James Ross III, OLB/Defensive Ends - Houston
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
Release Date: 10/30/2025
Bryant Haines, Defensive Coordinator - Indiana
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Bryant Haines, Defensive Coordinator at Indiana University and the 2025 AFCA FBS Assistant Coach of the Year. Coach Haines shares the experiences that shaped his coaching journey from his early days as a graduate assistant to leading a Power Four defense. He discusses lessons learned early in his career, mentorship and leadership development, navigating coaching opportunities across the country, and the challenges that come with building championship-caliber programs. Haines also reflects on working alongside...
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Brent Vigen, Head Coach - Montana State
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Brent Vigen, head coach at Montana State University. Coach Vigen shares his journey from graduate assistant to national championship head coach and reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy. He discusses learning under Craig Bohl, developing players at a high level — including his experience coaching Josh Allen and what it takes to build and sustain a championship culture. In this conversation, Coach Vigen breaks down: Earning credibility as a young coach Leading fellow...
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Keith Clark, Offensive Line - Dartmouth
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Keith Clark, Offensive Line Coach at Dartmouth and the 2025 AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year. Coach Clark shares his unconventional coaching journey, including his early experience coaching football in Italy, the lessons he learned as a young head coach overseas, and how those experiences shaped his teaching philosophy. He discusses returning to his alma mater, earning an opportunity at the University of Maine, navigating his first full-time role in college football, and building credibility within a staff....
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Matt Walker, Head Coach - UW-River Falls
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Matt Walker, head football coach at University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Coach Walker reflects on his journey through the profession, including his early years as both a head baseball and football coach, the lessons learned from navigating tough seasons, and the mindset shifts that helped him build a national championship program at the Division III level. Follow Coach Walker and UW–River Falls Football: @CoachWalkerRF | @UWRFFootball Subscribe, rate, and review Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast...
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Lou Marinelli, Head Coach - New Canaan HS
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this episode of Inside the Headset Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Lou Marinelli, Head Coach at New Canaan High School. Coach Marinelli shares reflections from his long and successful coaching career, including how he built a winning program, developed players, and stayed true to the values that define great leadership. This conversation dives into program culture, consistency, and the lessons learned from decades on the sidelines. It’s a powerful look at what it takes to sustain success and positively impact young athletes through football. Follow Coach Marinelli and New Canaan...
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Joel Osborn, Head Coach - Benedictine
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this episode of Inside the Headset, presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Benedictine Head Coach Joel Osborn, the 2025 AFCA NAIA Coach of the Year. Coach Osborn shares his journey from Northwest Missouri State to leading one of the top programs in the NAIA, the value of coaching multiple positions, and how that experience shaped him as a play caller and leader. He also discusses building a championship culture at Benedictine, hiring a trusted staff, and what it means to be recognized by his peers with one of the highest honors in the profession.
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Ryan Jirgl, ST Coordinator - LIU
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
In this episode of Inside the Headset, presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Ryan Jirgl, the Special Teams Coordinator and Safeties Coach at Long Island University. Coach Jirgl shares the story of his journey through the coaching profession, including the people and experiences that helped shape his approach to teaching, leadership, and player development. This interview took place before the seasoooooooooooooooooon. He talks about the importance of relationships in coaching, staying committed to growth, and the unique opportunity that comes with working across the entire roster through...
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Clint Killough, Head Coach - UIW
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Clint Killough, Head Coach at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). This conversation was recorded prior to the start of the season. Coach Killough reflects on his journey through football, how the game shaped his relationships, and the experiences that guided his coaching career. He also discusses what it means to be in charge of an FCS program, the responsibility that comes with leading young men, and the importance of culture, trust, and personal growth within a team. Topics include: How football...
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How Game On Turf Is Transforming College Football Field Design | Shaw Sports Turf
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
Step inside the innovation that’s changing the look and performance of football fields across the country. Shaw Sports Turf’s Game On technology is redefining how programs design, install, and customize their synthetic turf. From Kansas’ viral wheat-themed end zones to Denver’s skyline lacrosse field, schools at every level are turning to Game On for its seamless construction, faster installation, and expanded creative capabilities. With lines, numbers, logos, and field markings built directly into the turf at the factory, Game On eliminates hundreds of cuts, reducing failure points...
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Jeff Monken, Head Coach - Army | 2025 AFCA Convention Presentation
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset — Presented by CoachComm, we bring you Army Head Coach Jeff Monken’s powerful presentation from the 2025 AFCA Convention. Coach Monken dives into his early passion for football, his leadership philosophy, and why building meaningful relationships is at the core of his coaching approach. 📌 In this talk, you’ll learn about: – The moments that shaped Coach Monken’s coaching journey – His belief in disciplined, purpose-driven leadership – How relationships influence culture, performance, and longevity – Core principles he uses to...
info_outlineOn this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by James Ross III, the Defensive Ends and Outside Linebackers Coach at the University of Houston.
Coach Ross shares his journey from player to coach, lessons learned from his time at Michigan, Hope College, Cincinnati, and Tulane, and how he’s learned to balance family life with the demands of coaching. A proud member of the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, Ross also reflects on what the honor means and how it’s shaping his coaching future.
Whether you’re a coach, player, or fan, this conversation offers powerful insight into leadership, growth, and balance in the football profession.
🔗 Follow Coach Ross and Houston Football:
@CoachRoss___ | @UHCougarFB
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00:00 – Introduction
01:37 – When did you know you wanted to be a coach?
05:00 – Helping players handle the end of their playing careers
06:05 – Getting the opportunity to join Michigan as a GA
10:30 – Prioritizing family within a demanding career
14:45 – Transitioning from player to coach at Michigan
17:04 – Takeaways from the first years in coaching
20:00 – Joining Hope College as Linebackers Coach
25:30 – Running your own position room for the first time
28:50 – Landing the job coaching Outside Linebackers at Cincinnati
34:25 – The importance of spousal support and buy-in
40:00 – Coaching higher-level players with NFL aspirations
42:10 – Learning curves after joining Cincinnati’s staff
49:30 – Navigating waiting periods between jobs
53:20 – Lessons learned from early career experiences
55:20 – The impact of a pivotal year at Tulane
57:15 – Transitioning to Houston
1:01:05 – Reflections on the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35 experience
1:03:00 – Closing thoughts