Inside the Headset with the AFCA

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Fred Walker, Offensive Assistant for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Coach Walker shares how he began his football coaching journey as a student assistant at Mississippi State and how his experiences helped him build a path to the NFL. He also reflects on the lessons learned along the way and what it takes to grow as a coach at every level of the game.

If you're passionate about football coaching, career development in sports, or want to hear first-hand stories from NFL coaches, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen to Inside the Headset every week for conversations with top coaches from all levels, offering insight into leadership, strategy, and success in the game.

In this episode, we talk with Adam Randall, running back at Clemson University and a proud member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Adam shares how football has become more than just a sport; it's a platform to serve others. From hosting free youth football camps and awarding scholarships through The Randall Foundation to mission trips in South Africa and Italy, Adam's impact stretches far beyond the field.

He also discusses his selfless transition from wide receiver to running back ahead of the 2024 College Football Playoff, his role as a P.A.W. Journey ambassador, and his heart for helping young adults with intellectual disabilities through the Clemson LIFE program.

This conversation is about leadership and what it truly means to put others first.

Follow Clemson Football on social media: @ClemsonFB

In this conversation, we're joined by Bucknell senior cornerback and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team honoree, Terian Williams II.

After starting his career at Stanford, Terian transferred to Bucknell, where he quickly became a leader and was named team captain. Off the field, he founded the It Takes a Village Family Foundation, a nonprofit focused on empowering underserved youth and supporting families in need. From providing groceries and furniture during the holidays to supporting homeless fathers on Father's Day, Terian is making an impact in both Atlanta and Lewisburg.

He's also a passionate advocate for student-athletes, recently serving as one of just seven athletes invited to the inaugural Athletes.org Leadership & Policy Summit.

In this conversation, Terian shares his journey of leadership, service, and purpose—both on the field and in the community—and what it truly means to make a difference.

Follow Bucknell Football: @bucknell_fb

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Vince Luvara, Head Coach at Hampden-Sydney College. Coach Luvara talks about his path from player to coach, lessons learned through special teams, preparing to become a defensive coordinator, and the transition to leading his own program. He also reflects on what it meant to be named to the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute.

If you enjoy this episode, don't forget to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps more coaches and fans find the show.

Key Topics:

• Breaking into coaching after his playing career

• Taking on special teams early in his career

• Coaching experiences at Allegheny and Washington & Jefferson

• Preparing for coordinator and head coach roles

• Insights from the AFCA 35 Under 35 class

Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:35 – Why Coach Luvara chose coaching 04:15 – Breaking in after his playing career 09:12 – Early doubts about coaching 11:14 – Taking over special teams as a rookie coach 12:45 – Coaching at his alma mater, Allegheny 15:28 – Adjusting as STC the second time 17:25 – Transition to Washington & Jefferson 21:17 – Most impactful coaching stop 24:05 – Preparing for and growing as a DC 27:25 – Lessons learned from success at W&J 30:40 – Becoming HC at Hampden-Sydney 36:50 – AFCA 35 Under 35 experience 38:35 – Closing thoughts

In today's conversation we're joined by University at Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock, a 2024 All-MAC First Team selection and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Off the field, his impact is just as powerful. Red founded Virginia Homework Helpers, a free tutoring program helping K–12 students overcome educational barriers. He's also volunteered at more than 25 community events in just four months, mentoring youth and giving back in meaningful ways.

Red's story is one of leadership, service, and using his platform as a student-athlete to inspire lasting change.

Follow Buffalo Football: @bullsfb

In this conversation we're joined by Devin Williams, senior defensive back at Bethel University, three-time All-Region cornerback, and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Devin has been a leader for one of the nation's top NCAA Division III defenses, but his biggest impact comes off the field—where he's dedicated over 300 hours of community service. From mentoring students in Bethel's BUILD program to coaching youth sports and volunteering with Feed My Starving Children, Devin embodies what it means to be a true servant-leader.

🎧 Tune in to hear Devin's story of football, leadership, and using his platform to make a difference.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Mac Alexander, Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator at Colorado State Pueblo.

Coach Alexander reflects on his coaching career path, from student assistant to Assistant HC, with stops at Colorado Mesa, Fort Lewis, Tarleton State, Washington State, and Western New Mexico. He discusses the importance of working for the right people, building trust with players and staff, and the leadership lessons that helped shape his career.

Alexander also shares what it meant to be recognized as part of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute and why young coaches should apply for the program.

👉 Follow Coach Alexander: @CoachMac_A 👉 Follow CSU Pueblo Football: @CSUPFootball

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

Denison University senior offensive lineman and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team member, Canyon Schneider, joins the AFCA for an inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and impact.

A 30-game starter and Academic Honor Roll standout, Canyon has excelled on the field and in the classroom—earning Academic All-District and All-NCAC honors. Beyond football, he has volunteered more than 400 hours at local hospitals, led Denison's Mission34 mental health initiative, and mentored youth through coaching, school visits, and community programs.

Canyon's story reflects the heart of a true leader, dedicated to making a lasting difference both on and off the field.

Follow Denison Football on social media: @DenisonFB

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sat down with Nick Lezynski, Linebackers Coach at Vanderbilt University.

Coach Lezynski shares his coaching journey, from his playing days at Notre Dame to breaking into the profession at Holy Cross, and eventually reuniting with Clark Lea at Vanderbilt. He also dives into the importance of building strong relationships with players and coaches, and reflects on being named to the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.

🔗 Follow Coach Lezynski and Vanderbilt Football: Twitter/X: @Coach_Lezynski | @VandyFootball

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⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 01:29 – Why coaching? 03:45 – Playing both sides at Notre Dame 06:50 – First job at Holy Cross 11:20 – Early foresight into coaching 14:25 – Intern experience at Holy Cross 18:00 – Overcoming challenges & finding a niche 28:00 – Leaving Holy Cross 32:30 – Interview process at Lafayette 35:40 – Success in year one 37:45 – Return to Notre Dame 53:40 – Reuniting with Clark Lea at Vanderbilt 58:05 – AFCA 35 Under 35 experience 1:01:33 – Closing thoughts

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Zach Kittley, Head Coach at Florida Atlantic University. Coach Kittley shares his path from following his father's coaching legacy to becoming a Division I head coach, his experiences with the Air Raid offense, and the process of building his staff and culture at FAU.

If you're a coach, player, or fan interested in offensive strategy and leadership, this episode is packed with valuable insight.

Episode Timestamps:

• 1:13 – Introduction

• 1:48 – Deciding to pursue coaching

• 8:10 – Balancing student life and coaching

• 12:20 – Developing as a QB coach at Texas Tech

• 15:20 – Opportunity at Houston Christian

• 18:50 – First challenges as an OC

• 24:50 – Adapting in the Air Raid offense

• 26:40 – Lessons from first year as an OC

• 30:20 – Taking the Western Kentucky job

• 39:00 – Building a stronger run game

• 42:30 – Returning to Texas Tech as OC

• 49:40 – Coaching at his alma mater

• 54:30 – Building a staff at FAU

• 1:00:00 – Importance of AFCA 35 Under 35 program

• 1:01:32 – Conclusion

👉 Follow Coach Kittley on Twitter/X: @ZKittley & @FAUFootball 🎧 Subscribe to Inside the Headset for new episodes every week!