On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Matt Nardo, Head Coach at Muskingum University.

In this conversation, Coach Nardo discusses the sacrifices he made early in his coaching career, the importance of maximizing opportunities, and how experiences across multiple levels of football helped shape his leadership philosophy. He also reflects on stepping outside of his comfort zone, building high standards within a program, and lessons learned throughout his journey from graduate assistant to collegiate head coach.

Whether you are a young coach looking to grow in the profession or a veteran coach seeking perspective on leadership and development, this episode offers valuable insight into navigating a coaching career with purpose and persistence.

Follow Coach Nardo and Muskingum Football here: @CoachMNardo & @MuskingumFB

1:08 Introduction
1:26 When did you know you wanted to be a part of the profession?
3:00 How did you get selected to be a student assistant?
4:58 Sacrifices early in his coaching career
7:25 Getting his initial coaching opportunity
10:01 First position coached
12:22 First experience at Muskingum
14:41 Teaching high standards
16:22 Transition to high school football
19:41 Getting outside your comfort zone
22:15 Importance of varied experiences
24:27 Returning to college coaching
29:25 Maximizing opportunities
31:09 Time at Emporia State
35:01 Returning to Kansas high school football
39:26 Coaching in North Carolina
43:17 Lessons from first collegiate head coaching experience
47:07 Difference between GA Matt Nardo and Head Coach Matt Nardo
52:12 Advice for young coaches
54:46 Closing

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On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Tony Dungy. In this conversation, Coach Dungy reflects on his journey from collegiate quarterback at the University of Minnesota to Super Bowl-winning NFL head coach.

Coach Dungy shares lessons learned from legendary coaches like Chuck Noll, Bill Walsh, Marty Schottenheimer, and Dennis Green while discussing leadership, staff building, professional development, and the importance of leading through encouragement. He also opens up about navigating adversity, handling difficult seasons, building championship cultures in Tampa Bay and Indianapolis, and mentoring future coaches and players.

The conversation also dives into Coach Dungy's experiences as one of the early African American NFL head coaches, what it takes to lead in today's NFL, and the advice that shaped his coaching philosophy throughout his Hall of Fame career.

Follow Coach Dungy: @TonyDungy

Be sure to follow Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe for weekly conversations with coaches from across the football profession.

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On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Kaz Kazadi, Football Human Performance Coach and member of the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association Board.

Coach Kazadi shares his journey from a professional playing career into the strength and conditioning profession, along with the lessons learned through transitions across multiple programs. He discusses the role of energy and presence in coaching, and how those elements influence player development, relationships, and team culture.

Follow Coach Kazadi: @muadianvita.kazadi

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On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Ricky Rahne, Head Coach at Old Dominion.

Coach Rahne shares his journey from collegiate quarterback to FBS head coach, including the key moments that shaped his path, the mentors who influenced his development, and the lessons learned through coaching transitions at multiple programs.

He also discusses building an offensive identity, navigating career growth, and what it means to serve on the AFCA Board of Trustees in today's college football landscape.

Key Topics:

• Transition from player to coach
• Early career opportunities and networking
• Lessons from coaching transitions
• Offensive development and leadership
• Growth through multiple programs
• Building a program at Old Dominion
• Role with the AFCA Board of Trustees

Follow:
Twitter/X: @RickyRahne | @OldDominionFB

Subscribe to Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes every week.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Sean Lewis, Head Coach at San Diego State.

Coach Lewis shares his journey into the coaching profession, the offensive philosophy that helped accelerate his rise to a young head coach, and the lessons learned through both success and adversity along the way. He also discusses the importance of staying involved in the evolution of the game through his role on the AFCA Board of Trustees.

From early career decisions to leading at the FBS level, this episode provides valuable insight for coaches at every stage of the profession.

Follow Coach Lewis and San Diego State Football:
Twitter/X: @TheHC_CoachLew | @FA_SDSU

Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform, and subscribe for new episodes every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches find the show.

🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset
🔗 For more information on joining the AFCA, visit https://www.afca.com

1:10 Introduction
1:27 When did you know you wanted to coach?
2:51 First job and offensive approach
4:07 The conversation that got you into coaching
5:34 Path to Nebraska
7:01 First AFCA Convention experience
8:53 Comparing GA roles
10:31 Early eye-opening lessons
11:42 Opportunity at Akron
13:12 Navigating unexpected situations
15:36 Starting at Akron
16:18 Lessons from difficult seasons
17:42 Being let go
18:54 Career outlook and next steps
21:01 Preparing for interviews
24:21 Honesty in leadership
25:43 Staff dynamics
27:27 Evolution of roles
28:21 Adjustments as OC/QB coach
30:50 Offensive success at Bowling Green
32:58 Lessons from Syracuse
35:55 Becoming a young head coach
37:15 Transition from HC to OC
38:46 New offensive perspective
40:36 Returning to head coaching
41:58 Role on AFCA Board of Trustees
43:54 Closing

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Nick Garrett, Head Coach at Andrew College.

Coach Garrett shares the key moments that led him into the coaching profession and reflects on his journey through multiple levels of football. He discusses transitioning from player to coach, lessons learned from working under different staffs, and how those experiences have shaped his approach as a head coach.

He also dives into navigating adversity, balancing the demands of coaching and family, and the importance of modeling excellence within a program.

Twitter/X: @Dr_NickGarrett
Twitter/X: @TigersAndrew

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches find the show.

We drop new episodes every week.
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On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Joe Price III, Wide Receivers Coach at Kentucky.

Coach Price shares his journey through the coaching profession, from his early days at the high school level to coaching in the SEC. He discusses the importance of relationships, maintaining a servant mindset, and the lessons learned at each stop along the way.

In this episode, Coach Price also reflects on his experience as a video coordinator, transitioning between levels of football, and developing as a wide receivers coach. Additionally, he talks about his role on the AFCA Board of Trustees and what it means to represent assistant coaches across the profession.

@CoachJP3
@UKFootball

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We drop new episodes every week.

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For more information on joining the American Football Coaches Association, visit afca.com

1:09 Introduction
1:33 Getting started in coaching
2:42 Early leadership and playing experience
5:13 Breaking into the profession
7:03 Lessons as a video coordinator
9:31 Transition to North Shore High School
11:05 Coaching state championships
15:31 Player-coach relationships
18:11 Transitioning levels
21:09 Advice for aspiring college coaches
23:38 First college job experience
26:14 Early college coaching lessons
32:18 Moving to UTSA
38:20 Thriving as a WR coach
41:25 Evaluating opportunities
43:59 Building staff relationships
46:41 Coaching at Kentucky
48:14 AFCA Board of Trustees role
50:11 Advice for young coaches
51:56 Conclusion

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Eric Jones, Offensive Line Coach at Central College and AFCA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year.

Coach Jones shares his journey from high school coaching to the college level, lessons learned along the way, and how he develops offensive linemen while building meaningful relationships with his players.

Follow Central College Football: @CentralDutchFB

Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform. New episodes drop every week.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches find the show.

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