Inside the Headset with the AFCA

On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Ricky Rahne, Head Coach at Old Dominion.

Coach Rahne shares his journey from collegiate quarterback to FBS head coach, including the key moments that shaped his path, the mentors who influenced his development, and the lessons learned through coaching transitions at multiple programs.

He also discusses building an offensive identity, navigating career growth, and what it means to serve on the AFCA Board of Trustees in today's college football landscape.

Key Topics:

• Transition from player to coach
• Early career opportunities and networking
• Lessons from coaching transitions
• Offensive development and leadership
• Growth through multiple programs
• Building a program at Old Dominion
• Role with the AFCA Board of Trustees

Follow: Twitter/X: @RickyRahne | @OldDominionFB

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On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Sean Lewis, Head Coach at San Diego State.

Coach Lewis shares his journey into the coaching profession, the offensive philosophy that helped accelerate his rise to a young head coach, and the lessons learned through both success and adversity along the way. He also discusses the importance of staying involved in the evolution of the game through his role on the AFCA Board of Trustees.

From early career decisions to leading at the FBS level, this episode provides valuable insight for coaches at every stage of the profession.

Follow Coach Lewis and San Diego State Football: Twitter/X: @TheHC_CoachLew | @FA_SDSU

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🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset 🔗 For more information on joining the AFCA, visit https://www.afca.com

1:10 Introduction 1:27 When did you know you wanted to coach? 2:51 First job and offensive approach 4:07 The conversation that got you into coaching 5:34 Path to Nebraska 7:01 First AFCA Convention experience 8:53 Comparing GA roles 10:31 Early eye-opening lessons 11:42 Opportunity at Akron 13:12 Navigating unexpected situations 15:36 Starting at Akron 16:18 Lessons from difficult seasons 17:42 Being let go 18:54 Career outlook and next steps 21:01 Preparing for interviews 24:21 Honesty in leadership 25:43 Staff dynamics 27:27 Evolution of roles 28:21 Adjustments as OC/QB coach 30:50 Offensive success at Bowling Green 32:58 Lessons from Syracuse 35:55 Becoming a young head coach 37:15 Transition from HC to OC 38:46 New offensive perspective 40:36 Returning to head coaching 41:58 Role on AFCA Board of Trustees 43:54 Closing

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Nick Garrett, Head Coach at Andrew College.

Coach Garrett shares the key moments that led him into the coaching profession and reflects on his journey through multiple levels of football. He discusses transitioning from player to coach, lessons learned from working under different staffs, and how those experiences have shaped his approach as a head coach.

He also dives into navigating adversity, balancing the demands of coaching and family, and the importance of modeling excellence within a program.

Twitter/X: @Dr_NickGarrett Twitter/X: @TigersAndrew

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches find the show.

We drop new episodes every week. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Joe Price III, Wide Receivers Coach at Kentucky.

Coach Price shares his journey through the coaching profession, from his early days at the high school level to coaching in the SEC. He discusses the importance of relationships, maintaining a servant mindset, and the lessons learned at each stop along the way.

In this episode, Coach Price also reflects on his experience as a video coordinator, transitioning between levels of football, and developing as a wide receivers coach. Additionally, he talks about his role on the AFCA Board of Trustees and what it means to represent assistant coaches across the profession.

@CoachJP3 @UKFootball

Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show.

We drop new episodes every week.

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For more information on joining the American Football Coaches Association, visit afca.com

1:09 Introduction 1:33 Getting started in coaching 2:42 Early leadership and playing experience 5:13 Breaking into the profession 7:03 Lessons as a video coordinator 9:31 Transition to North Shore High School 11:05 Coaching state championships 15:31 Player-coach relationships 18:11 Transitioning levels 21:09 Advice for aspiring college coaches 23:38 First college job experience 26:14 Early college coaching lessons 32:18 Moving to UTSA 38:20 Thriving as a WR coach 41:25 Evaluating opportunities 43:59 Building staff relationships 46:41 Coaching at Kentucky 48:14 AFCA Board of Trustees role 50:11 Advice for young coaches 51:56 Conclusion

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Eric Jones, Offensive Line Coach at Central College and AFCA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year.

Coach Jones shares his journey from high school coaching to the college level, lessons learned along the way, and how he develops offensive linemen while building meaningful relationships with his players.

Follow Central College Football: @CentralDutchFB

Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform. New episodes drop every week.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches find the show.

🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

Kennesaw State Head Coach Jerry Mack joins Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm to share his journey through the coaching profession and the lessons that shaped him along the way.

From breaking into coaching at Delta State to leading programs at multiple levels of college football and gaining experience in the NFL. Coach Mack reflects on the key moments that defined his career. He discusses the value of relationships, adaptability, and continuous growth, while offering insight into building a coaching philosophy and managing people effectively.

Whether you're an aspiring coach or a veteran in the profession, this episode provides practical advice on navigating a coaching career, developing as a leader, and maximizing opportunities at every level of the game.

Be sure to subscribe to Inside the Headset for weekly conversations with leaders across the coaching profession.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Steve Englehart, Head Coach at West Georgia and the 2025 AFCA FCS Coach of the Year.

Coach Englehart reflects on the journey that shaped his career in the coaching profession, including building programs at multiple levels of college football, launching a startup program at Florida Tech, and the lessons learned through the highs and challenges of leading a team.

He also shares insight into hiring and developing assistant coaches, the experience of coaching his son at Presbyterian College, and what it meant to be recognized by the American Football Coaches Association as the 2025 AFCA FCS Coach of the Year.

🎧 Inside the Headset is the official podcast of the American Football Coaches Association, featuring conversations with coaches and leaders from across the football profession.

Follow Coach Englehart and West Georgia Football: X: @Coach_Englehart X: @UWGFootball

Film study has always been one of the most time-consuming parts of the coaching profession. Hours of data entry, tagging plays, and searching through film can take coaches away from what matters most developing players and preparing their team. ANSRS is changing that.

In this video, we take a closer look at how ANSRS is transforming the way football coaches analyze film, build scouting reports, and make in-game adjustments. Built by a former college coach who experienced the grind of the film room firsthand, ANSRS automates film breakdown, instantly generates video cutups, and allows coaches to filter game situations in seconds. Instead of digging through endless hours of film, coaches can now find exactly what they need with a few clicks. Programs across the country are using ANSRS to streamline film study, improve game planning, and make faster adjustments on Friday nights and Saturdays. Learn how this technology is helping football staffs work smarter and giving coaches more time to do what they love coach the game.

This content was created in partnership with ANSRS. For more information, you can visit https://ansrs.ai/.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Tyler Almond, Head Coach at Carson-Newman University.

In this conversation, Coach Almond shares his journey through the coaching profession, beginning as a young coach trying to establish himself at just 19 years old and working his way through multiple roles across college football.

Coach Almond discusses his early coaching experiences, breaking into the college ranks, and the lessons he learned while navigating the realities of the profession—from volunteer positions to full-time roles. He also reflects on the impact of mentorship, the importance of building meaningful relationships in coaching, and the experiences that helped shape his leadership style.

A member of the 2020 AFCA 35 Under 35 class, Almond talks about the value of the program and the connections he built through the AFCA. He also reflects on the honor of being named the 2025 AFCA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year.

Now leading the Carson-Newman football program as head coach, Almond shares how his experiences across the profession prepared him for the responsibility of leading a team and building a program culture.

Follow Coach Almond and Carson-Newman Football

X / Twitter: @Coach_Almond @cnfootball

On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Bryant Haines, Defensive Coordinator at Indiana University and the 2025 AFCA FBS Assistant Coach of the Year.

Coach Haines shares the experiences that shaped his coaching journey from his early days as a graduate assistant to leading a Power Four defense. He discusses lessons learned early in his career, mentorship and leadership development, navigating coaching opportunities across the country, and the challenges that come with building championship-caliber programs.

Haines also reflects on working alongside Curt Cignetti, transitioning into a full-time defensive coordinator role, and the advice he gives young coaches looking to grow in today's profession.

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