Inside the Headset with the AFCA – Details, episodes & analysis

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm we sit down with Corby Meekins, the head coach at Lutheran South Academy in Houston, Texas. In this conversation, Coach Meekins discusses the uniqueness of coaching high school football, how he went about building successful cultures, and his experience at the college level. Coach Meekins is in his first season at the helm at Lutheran South following a 3-year stint at the University of Houston. 

Follow Coach Meekins and Lutheran South Football on social media here: 

@corbymeekins & @SouthFootball24 

1:05 Following your passion to be a coach, becoming a coordinator for the first time, and navigating quick and unexpected transitions.  

30:35 Having tough conversations in job moves, working to build competitive rosters at the HS level, and becoming a head coach for the first time. 

1:00:23 Transitioning to the college level, differences between high school football and college football, and navigating staff changes.

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset, we sit down with Payton Pardee, the Special Teams Coordinator for the San Antonio Brahmas. In this conversation, Coach Pardee discusses landing his first coaching job, learning how to recruit and manage rosters, and the uniqueness of his experience coaching in the UFL. Coach Pardee is preparing for his second season with the Brahmas after a 7-3 season this past spring.  

Follow Coach Pardee and the San Antonio Brahmas on social media here: 

@CoachPardee & @XFLBrahmas 

Show Notes:  

1:05 Following in your grandfather’s footsteps, landing your first coaching job, and navigating the transition from a player to a coach. 

22:42 Building a network to help you as a young coach, learning to recruit amid change, and managing rosters at the college and the professional level. 

42:01 Prioritizing player development in the UFL, navigating the XFL/UFL merger and job transition, and how you have grown in the profession.  

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Illinois Head Coach, Bret Bielema. In this conversation, Coach Bielema discusses starting out at his alma mater, working with legendary coaches, and the impact coaches can have on their players. Coach Bielema, who just began his fourth season at Illinois, was recently named to the AFCA Board of Trustees and helped lead the Illini to a 45-0 victory to kick off their 2024 campaign.  

Follow Coach Bielema and Illinois Football on social media here:  

@BretBielema & @IlliniFootball 

1:05 Being shaped by tragedy, differentiating yourself as a coach from a player, and the power of the pen and writing notes.  

18:31 Becoming a full-time coach at Iowa, taking the leap away from your alma mater to advance your career, and joining the staff at Wisconsin.  

39:23 Working under multiple legendary coaches, navigating adversity as a head coach, and joining the AFCA Board of Trustees.  

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Wisconsin-Eau Claire Defensive Coordinator, Brady Grayvold. In this conversation, Coach Grayvold discusses getting his start in the high school ranks, taking advantage of opportunities you are given, and the uniqueness of football in the Upper Midwest. Coach Grayvold, who is set to begin his second season as the defensive signal caller, was a 2020 AFCA 35 Under 35 class member.  

Follow Coach Grayvold and Wisconsin-Eau Claire football on social media here:  

@CoachGrayvold & @UWECFootball 

Show Notes:  

1:05 Following in your dad’s footsteps, having a successful playing career at Wisconsin-Whitewater, and starting out in and adapting to high school football.  

19:04 Becoming a Head Coach at a young age, jumping to the college level, and learning how to separate work and life. 

38:43 Getting the opportunity to be a defensive coordinator, the uniqueness of football in the Upper Midwest, and experience in the AFCA’s 35 Under 35. 

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Mayville State Head Coach, Rocky Larson. In this conversation, Coach Larson discusses becoming a college coach at 18, finding his voice as a young coach, and the importance of building a staff that fits the culture of the program. Coach Larson is entering his fifth season at Mayville State and was a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.  

Follow Coach Larson and Mayville State Football on social media here:  

@coachlarsonmsu & @mayville_FB 

1:05 Shifting from waterboy to safeties coach, the value of coaching on both sides of the ball, and having tough conversations through transitions.  

24:02 Navigating through tough times in the profession, becoming a Defensive Coordinator at 23, and building relationships with fellow coaches.  

38:25 Becoming the Head Coach at Mayville State, coaching in the NAIA, and serving as the Athletic Director.  

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with CSU Pueblo Defensive Coordinator, Caid Faske. In this conversation, Coach Faske discusses how he got his start as a student assistant, the uniqueness of Division 2 football, and his AFCA 35 Under 35 experience. Coach Faske is entering his second season with the Thunderwolves and was a member of the 2019 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.  

Follow Coach Faske and CSU Pueblo Football on social media here: 

@CoachFaske & @CSUPFootball 

1:05 Starting the profession as an Undergrad, finding your voice as a young coach, and getting your first full-time job.  

23:34 Opportunity at Texas A&M-Commerce, uniqueness of Division 2 football, and transition to SFA. 

39:33 Taking full advantage of great experiences, becoming a coordinator at CSU-Pueblo, and experience in the AFCA 35 Under 35 program. 

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Mount Union Head Coach, Geoff Dartt. In this conversation, Coach Dartt discusses experiencing success as a player and a coach, navigating health issues, and becoming the head coach at his alma mater. Coach Dartt is entering his fifth season leading Mount Union and was a member of the 2018 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.  

Follow Coach Dartt and Mount Union football on social media here:  

@CoachGeoffDartt & @MountUnionFB 

Show Notes 

1:04 Playing days at Mount Union, breaking into the profession, and hardships as a first-time coordinator.  

21:46 Opportunity at WKU, navigating health issues while coaching, and becoming the head coach during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

45:00 Developing as a head coach and maintaining success at Mount Union. 

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with McMurry Defensive Coordinator, Will Snyder. In this conversation, Coach Snyder discusses growing through adversity, chasing his goal of becoming a coordinator, and loving and caring for the people you interact with. Coach Snyder is entering his third season as the defensive coordinator at McMurry.  

Follow Coach Snyder and McMurry football on social media here:  

@CoachSnyde & @McMURRYFOOTBALL 

Show Notes:  

1:05 Importance of constantly learning, chasing the goal of becoming a coordinator, and developing players off the field.  

13:53 Building your coaching network, navigating a relationship in the profession, and the importance of relationships.  

27:32 Learning many positions in pursuit of being a coordinator, opportunity at McMurry, and involvement with FCA.  

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Stony Brook Head Coach, Billy Cosh. In this conversation, Coach Cosh discusses following in his dad’s footsteps as a coach, developing as a young coordinator, hiring a staff as a first-time head coach. Coach Cosh, a member of the 2020 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class, is entering his first season at the helm of the Stony Brook program.  

Follow Coach Cosh and Stony Brook football on social media here:  

@CoachBCosh & @StonyBrookFB 

Show Notes:  

1:30 Following in your dad's footsteps, adjusting to the profession, and transitioning to Indiana.  

21:03 Sharpening your tools as a GA, first full-time gig, and developing as a young coordinator. 

40:41 Opportunity at Richmond, developing a scheme to fit your personnel, becoming a Head Coach. 

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Kansas running backs coach, Jonathan Wallace. In this conversation, Coach Wallace discusses starting out in the NAIA level, building relationships with your players, and how to navigate the profession with your spouse. Coach Wallace, who is entering his fourth season with the Jayhawks, was a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.  

Follow Coach Wallace and Kansas Football on social media here:  

@CoachWallaceKU & @KU_Football 

Show Notes:  

1:30 Transitioning from a player to a coach, acclimating to the profession, and transitioning from the SEC to the NAIA.  

20:58 Importance of genuine relationships with players, having confidence in yourself, and navigating the profession with your spouse.  

38:02 Uniqueness of coaching at a Military Academy, difficulty of leaving a job, and building a culture in a position group.  

59:02 Maintaining a personal life outside of coaching and AFCA 35 Under 35 experience.