the Headset for weekly conversations with leaders across the coaching profession.

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