This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring the Edmonton Eskimos Passing Game Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach, Winston October. Coach October discusses his transition from playing to coaching, the challenges of coaching in different leagues, and the importance of networking at the annual AFCA Convention.

Winston October recently joined the Edmonton Eskimos staff as the wide receivers coach and pass game coordinator (2020). October began his CFL coaching career last year with the Ottawa RedBlacks as the club’s receivers coach (2018-19). Prior to coaching in the CFL, October spent time in the US Collegiate system as the wide receivers coach at William & Mary College (2014-17), and the assistant defensive backs and wide receivers coach at Virginia Military Institute (2007-13). Coach October is a former receiver for the Edmonton Eskimos (2001-04) and Montreal Alouettes (1999-2000). October appeared in 92 games and was a member of the 2003 Edmonton Eskimos Grey Cup championship team.

• [1:31] Start of interview
• [1:55] The transition from football player to coach
• [6:00] First interview as a young coach
• [11:19] Coaching both sides of the ball
• [13:58] Getting around people that are smarter than you
• [16:06] Challenges of coaching in different leagues
• [19:09] Advice to aspiring CFL coaches
• [21:12] Returning to the Edmonton Eskimos
• [23:48] The importance of networking at the AFCA Convention