This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring the Defensive Line Coach and Defensive Run Game Coordinator from Eastern Kentucky, Jeremy Hawkins. Coach Hawkins discusses the adversity faced in the profession, the financial sacrifice of being a coach, and his professional development with the AFCA.

Jeremy Hawkins joined Eastern Kentucky's staff as the defensive line coach in January 2020. Coach Hawkins has also spent time as player personnel director at LSU and UAB. He was a four-year letter winner at Troy and earned his bachelor's degree in sports and fitness management in 2009 and a master's degree in sports administration in 2014. Coach Hawkins was also recently selected as a member of the 2022 AFCA 35 under 35 class this past winter.

1:45 What drives your passion to coach?

3:55 How do you stay consistent with your energy?

6:35 Time as Player Personnel Director

7:30 Hard times in the coaching profession

12:00 How did you address difficulties financially?

18:20 Professional development with AFCA

21:47 NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship

26:30 Setting the bar for next year’s class

27:00 Social Media/Conclusion