This week on Inside the Headset we are featuring University of South Florida Director of Football Strength and Conditioning, AJ Artis. Coach Artis shares the significance of expanding your skillset, highlights his personal networking experience, and discusses the importance of coaching with passion.

AJ Artis joined the Bulls’ staff as Director of Football Strength and Conditioning in March of 2021 following three seasons working with the Tennessee football program. At Tennessee, Artis served as assistant director of football sports performance. Prior to his arrival in Knoxville, Artis spent two seasons at Duke (2016-18) working as the assistant director of strength and conditioning.

Prior to Duke, Artis had stints at Appalachian State (2015-16) and Campbell (2014-15). As a graduate assistant at Appalachian State, he worked with the Mountaineers football program, which recorded its first-ever bowl win during his tenure. At his alma mater Campbell, he logged valuable experience with football, baseball, men's and women's basketball, soccer, softball, track & field and wrestling as a strength and conditioning intern.

• [0:27] Start of interview
• [0:47] Expanding your skillset
• [3:07] Creating your coaching philosophy
• [5:42] Tailoring workouts to maximize athletic potential
• [9:30] Journey to becoming a strength coach
• [17:06] Advice for young coaches
• [21:18] Developing a culture at a new program
• [25:30] Finding your passion