This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we hear from Christian Taylor, current Defensive Quality Control coach for the Buffalo Bills. In this episode, Coach Taylor discusses the importance of making and sustaining good connections, having a willingness to do what is best for the team, and creatively adapting schemes to fit the skillsets of your players. Coach Taylor was recently named the 2023 AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year serving as the Offensive Coordinator at William & Mary before accepting a position on the Buffalo Bills staff.  

Follow Coach Taylor on social media here: @CoachChristianT 

Show Notes:  

1:05 Introduction 

1:25 When did you know that you wanted to be a football coach?  

2:27 What was the transition from player to coach like in your first job at William & Mary?  

4:12 Learning to coach a position that you didn't play 

6:55 How did coaching different positions help you as a coach? 

8:57 Transition to coaching the quarterbacks at William & Mary 

10:30 Experience taking over a position group  

12:17 Experience leaving your alma mater for a new role 

13:40 Process behind your transition to San Diego State 

14:45 How did you prepare for your first interview?  

16:27 Experiencing transitioning from FCS to FBS 

17:34 Positives of taking a step back from coaching a position to a quality control position 

19:13 Transition to and experience at Michigan 

25:39 Transition to San Diego in first full-time role 

27:49 What was your experience in a full-day interview? 

29:16 Making sure a school is the right fit 

30:34 Experience in first stint at San Diego 

32:46 Transition to Illinois Wesleyan 

36:05 Learning curves that come with being a first-time coordinator 

38:16 Holding multiple roles and using it to grow 

38:55 Transition back to San Diego 

40:58 What led to your success at San Diego? 

43:14 How have you developed as a coach?  

44:37 Transition back to William & Mary and serving as the OC and the RB coach 

47:20 Did you feel extra pressure when coaching at your alma mater?  

48:45 Developing creativity in a scheme  

51:26 Feelings associated with being named AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year 

53:01 Conclusion