On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Bob Nielson, the Director of Divisional Football at the AFCA. In this conversation, Coach Nielson shares insights on his new role at the AFCA, his journey through the coaching ranks, and the importance of building strong relationships in the profession. Coach Nielson joins the AFCA after spending 32 seasons as a Head Coach at Division 1, 2, and 3 levels, most recently as the head coach at FCS South Dakota.  

For coaches looking to contact Coach Nielson with any questions, please reach out to him at [email protected]. 

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1:16 New role as the Director of Divisional Football at the AFCA and plans for this role.  

3:35 Passion for serving and fighting for the coaching profession by being active in governance.  

6:06 When did you know you wanted to be a part of the coaching profession?  

7:50 Separating yourself as a coach as an undergraduate assistant with former teammates.  

9:27 Getting acclimated to the job duties of a coach and realities of the profession.  

10:59 Getting promoted to full-time and finding avenues to learn and develop as a young coach.  

13:14 Getting promoted from Offensive Line coach to Defensive Coordinator.  

14:55 Using resources to help develop a philosophy and learn to coach.  

16:13 Early learning curves as a first-time coordinator.  

18:27 Becoming the Head Coach at 29 at Ripon.  

20:44 Where did you go to learn as a first-time Head Coach? 

23:15 Returning to your alma mater as the Head Coach and Athletic Director.  

24:52 Value of establishing relationships with leadership and administration at the school.  

26:22 Impact of early experiences and lessons on the success at Wartburg.  

27:49 Transition to UW-Eau Claire as the HC.  

29:56 Juggling the responsibilities of serving as the Head Coach and Athletic Director.  

31:54 Evaluating the potential for success at a program.  

34:58 Establishing a culture of success at each program within the first three years.  

36:07 Stepping away from coaching to serve as the full time AD at Minnesota-Duluth.  

38:53 Utilizing coaching experience to help make decisions as an AD.  

41:01 Returning to the sidelines as the Head Coach at Minnesota-Duluth.  

43:02 Proving that you are confident in your ability to be successful.  

44:45 Feelings that come with winning National Championships and finding success.  

46:18 Hiring a staff that is able to support you as the Head Coach.  

48:24 Transition to Western Illinois and Division 1 level.  

50:18 Transition to South Dakota to finish out your career.  

53:26 Conclusion.