Inside the Headset with the AFCA

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Matt McCarty, Head Coach at Northwestern College and the 2022 AFCA NAIA National Coach of the Year.

Coach McCarty reflects on his journey from playing at Northwestern to becoming the head coach of his alma mater. He shares the leadership principles, relationships, and championship culture that helped guide the Red Raiders to the 2022 NAIA National Championship, the program's first national title in nearly 40 years.

McCarty also discusses the importance of developing student-athletes beyond the game, building a strong team identity, and helping young men become leaders who make a lasting impact both on and off the field.

Follow Coach McCarty and Northwestern Football: @coachmmmcc | @nwc_fb

Become an AFCA Member: https://www.afca.com/become-a-member/

Inside the Headset is presented by CoachComm.

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are joined by Jesse Scott, Head Football Coach at Wheaton College. Coach Scott discusses his journey from All-American offensive lineman to head coach at his alma mater, his experiences building a successful program, and the importance of developing student-athletes on and off the field.

Before becoming head coach, Scott served as Wheaton's offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, and recruiting coordinator. A 2009 graduate, he earned First Team All-America honors as an offensive lineman during his playing career.

Inside the Headset is presented by CoachComm.

Learn more about the AFCA at www.afca.com.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Mike Schmidt, Head Football Coach at Northern State University.

Coach Schmidt shares his journey through the coaching profession, from beginning his career as a graduate assistant at Minnesota State to becoming a head coach at UW-La Crosse and Northern State. Along the way, he discusses the experiences that have shaped his coaching philosophy and his approach to leading a college football program.

Now in his seventh season at Northern State, Schmidt has helped guide the Wolves to notable victories, national recognition, and the development of numerous All-Americans. Before his head coaching career, he was named the 2013 AFCA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year while coaching at the University of Dubuque.

Listen as Coach Schmidt reflects on his career, the lessons learned at different levels of college football, and his experiences leading the Wolves.

Inside the Headset is presented by CoachComm.

Learn more about the AFCA and become a member at https://www.afca.com/become-a-member/.

Follow the AFCA: https://linktr.ee/AFCA

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Justin Fuente, Senior Advisor for Football with the College Football Playoff. Coach Fuente reflects on his journey through college football, the lessons learned throughout his coaching career, and the importance of developing players and building a championship culture.

Before joining the CFP in September 2025, Fuente spent 21 years coaching at the collegiate level, including head coaching stops at Memphis and Virginia Tech. He led Memphis to the 2014 American Athletic Conference championship and earned conference Coach of the Year honors at both programs. Now with the College Football Playoff, Fuente helps guide operational policies and best practices across the postseason.

In this conversation, Coach Fuente shares the experiences that shaped his approach to coaching, the challenges and rewards of leading a program, and the leadership principles that helped define his career.

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https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we welcome CSU Pueblo Head Coach Philip Vigil!

A former quarterback at Colorado Mesa, Vigil's coaching journey includes stops at Colorado School of Mines, Northwest Missouri State, Colorado Mesa, Fort Hays State, and Stephen F. Austin before earning his first head coaching opportunity at Western New Mexico.

Since taking over at CSU Pueblo in December 2022, Vigil has guided the ThunderWolves to consecutive Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championships and NCAA Division II playoff appearances in 2024 and 2025.

Tune in for this week's episode with Coach Vigil, and follow Inside the Headset for more conversations with coaches from across the profession.

Learn more about the AFCA and membership opportunities at AFCA.com.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Travis McClain, Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Mount Vernon High School in Texas.

McClain took over at Mount Vernon in January 2025 after spending two seasons as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Rivercrest High School. His coaching background also includes eight years at Celina, where he served as offensive coordinator before becoming a head coach.

A native of Weatherford, Texas, McClain played wide receiver and special teams at Baylor before beginning his coaching career. His journey has taken him from college football to leading high school programs in the Lone Star State.

Join us for this week's conversation with Coach McClain, and subscribe for more stories from coaches at every level of the game.

🏈 Become an AFCA member: afca.com/become-a-member

🎙️ Follow the AFCA and find more Inside the Headset episodes: linktr.ee/AFCA

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Jake Wissing, Head Football Coach at UW-River Falls. Named interim head coach in February 2026, Wissing has the Falcons off to a 3-0 start and ranked No. 2 nationally.

Wissing spent 15 seasons on the UW-River Falls staff before taking over, coaching both sides of the ball and helping the Falcons capture the 2025 NCAA Division III National Championship. As defensive coordinator, he led a unit that topped the nation with 40 turnovers gained during that championship season. His coaching journey also includes stops at Alfred, Norwich, Saint Joseph's, DePauw, and Sewanee.

Listen to this week's conversation with Coach Wissing and follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform for more stories from across the coaching profession.

Learn more about the AFCA and become a member at afca.com.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Nate Langford, Defensive Line Coach at UTRGV.

Coach Langford reflects on his experiences coaching at various levels of football, the meaningful relationships that have shaped his career, and the passion for the profession that continues to drive him. Tune in for a conversation about growing as a coach and building connections throughout your coaching journey.

Follow Coach Langford and UTRGV Football: • Nate Langford: https://x.com/coachlangford46 • UTRGV Football: https://x.com/UTRGVFootball

Follow Inside the Headset for new episodes every Thursday. Enjoyed this conversation? Leave a rating and review, and share it with a fellow coach.

Find all listening platforms: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset Learn more about AFCA membership: https://www.afca.com/become-a-member/

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by MD Daniels, Head Coach at Mount Mercy.

The first head football coach in Mount Mercy history, Daniels previously served as co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Bethel University in Tennessee and as head coach at Iowa Wesleyan. He shares the opportunities and experiences that shaped his journey, the importance of building genuine relationships with players, and why fundamentals, hard work, and continued growth remain central to his coaching approach.

Follow Coach Daniels on X: @CoachMDDaniels Follow Mount Mercy Football on X: @MountMercyFB

AFCA membership is open! Explore coaching education, connect with fellow coaches, and invest in your development at afca.com.

New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with a fellow coach.

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On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Mack Brown, former head coach at Texas and North Carolina.

Coach Brown reflects on his coaching career, the path that led him to Texas and UNC, and how the Longhorns built a championship program that captured the 2005 national title. He also discusses the importance of building meaningful relationships, continually developing as a coach and the impact the AFCA has had on his career, including his time serving as AFCA President in 2013.

Follow Coach Brown on X: @CoachMackBrown https://x.com/CoachMackBrown

Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

Learn more about the AFCA and membership opportunities at: https://www.afca.com