Inside the Headset with the AFCA

Latest Episodes:

Alex Golesh, Head Coach - South Florida Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Alex Golesh, Head Football Coach at the University of South Florida. Coach Golesh takes us behind the scenes of his transition into the USF program, sharing insights on preparing for a head coaching role, adapting to the modern recruiting landscape, and building a strong team culture from the ground up.

Whether you're a football coach, administrator, or fan of the game, this conversation is packed with leadership lessons and real-world takeaways from one of college football's rising head coaches.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What Alex Golesh prioritized before accepting the USF job
How he planned and approached his first year as a head coach
Strategies for recruiting and retaining players in 2025
How to instill culture within a new football program
The importance of learning from past coaching experiences

🎧 Listen and subscribe: Inside the Headset – Linktree

📲 New episodes every week featuring top voices in football leadership and coaching development.

Winston DeLattiboudere III, Defensive Line - Arizona Cardinals Jul 17, 2025

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On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Winston DeLattiboudere III, Defensive Line Coach for the Arizona Cardinals.

Coach DeLattiboudere shares his inspiring journey from playing college football to coaching in the NFL. He talks about making the transition from player to coach, the challenges that come with career moves—both personally and professionally—and the importance of staying organized throughout the coaching grind.

In this conversation, Coach opens up about:

His decision to leave playing behind and pursue coaching full-time
The impact coaching transitions have on family and relationships
His early experiences as a Graduate Assistant at Charlotte
Being let go from Oregon and how he bounced back through persistence
Coaching at his alma mater, the University of Minnesota, and taking on leadership roles
How the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship helped prepare him for the NFL
His recent recognition as a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 class and what that honor means to him

This episode is packed with valuable insight for aspiring coaches, current coaches navigating career challenges, and anyone passionate about leadership and growth in football.

Subscribe to Inside the Headset for new episodes every week featuring impactful stories from coaches at every level of the game.

Aaron Fierbaugh, Safeties - Liberty Jul 10, 2025

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This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Aaron Fierbaugh, the Safeties Coach at Liberty University and a 2025 member of the AFCA 35 Under 35 class.

In this episode, Coach Fierbaugh shares his coaching journey—from his start as a student assistant at Auburn to his current role at Liberty. He discusses the value of patience, taking roles that build long-term success, and the importance of family and mentorship in the coaching profession.

🎙️ Topics include:

Starting as a student assistant at Auburn
Working in quality control roles at South Carolina
Transitioning into full-time coaching
Coaching at Coastal Carolina and Liberty
The value of networking and leadership opportunities
Insights from the AFCA 35 Under 35 experience

This episode is a must-listen for coaches navigating the early stages of their careers.

🔗 Follow Coach Fierbaugh on Twitter: @Aaron_Fierbaugh 🔗 Follow Liberty Football: @LibertyFootball

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Jernaro Gilford, Cornerbacks - BYU Jul 03, 2025

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This week, we're joined by Jernaro Gilford, Cornerbacks Coach at BYU, as he reflects on his coaching path—from playing for the Cougars to returning to lead young men at his alma mater. Coach Gilford dives into his early career, lessons learned at Southern Utah, and the power of building genuine relationships with players.

Whether you're a young coach looking to grow or a seasoned veteran, this conversation offers valuable insight on developing as a leader in the football coaching profession.

🗓 Episode Highlights – Getting started in coaching – Playing career at BYU – Making the transition to coaching – Lessons from the D3 and FCS levels – Coaching at your alma mater – Why relationships matter in coaching

🔗 Connect with us Follow: @jernarogilford | @BYUfootball More episodes: linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

Jas Bains, Head Coach - Western Colorado Jun 26, 2025

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On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Jas Bains, Head Coach at Western Colorado University and member of the AFCA Board of Trustees. Now in his 15th season, Coach Bains reflects on his coaching journey, how he's built long-term success, and the role of leadership and special teams in his program.

In this episode, Coach Bains shares valuable lessons from his early coaching days, how he earned trust as a young coordinator, and his approach to developing a strong team culture that lasts. He also talks about the importance of staying connected to the coaching profession through his work with the AFCA.

🕒 Episode Timestamps:

1:18 – Introduction
1:45 – When did you know you wanted to coach?
4:20 – Playing at Willamette and Fresno State
5:46 – Landing his first coaching job
10:50 – Lessons from the early years
13:34 – How a GA role led to full-time promotion
16:15 – Special teams philosophy and success
20:03 – Becoming Defensive & Special Teams Coordinator at Western Colorado
22:10 – Adjusting as a young coordinator
24:25 – Teaching players and coaches all positions
27:00 – Leading peers close in age
29:30 – Balancing two coordinator roles
31:50 – Transitioning to Head Coach
38:58 – Hiring his first staff
44:28 – Longevity and building a strong culture
48:58 – Developing coaching staff chemistry
53:52 – Serving on the AFCA Board of Trustees
55:58 – Final thoughts

📌 Don't forget to subscribe to Inside the Headset for weekly conversations with coaches across all levels of football. 🎧 Listen now and share with a fellow coach! 🔗 More AFCA content: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

Michael Christensen, Former HC - Carson HS (CA) Jun 19, 2025

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This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Michael Christensen, longtime high school football coach and former Head Coach at Carson High School in California. With over 35 years of experience, Coach Christensen shares his journey through some of the most competitive programs in Los Angeles, the challenges of coaching at both public and private schools, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

We also discuss his current role as Chair of the AFCA High School Coaches Committee and how he continues to impact the coaching profession on a national level.

Topics include:

Starting out as a walk-on coach in California
Building successful high school programs
Adapting to different athlete and school cultures
Balancing football with family life
His leadership role with the AFCA

Whether you're a veteran coach or just starting your journey, this episode offers valuable insights into the realities of coaching high school football today.

🎧 Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Woody McCorvey, Chief of Staff - Clemson Jun 12, 2025

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In this episode of Inside the Headset, presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Woody McCorvey, Chief of Staff for Clemson Football. Coach McCorvey reflects on nearly 50 years in the coaching profession, sharing his journey through triumphs and challenges—including breaking barriers in the SEC and battling cancer three times.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

Discover how Coach McCorvey started his coaching career.
Learn about his transition from high school to college football.
Hear his inspiring story of resilience through three battles with cancer.
Explore his role at Clemson and how he motivates others through his perseverance.

Stay connected: 📱 Follow Clemson Football: @ClemsonFB 🔗 Discover more episodes and resources: Inside the Headset

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners with inspiring stories like Coach McCorvey's.

O.C. Williams II, Defensive Coordinator - Tuskegee Jun 05, 2025

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This week on Inside the Headset, presented by CoachComm, we're joined by O.C. Williams, Defensive Coordinator at Tuskegee University. Coach Williams reflects on his coaching journey, emphasizing the importance of gaining diverse experiences, navigating career transitions, and learning at every step.

From starting as a player-turned-coach to his recent role at Tuskegee, Coach Williams offers valuable insights into his growth, challenges, and successes in the coaching profession. Whether you're a coach, player, or football enthusiast, this episode is packed with lessons you won't want to miss!

Episode Highlights:

Starting in the coaching profession
Transitioning from player to coach at your alma mater
Lessons learned from coaching Special Teams
Balancing career moves and personal growth
Taking over the defense at Tuskegee and future plans

Be sure to subscribe to Inside the Headset for weekly episodes featuring top football coaches and leaders. If you enjoy the show, leave us a review it helps others discover this content.

🎧 Listen now and explore more episodes: Inside the Headset Podcast

Jerheme Urban, Head Coach - Trinity May 29, 2025

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On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Jerheme Urban, Head Coach at Trinity University and a proud alum. Coach Urban takes us through his incredible journey—from setting records as a Trinity athlete to leading the Tigers as Head Coach since 2013.

Discover how Coach Urban's playing career shaped his coaching philosophy, the value of being a multi-sport athlete, and the strategies behind building a perennial playoff contender.

🕒 Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

1:21 – Introduction.
1:40 – When did you know you wanted to be a part of the coaching profession?
4:03 – Breaking into the profession.
7:12 – Looking back on your playing career and how it has helped you as a coach.
10:18 – Experience as a multi-sport athlete and the value of doing multiple sports.
12:29 – Learning to coach both sides of the ball.
14:37 – Acclimating to the coaching lifestyle.
16:12 – Becoming a full-time coach.
18:58 – Developing a scheme that fits the players you have.
21:28 – Becoming the head coach at Trinity.
24:49 – Weathering the storm in the early days as Head Coach.
31:38 – Preparing for the future, now.
35:09 – Finding your place as a Head Coach.
39:03 – Philosophy in hiring coaches.
42:43 – Building a program into a perennial playoff team.
45:43 – Passion and drive for the success of Trinity Football.
48:19 – Joining the AFCA Board of Trustees.
51:06 – Uniqueness and success of Trinity Football Camps.
54:13 – Conclusion.

Follow Coach Urban and Trinity Football on Twitter: @JerhemeUrban83 & @TUFootballTX

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Michael Jones, Head Coach - Florida Memorial May 22, 2025

Show notes

🎙️ Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm

This week, we're joined by Michael Jones, Head Coach at Florida Memorial University (FMU). In this episode, Coach Jones shares his journey from social work to coaching, his role in building FMU's football program, and his recent promotion to Head Coach after being named the 2024 AFCA NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year.

⏱️ Episode Highlights:

[1:22] Introduction
[1:43] Discovering a passion for coaching
[3:55] Balancing social work and high school football
[14:16] Building FMU's football program from the ground up
[16:34] Transitioning to Quarterbacks Coach
[19:02] Growing as Offensive Coordinator
[21:17] Adjusting offensive systems year by year
[24:36] Coaching at an HBCU in the NAIA
[27:47] Being named 2024 AFCA NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year
[29:18] Becoming FMU's Head Coach
[32:18] Conclusion

🎧 Subscribe & Follow Inside the Headset: Join us every week for exclusive coaching insights and stories. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

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