This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Tim Polasek, Head Coach of North Dakota State University Football. From his early days in coaching to leading the Bison to a 2024 National Championship, Coach Polasek shares his journey, lessons learned, and insights into building a championship culture.

🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Coach Polasek started his coaching career

• The challenges and rewards of coaching at different levels

• The importance of balancing tradition with innovation

• Key leadership lessons for aspiring coaches and players

🏆 About Coach Tim Polasek: Coach Polasek’s leadership earned him the 2024 AFCA FCS Region 4 Regional Coach of the Year honor after an incredible season at NDSU. His career is a masterclass in perseverance, adaptability, and creating a culture of success.

📌 Episode Highlights:

• 3:27: Why Coach Polasek chose coaching as his career

• 15:37: Building a championship culture at NDSU

• 29:37: Balancing tradition with progress

• 42:24: Navigating challenges as a first-time head coach

• 1:06: Reflecting on national success and personal growth

🔗 Follow Coach Polasek and NDSU Football

• Twitter: @CoachTimNDSU

• Twitter: @NDSUfootball

💬 Join the Conversation: What’s your biggest takeaway from Coach Polasek’s journey? Share your thoughts and tag us on social media!

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In this episode of Inside the Headset, BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake joins us to share his journey in college football coaching, overcoming career challenges, and how he finds joy and purpose in his work. As he enters his 10th season at BYU, Sitake reflects on an impressive 2024 season (11-2 record, Alamo Bowl win) and his appointment to the AFCA Board of Trustees.

1:17 – Introduction 1:36 – Being named to the AFCA Board of Trustees 3:24 – When did Sitake know he wanted to coach? 7:12 – Learning from legendary coaches & mentorship 10:43 – Breaking into college coaching & landing his first job 15:44 – The importance of learning what you don’t know 18:45 – How Sitake’s Polynesian heritage shaped his coaching style 26:04 – Academics & its role in his playing career 29:14 – Asking for help & continuous growth in coaching 34:16 – Overcoming challenges & hardships in the profession 37:40 – Coaching at a religious institution & its unique impact 44:04 – Gratitude & finding joy in coaching 47:18 – Conclusion

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📲 Twitter/X: @kalanifsitake | @BYUfootball

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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]. 

Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive content. If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a like and leave a review—it really helps others discover the show. We drop new episodes every week, so hit that follow button and never miss a moment. 

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. 

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with UC Davis Head Coach, Tim Plough. In this conversation, Coach Plough discusses his early start as an OC, the importance of surrounding yourself with good people, and how he made the most out of difficult situations. Coach Plough was recognized as the 2024 AFCA FCS Region 5 Coach of the Year after leading the Aggies to an 11-3 record and an FCS Playoff berth in 2024.  

Follow Coach Plough and UC Davis Football on social media here:  

@VintagePlough & @UCDfootball 

1:30 Finding your voice as a young coach, becoming an OC early on, and transition to Northern Arizona.  

15:18 Second stint at UC Davis, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and navigating difficult situations as a coach.  

28:24 Opportunity to coach at Cal, returning to UC Davis as the HC, and being recognized as the 2024 AFCA FCS Region 5 Coach of the Year. 

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Central Arkansas Head Coach, Nathan Brown. In this conversation, Coach Brown discusses getting an early start in the profession at his alma mater, learning from the great coaches around him, and becoming the Head Coach at UCA. Coach Brown was recognized as the 2024 AFCA FCS Region 3 Coach of the Year for his efforts leading the Bears.  

Follow Coach Brown and UCA Football on social media here:  

@NathanBrownUCA & @UCA_Football 

Show Notes:  

1:30 Getting started in the coaching profession at your alma mater after pursuing a career in professional football and working to separate and establish yourself as a coach.  

14:56 Learning from great coaches around you, taking the reins of the offense at 24 years old, and navigating the challenges you faced early on.  

26:07 Becoming the head coach at Central Arkansas and being recognized AFCA FCS Region 3 Coach of the Year. 

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

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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.