This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Illinois State’s defensive backs & defensive associate head coach, Mike Banks. Coach Banks talks about his time coaching at his alma mater, what he looks for in upcoming players, and his professional development.

Mike Banks is in his fifth season as an assistant coach in 2022 working with the team's defensive backs. Prior to joining the staff full-time, Banks worked the previous two seasons with the ISU football staff as a graduate manager, while working towards completion of his master’s degree. Banks was a four-year letterwinner for the Redbirds (2011-14) as a cornerback and started all 50 career games he played in. He ranks No. 3 all-time at ISU in career passes defended with 46. Banks received his bachelor’s degree in health education from Illinois State in December 2015 and his master’s degree in psychology of sport and physical activity from Illinois State in May 2018.

He was also recognized as a part of the 2022 AFCA 35u35 class this past January.

1:50 Longevity at Illinois State

3:12 Time with Coach Travis

4:30 Transition from player to coach

6:04 Things you look for in a DB

7:08 Things you hate to see in a player

9:26 Advice for young coaches with kids

11:19 Transition after COVID

14:34 Role as Defensive Asst. HC

17:04 Mentors outside of Illinois State

19:38 Perseverance in applying for 35u35

22:02 Social/Conclusion

Twitter: @Coach_MBanks24