This week, we’re joined by Jernaro Gilford, Cornerbacks Coach at BYU, as he reflects on his coaching path—from playing for the Cougars to returning to lead young men at his alma mater. Coach Gilford dives into his early career, lessons learned at Southern Utah, and the power of building genuine relationships with players.

Whether you're a young coach looking to grow or a seasoned veteran, this conversation offers valuable insight on developing as a leader in the football coaching profession.

🗓 Episode Highlights – Getting started in coaching – Playing career at BYU – Making the transition to coaching – Lessons from the D3 and FCS levels – Coaching at your alma mater – Why relationships matter in coaching

🔗 Connect with us Follow: @jernarogilford | @BYUfootball More episodes: linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Jas Bains, Head Coach at Western Colorado University and member of the AFCA Board of Trustees. Now in his 15th season, Coach Bains reflects on his coaching journey, how he’s built long-term success, and the role of leadership and special teams in his program.

In this episode, Coach Bains shares valuable lessons from his early coaching days, how he earned trust as a young coordinator, and his approach to developing a strong team culture that lasts. He also talks about the importance of staying connected to the coaching profession through his work with the AFCA.

🕒 Episode Timestamps:

• 1:18 – Introduction

• 1:45 – When did you know you wanted to coach?

• 4:20 – Playing at Willamette and Fresno State

• 5:46 – Landing his first coaching job

• 10:50 – Lessons from the early years

• 13:34 – How a GA role led to full-time promotion

• 16:15 – Special teams philosophy and success

• 20:03 – Becoming Defensive & Special Teams Coordinator at Western Colorado

• 22:10 – Adjusting as a young coordinator

• 24:25 – Teaching players and coaches all positions

• 27:00 – Leading peers close in age

• 29:30 – Balancing two coordinator roles

• 31:50 – Transitioning to Head Coach

• 38:58 – Hiring his first staff

• 44:28 – Longevity and building a strong culture

• 48:58 – Developing coaching staff chemistry

• 53:52 – Serving on the AFCA Board of Trustees

• 55:58 – Final thoughts

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to Inside the Headset for weekly conversations with coaches across all levels of football. 🎧 Listen now and share with a fellow coach! 🔗 More AFCA content: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Michael Christensen, longtime high school football coach and former Head Coach at Carson High School in California. With over 35 years of experience, Coach Christensen shares his journey through some of the most competitive programs in Los Angeles, the challenges of coaching at both public and private schools, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

We also discuss his current role as Chair of the AFCA High School Coaches Committee and how he continues to impact the coaching profession on a national level.

Topics include:

• Starting out as a walk-on coach in California

• Building successful high school programs

• Adapting to different athlete and school cultures

• Balancing football with family life

• His leadership role with the AFCA

Whether you're a veteran coach or just starting your journey, this episode offers valuable insights into the realities of coaching high school football today.

🎧 Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

In this episode of Inside the Headset, presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Woody McCorvey, Chief of Staff for Clemson Football. Coach McCorvey reflects on nearly 50 years in the coaching profession, sharing his journey through triumphs and challenges—including breaking barriers in the SEC and battling cancer three times.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

• Discover how Coach McCorvey started his coaching career.

• Learn about his transition from high school to college football.

• Hear his inspiring story of resilience through three battles with cancer.

• Explore his role at Clemson and how he motivates others through his perseverance.

Stay connected: 📱 Follow Clemson Football: @ClemsonFB 🔗 Discover more episodes and resources: Inside the Headset

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners with inspiring stories like Coach McCorvey’s.

This week on Inside the Headset, presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by O.C. Williams, Defensive Coordinator at Tuskegee University. Coach Williams reflects on his coaching journey, emphasizing the importance of gaining diverse experiences, navigating career transitions, and learning at every step.

From starting as a player-turned-coach to his recent role at Tuskegee, Coach Williams offers valuable insights into his growth, challenges, and successes in the coaching profession. Whether you’re a coach, player, or football enthusiast, this episode is packed with lessons you won’t want to miss!

Episode Highlights:

• Starting in the coaching profession

• Transitioning from player to coach at your alma mater

• Lessons learned from coaching Special Teams

• Balancing career moves and personal growth

• Taking over the defense at Tuskegee and future plans

Be sure to subscribe to Inside the Headset for weekly episodes featuring top football coaches and leaders. If you enjoy the show, leave us a review it helps others discover this content.

🎧 Listen now and explore more episodes: Inside the Headset Podcast

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Jerheme Urban, Head Coach at Trinity University and a proud alum. Coach Urban takes us through his incredible journey—from setting records as a Trinity athlete to leading the Tigers as Head Coach since 2013.

Discover how Coach Urban’s playing career shaped his coaching philosophy, the value of being a multi-sport athlete, and the strategies behind building a perennial playoff contender.

🕒 Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

• 1:21 – Introduction.

• 1:40 – When did you know you wanted to be a part of the coaching profession?

• 4:03 – Breaking into the profession.

• 7:12 – Looking back on your playing career and how it has helped you as a coach.

• 10:18 – Experience as a multi-sport athlete and the value of doing multiple sports.

• 12:29 – Learning to coach both sides of the ball.

• 14:37 – Acclimating to the coaching lifestyle.

• 16:12 – Becoming a full-time coach.

• 18:58 – Developing a scheme that fits the players you have.

• 21:28 – Becoming the head coach at Trinity.

• 24:49 – Weathering the storm in the early days as Head Coach.

• 31:38 – Preparing for the future, now.

• 35:09 – Finding your place as a Head Coach.

• 39:03 – Philosophy in hiring coaches.

• 42:43 – Building a program into a perennial playoff team.

• 45:43 – Passion and drive for the success of Trinity Football.

• 48:19 – Joining the AFCA Board of Trustees.

• 51:06 – Uniqueness and success of Trinity Football Camps.

• 54:13 – Conclusion.

Follow Coach Urban and Trinity Football on Twitter: @JerhemeUrban83 & @TUFootballTX

🎙️ Subscribe and listen now for more coaching stories

🎙️ Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm

This week, we’re joined by Michael Jones, Head Coach at Florida Memorial University (FMU). In this episode, Coach Jones shares his journey from social work to coaching, his role in building FMU’s football program, and his recent promotion to Head Coach after being named the 2024 AFCA NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year.

⏱️ Episode Highlights:

• [1:22] Introduction

• [1:43] Discovering a passion for coaching

• [3:55] Balancing social work and high school football

• [14:16] Building FMU’s football program from the ground up

• [16:34] Transitioning to Quarterbacks Coach

• [19:02] Growing as Offensive Coordinator

• [21:17] Adjusting offensive systems year by year

• [24:36] Coaching at an HBCU in the NAIA

• [27:47] Being named 2024 AFCA NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year

• [29:18] Becoming FMU’s Head Coach

• [32:18] Conclusion

🎧 Subscribe & Follow Inside the Headset: Join us every week for exclusive coaching insights and stories. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

💬 Enjoy the episode? Like, leave a review, and share it with fellow football enthusiasts—it helps others discover the show!

On this episode of Inside the Headset, presented by CoachComm, we talk with Jerry Olszewski, Head Coach at Augustana University and the 2024 AFCA Division 2 Regional Coach of the Year. Coach Olszewski shares his journey of growth, his leadership philosophy, and how he uses his platform to help athletes become better people.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• 1:36 – When Coach Olszewski knew he wanted to coach.

• 2:23 – Showing the coaching staff his commitment.

• 3:47 – Learning how to coach.

• 8:03 – Biggest areas of growth as a young coach.

• 12:42 – First opportunity at Minnesota State.

• 21:05 – Value of coaching multiple positions.

• 26:45 – Balancing career moves with family decisions.

• 31:08 – Lessons learned from Arena Football.

• 42:25 – Returning as Defensive Coordinator at his alma mater.

• 51:28 – Rebuilding the Augustana program.

• 59:34 – Developing athletes into better people.

🔗 Follow & Subscribe:

• Follow Coach Olszewski: @CoachOJ_

• Follow Augustana Football: @AugieFB

• Subscribe to Inside the Headset: linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

🎧 New episodes drop weekly!

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Jim Clements, the Head Coach at Kutztown University. With over a decade of sustained success and a recent honor as the 2024 AFCA Division II Regional Coach of the Year, Coach Clements shares:

• His journey into coaching and professional growth

• Strategies for building strong programs and coaching staffs

• The value of staying connected within the coaching community

Entering his 11th season, Coach Clements has led Kutztown to an incredible 10 consecutive winning seasons, including an 11-1 record in 2024. Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with coaching wisdom, leadership advice, and practical takeaways for coaches at every level.

📖 Episode Highlights:

• 1:25 Introduction

• 3:15 Starting as a student assistant at Widener

• 8:54 Coaching high school and returning to alma mater

• 14:16 Including family in career decisions

• 28:49 Benefits of JV programs

• 42:02 Building a winning culture at Kutztown

• 55:40 Honored as 2024 AFCA Regional Coach of the Year

🎧 Follow the Show: Catch new episodes weekly and explore exclusive coaching insights. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review—it helps others find us!

💬 Connect with Coach Clements and KU Football:

• Twitter: @KUHC_Clements

• KU Football: @KUBearsFootball

Subscribe now and never miss an episode of Inside the Headset!

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Todd Knight, Head Coach at Ouachita Baptist University. With 25 years at the helm, Coach Knight shares his journey from discovering his passion for the game to becoming one of OBU’s all-time winningest coaches.

We discuss:

• His early career at Delta State and UTEP

• Lessons from becoming a head coach at just 28

• Building longevity and success at Ouachita Baptist

• Leading the Tigers to a 10-2 season and a Division 2 playoff berth in 2024

• His induction into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and recognition as the 2024 AFCA Division 2 Region 4 Regional Coach of the Year

Whether you’re a coach, a player, or a fan of the game, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, and building a winning program.

🎧 Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to leave a review—it helps others discover the show. New episodes drop every week!

Show Notes:

• 1:20 Introduction

• 3:07 High school vs. college coaching

• 15:00 Becoming HC at Delta State

• 24:50 Returning to Ouachita Baptist

• 38:17 AFCA involvement and career growth