Vann Hunt, Head Coach - Manchester
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Vann Hunt, Head Coach at Manchester University. Coach Hunt reflects on the early experiences that shaped his coaching philosophy and leadership style. He discusses the value of embracing failure as an opportunity to learn, grow, and become a better coach, while sharing lessons that have guided him throughout his career. The conversation also explores Coach Hunt’s experience in the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, highlighting the relationships, professional development and leadership...
info_outline
Zach Hanson, Offensive Line - USC
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Zach Hanson, Offensive Line Coach at USC. Coach Hanson discusses his transition from player to coach, the relationships that have helped shape his career, and the role his family has played throughout his coaching journey. He also shares his experience with the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute and how the program has helped him grow as a coach and leader. Follow Coach Hanson and USC Football: @CoachZachHanson | @uscfb Follow Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm on your favorite...
info_outline
Brian Ware, Defensive Coordinator - Cy Ranch HS (TX)
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Brian Ware, Defensive Coordinator at Cy Ranch High School in Texas. Coach Ware discusses his return to coaching, reflects on the experiences that have shaped his career, and shares how participating in the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute influenced his growth as a leader. He also offers advice for coaches looking to continue developing both personally and professionally. Follow Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes every week. For...
info_outline
Frank Reich, Offensive Coordinator - New York Jets
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Frank Reich, Offensive Coordinator of the New York Jets. Coach Reich discusses his journey from NFL quarterback to coach, how his playing career prepared him for life on the sidelines, and the lessons he learned from working alongside Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy. He also reflects on becoming an NFL offensive coordinator, leading an organization as a head coach, and the perspective gained through both the highs and lows of coaching. Show Notes: Transitioning from player to coach Learning from Peyton...
info_outline
Gary Fasching, Head Coach - Saint John's
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
Gary Fasching, Head Coach at Saint John's University (MN), joins this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm. Coach Fasching discusses what it means to lead his alma mater, the responsibility of following a legendary coach, and the values that have guided one of the nation's premier Division III football programs. He also shares leadership lessons, the importance of building meaningful relationships with players, and why coaching is about much more than wins and losses. Show Notes: Coaching at your alma mater Following a legendary coach Building a championship culture...
info_outline
Tony Kunczewski, Head Coach - Berry
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Tony Kunczewski, Head Football Coach at Berry College. Coach Kunczewski discusses the experiences that shaped his coaching career, from wearing multiple hats early on to building football programs from the ground up. He shares lessons on leadership, perseverance, staff development, and creating a culture that produces sustained success. Throughout the conversation, Coach Kunczewski reflects on overcoming adversity, learning from mentors, evaluating coaches and players, and how his philosophy has evolved...
info_outline
Deke Adams, Defensive Ends - West Virginia
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Deke Adams, Defensive Ends Coach at West Virginia University. Coach Adams shares his coaching journey through multiple levels of football and reflects on the experiences, relationships, and family support that helped shape his career. From his early days in the profession to coordinating at the FCS level and coaching in Power Four football, Coach Adams discusses the lessons learned along the way and offers valuable advice for coaches navigating their own career paths. Throughout the conversation, Coach...
info_outline
Ryan Fitzpatrick | Coaches, Quarterback Development, and the Future of Football Training with Crucible
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this episode of AFCA Studio, former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick joins AFCA Director of Education Mario Price to discuss the coaches who influenced his football journey, the lessons he learned during a 17-year NFL career, and how those experiences helped inspire the creation of Crucible. Having played for nine NFL organizations and learned under numerous offensive coordinators, Fitzpatrick developed a unique perspective on quarterback development, football intelligence, and the importance of decision-making. Now, through Crucible, he is helping quarterbacks at every level gain...
info_outline
Joe Battaglia, Head Coach - Lock Haven
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Joe Battaglia, Head Coach at Lock Haven University. Coach Battaglia shares the leadership and business lessons he has applied throughout his coaching career, discusses the value of professional development, and reflects on the journey that led him to become the head coach at Lock Haven. During the conversation, Battaglia details his experiences as a young coach working his way through the profession, including stops at Temple and Georgia Tech. He discusses the challenges of transitioning into larger...
info_outline
EJ Barthel, Running Backs - Nebraska
Inside the Headset with the AFCA
On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by EJ Barthel, Running Backs Coach at Nebraska. In this conversation, Coach Barthel reflects on his unique path through the coaching profession, from working in recruiting and player personnel to coaching running backs at the collegiate and NFL levels. He discusses the lessons he learned from legendary coaches, the evolution of recruiting, the development of a personal coaching philosophy, and the importance of embracing challenges throughout a coaching career. Coach Barthel also shares insights into...
info_outlineOn 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
🎧 Subscribe to Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and follow along for new episodes every week.