On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we are featuring UNLV Head Coach, Barry Odom’s General Session talk from the 2024 AFCA Convention. In this talk, Coach Odom discusses his coaching journey, how he approaches building a program, and his recruiting philosophy. Coach Odom has led the Rebels to an 8-2 record so far in the 2024 campaign.

Follow Coach Odom and UNLV Football on social media here:

@Coach_Odom & @unlvfootball

1:30 Coaching Journey

15:45 Building a Program

34:48 Recruiting Philosophy

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 Jacksonville State Safeties coach, Brandon Napoleon. In this conversation, Coach Napoleon discusses how he broke into the profession, the lessons he learned as a young coach, and how he works to take advantage of every opportunity he is given. Coach Napoleon is in his first season at Jax State.

Follow Coach Napoleon and Jax State football on social media here:

@CoachNapoleon & @JaxStateFB

1:05 Impact of transferring on your career as a coach, breaking into the coaching profession, and finding ways to learn and build a network.

20:04 Early job opportunities, taking advantage of learning opportunities, and experience at Buffalo.

43:00 Most impactful stops in your career, landing at Jax State, and looking back on your career.

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Moravian Head Coach, Jeff Long. In this conversation, Coach Long discusses how his background as a teacher helped him in coaching, how he grew as a young coordinator, and being handed the keys to the Moravian program. Coach Long is in his second season leading the Moravian program and was a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.

Follow Coach Long and Moravian football on social media here:

@CoachLongMUFB & @MoravianFB

Show Notes:

1:05 Similarities between Teaching and Coaching, breaking into the profession, and transitioning from coaching high school to college.

24:05 Internship with Philadelphia Eagles, developing as a young coach, and transitioning to John Carroll.

46:41 Becoming a coordinator for the first time, the opportunity to be a Head Coach, and AFCA 35 Under 35 Experience.

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with West Georgia Running Backs coach, Reid Sanders. In this conversation, Coach Sanders reflects on the moment he realized he wanted to pursue coaching, his early experiences leading a team as a young coach, and his time as a high school Head Coach. Coach Sanders is in his first season at West Georgia and was a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.

Follow Coach Sanders and West Georgia Football on social media here:

@RTS_9 & @UWGFootball

1:05 Breaking into the profession, leading a room as a young coach, and returning to your alma mater as a coach.

27:30 Moving to the High School level, applying professional and college schemes to the high school level, and becoming a head coach.

44:47 Hiring a high school coaching staff, returning to the collegiate level, and AFCA 35 Under 35 Experience.

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Furman Defensive Coordinator, Duane Vaughn. In this conversation, Coach Vaughn discusses his career with Furman, how he has continued to develop as a coach, and his experience in the AFCA 35 under 35. Coach Vaughn is in his 13th season with the Paladins and was a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.

Follow Coach Vaughn and Furman Football on social media here:

@Coach_DVaughn & @PaladinFootball

1:05 Getting started at Furman, the value of coaching on both sides of the ball, and getting promoted to full-time.

17:25 Moving to the defensive side of the ball, staying focused on your tasks as you navigate staff change, and serving as a recruiting coordinator as college football changes.

39:32 Getting promoted to Defensive Coordinator, learning to see the game holistically, AFCA 35 Under 35 experience.

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Widener Head Coach, Mike Barainyak. In this conversation, Coach Barainyak discusses his passion for the game of football, how he strives to serve his players, and the importance of being where your feet are. Coach Barainyak is in his sixth season at Widener and was a member of the 2020 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.

Follow Coach Barainyak and Widener Football on social media here:

@Coach_Barry & @Widener_FB

Show Notes:

1:05 Having a passion for the game since childhood, coaching guys that you played with, and wearing many hats as a coach at a small school.

22:32 Opportunities to learn at different levels of football, coaching JV as a young coach, and stepping out of your comfort zone and expanding your knowledge.

46:16 Returning to Pennsylvania to coach at Widener, becoming the Head Coach at Widener, and experience in the AFCA 35 Under 35.