On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Arkansas Tech Head Coach and 2024 AFCA Division 2 Assistant Coach of the Year, Roy Thompson. In this conversation, Coach Thompson discusses the impact that professional development has had on his career, working to prove himself as a coach, and the importance of relationships throughout his journey. 

Follow Coach Thompson and Arkansas Tech football on social media here:  

@RoyThompsonFB & @ATUFootball 

1:30 Opportunity at Highland CC, returning to your alma mater, and the power of professional development.  

16:48 First stint as Ouachita Baptist, taking over a room for the first time, and navigating tough situations. 

30:52 First opportunity to be a DC at Mendocino, developing your own philosophy as a coach, taking ownership in the success of your team.  

42:23 Returning to Ouachita Baptist, being named 2024 AFCA D2 Assistant Coach of the Year, and becoming the Head Coach at Arkansas Tech.  

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Boise State Head Coach, Spencer Danielson. In this conversation, Coach Danielson discusses how he constantly works to add value to the program, how he climbed the ladder at Boise State, and being named as a 2024 FBS Regional Coach of the Year by the AFCA. In 2024, Coach Danielson helped lead the Broncos to a 12-2 record, a Mountain West Conference Championship, and an appearance in the Fiesta Bowl and College Football Playoff.  

Follow Coach Danielson and Boise State football on social media here:  

@Coach_SD & @BroncoSportsFB 

1:30 Transition from playing to coaching at Azusa Pacific and wearing many hats while at a small college.  

14:16 Arriving at Boise State and climbing up the ladder by adding value to the program. 

30:10 Becoming the Head Coach at Boise State, involvement in the AFCA, and being named as a 2024 FBS Regional Coach of the Year. 

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Dartmouth Defensive Coordinator and 2024 AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year, Don Dobes. In this conversation, Coach Dobes discusses his journey through the coaching profession, how he navigated change many times in his career, and the lessons he has learned over his 44-year career. Coach Dobes is entering his 15th season with Dartmouth and helped the Big Green to an 8-2 record in 2024.  

Follow Coach Dobes and Dartmouth Football on social media:  

@coach_dobes & @DartmouthFTBL 

1:30 Pursuing a GA opportunity as a young coach, learning to be a football coach, and journey to Penn.  

27:49 Opportunities at Rice and Temple, learning to be creative in coaching, and navigating unexpected staff changes. 

57:08 Opportunities at Princeton and Dartmouth and being named 2024 AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year 

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Sean Saturnio, Army Special Teams Coordinator and 2024 AFCA FBS Assistant Coach of the Year! 🚨

In this episode, Coach Saturnio shares his inspiring journey from Hawai’i to West Point, his passion for developing young men, and the one-of-a-kind experience of coaching at Army. Learn how he helped lead the Black Knights to a 12-2 record and an American Conference Championship in 2024. 🏈

⏱️ 1:30 | Football roots in Hawai’i & the Midwest, coaching at Waipahu High, and lessons in leadership. ⏱️ 12:29 | Joining Georgia Southern & balancing coaching with family life. ⏱️ 21:08 | Transitioning to Army, West Point’s unique culture, and earning AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year honors.

📲 Follow Sean Saturnio & Army Football: Twitter: @CoachSaturnio | @ArmyWP_Football

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more insightful conversations with the game’s top coaches! 🔔

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Coe College Defensive Coordinator and 2024 AFCA Division 3 Assistant Coach of the Year, Cody Baethke. In this conversation, Coach Baethke discusses why he wanted to become a football coach, being willing to take risks, and being recognized as the Division 3 Assistant Coach of the Year. Coach Baethke helped lead the Kohawks to a 9-2 record and a berth in the NCAA Division 3 Playoffs in the 2024 season.  

Follow Coach Baethke and Coe Football on social media here:  

@CodyBaethke & @KohawksFootball 

1:30 Breaking into the profession at the High School level after a collegiate playing career. 

14:45 Jumping to the college level as a GA, impact of family on career decisions, and returning to your alma mater.  

31:13 Serving as a baseball coach while coaching football, becoming the Defensive Coordinator at Coe College, being named as 2024 AFCA D3 Assistant Coach of the Year.  

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Salisbury University Head Coach and 2024 AFCA Division 3 Coach of the Year, Sherman Wood. In this conversation, Coach Wood discusses his journey in the coaching profession, navigating challenges while maintaining consistency, and what the AFCA has meant to his career. Coach Wood led the Sea Gulls to a 12-1 record and a berth in the NCAA Division 3 Quarterfinals during their 2024 campaign. 

Follow Coach Wood and Salisbury Football on social media here:  

@slwood4 & @SeaGullFootball 

Show Notes:  

1:30 Entering into the coaching profession at your alma mater and early years in the coaching profession.  

13:58 Opportunity at Bowie State, helping a program grow into a playoff team, navigating quick staff changes, and returning to Salisbury as the Head Coach.  

35:44 Growing and Developing as a Head Coach, opportunity to return to Salisbury, and maintaining consistency. 

47:12 Being named 2024 AFCA Division 3 Coach of the Year and impact of the AFCA. 

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Keiser University Head Coach and 2024 AFCA NAIA Coach of the Year, Myles Russ. In this conversation, Coach Russ discusses his entry into the profession, his journey to becoming the head coach at Keiser, and being named Coach of the Year in the NAIA by the AFCA. Coach Russ led the Seahawks to an undefeated regular season and an appearance in the NAIA National Championship game in 2024.  

Follow Coach Russ and Keiser football on social media here:  

@CoachMylesRuss & @KeiserFootball 

Show Notes:  

1:30 Navigating the transition away from playing and moving into the coaching profession. 

21:11 Transition to Keiser, building a culture from the ground up, and becoming an Assistant Head Coach. 

35:56 Becoming the Head Coach at Keiser and building a staff.  

54:59 Being named 2024 AFCA NAIA Coach of the Year and 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.  

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we preview the 2025 AFCA Convention with Hazel Green High School Head Coach, Fred Farrier. In this conversation, Coach Farrier and Mario Price give you everything you need to know prior to heading to Charlotte for the 2025 AFCA Convention. The 2025 AFCA Convention runs from January 12th to January 14th in Charlotte, NC.  

Follow Coach Farrier on social media here: @CoachFredT 

Show Notes:  

1:28 Introduction 

2:05 Importance of being involved with the AFCA 

4:00 First Timers Meeting and tips for first timer attendees 

7:20 Information about Skills & Drills and Buzz Sessions 

9:19 Preparing for the AFCA Convention 

12:40 Information about Breakout Sessions and GA Career Panel 

14:42 Impact of GA Career Panel Session 

19:33 Information about High School, Junior College, CFL, International, and Collegiate General Sessions 

22:08 Impact of General Sessions and learning from P5 Head Coaches 

25:04 Information about Tailgate Party and New Programming available this year 

28:40 Final Tips for Convention Attendees 

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Scott Milanovich, the head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. In this conversation, Coach Milanovich walks through his journey into the profession, his experiences in both in the CFL and the NFL, and how he has developed as a coach throughout his career. Coach Milanovich led the Tiger-Cats to a 7-11 record in his first season.  

Follow the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the CFL on social media here: 

@Ticats & @CFL 

Show Notes: 

1:30 Playing career in college and pros, transitioning from being a player to a coach in the same league, and getting your first opportunity in the CFL.  

18:41 Uniqueness of coaching in the CFL and roster building, becoming a CFL Head Coach for the first time, and finding success early on as a Head Coach and working to maintain it.  

36:28 Coaching in the NFL, returning to the CFL during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and learning to adapt as a coach. 

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring Mizzouri Head Coach, Eli Drinkwitz’s General Session talk from the 2024 AFCA Convention. In this talk, Coach Drinkwitz discusses various drills and circuits that he has used to find success throughout his career. Coach Drinkwitz led Mizzou to a 9-3 record and a bid to the Music City Bowl this season. 

Follow Coach Drinkwitz and Missouri Football on social media here:  

@CoachDrinkwitz & @MizzouFootball 

Show Notes:  

1:30 Special Teams Circuit and Tackling Drills 

19:30 Team Drills (Tackling and Ball Security) 

32:19 Ram Pass Play / General Thoughts