Inside the Headset with the AFCA American Football Coaches Association

On this weeks’ episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Brennan Marion, the Offensive Coordinator at UNLV. In this conversation, Coach Marion discusses why building relationships with players is central to who he is as a coach, how he has continued to grow as a coach, and the origin of the Go-Go Offense. Coach Marion, fresh off his first season in Las Vegas, helped lead the Rebels to a 9-5 record and a bowl appearance in 2023.  

Follow Coach Marion and UNLV football on social media here:  

@BrennanMarion4 & @unlvfootball 

1:05 Finding success at the high school level through relationships and innovation.  

14:33 Jumping up to the college level and first opportunity as a position coach in college.  

32:51 Opportunities to serve as an OC at Howard and William & Mary and the development of the Go-Go Offense.  

47:30 Opportunities at Pitt and Texas and developing authentic relationships with players.  

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Anthony Goliver a defensive GA at UCLA. In this conversation, Coach Goliver discusses his transition from serving in the US Marine Corps to coaching at UCLA, getting the opportunity to coach on-base while in Japan, and his future goals in the profession. Coach Goliver is a 7-Year Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and is entering his third season with the Bruins. 

Follow Coach Goliver and UCLA Football on social media: 

@anthony_goliver & @UCLAFootball 

Show Notes:  

1:06 Experience in the Marines and coaching while on base in Japan.  

11:35 Soldiers to Sidelines Program experience and transition to UCLA. 

22:00 Navigating staff changes and growing as a young coach. 

27:54 Future goals and advice to young GA’s. 

On this episode of The Extra Yard, we sit down with Clark Flatt of the Jason Foundation and Dr. Don Arterburn of Baylor Athletics to discuss mental health awareness. May is Mental Health Awareness month, and Mr. Flatt and Dr. Arterburn talk about preparing coaches to recognize warning signs of mental health struggles in their players and staffs, how coaches can help players navigate through mental health struggles, and how to handle crises and emergencies should they arise.  

Learn more about the Jason Foundation and the NCAA’s Mental Health Best Practices here: https://jasonfoundation.com/ & https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2016/5/2/mental-health-best-practices.aspx 

Show Notes:  

0:47 Episode Introduction 

2:20 Clark Flatt – President, Jason Foundation 

17:32 Dr. Don Arterburn – Director of Mental Health Services, Baylor Athletics  

42:01 Episode Conclusion 

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Van Malone, the Assistant Head Coach and Corners coach at Kansas State. In this conversation, Coach Malone discusses his journey into the profession following a successful NFL career, his passion for developing young athletes, and his commitment to pushing for minority inclusion in the game of football. Coach Malone, who is entering his sixth season in Manhattan, KS, helped lead the Wildcats to a 9-4 record and a victory in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in 2023.  

Follow Coach Malone and K-State Football on social media here:  

@VanBMalone3rd & @KStateFB 

Show Notes:  

1:05 Getting started in the coaching profession following an NFL career. 

16:00 Adjusting, growing, and learning as a young college coach. 

34:51 Opportunities at Texas A&M, Tulsa, and Oklahoma State and finding on field success in the DB room.  

45:02 Taking on a Coordinator role at SMU and an Assistant Head Coach role at K-State.  

1:02:55 Being heavily involved in Minority Advancement in the coaching profession.  

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Jason Simpson, the Head Coach at UT Martin. In this conversation, Coach Simpson discusses the importance of using your network, being willing to self-evaluate and change for the betterment of the team, and joining the AFCA Board of Trustees this year. Coach Simpson is entering his 19th season at UT Martin and has led the Skyhawks to three straight OVC Championships.  

Follow Coach Simpson and UT Martin Football on social media here:  

@Coach_JSimpson & @UTM_FOOTBALL 

Show Notes: 

1:04 Getting started in the profession, using your network, learning, and growing as a young coach.  

27:12 Navigating through difficult times in the profession, first experience as a coordinator, being able to adjust and change.  

46:08 Challenges that come with being a Head Coach, working to maintain success, identifying coaches with a high potential for success.  

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Mike Babcock, the Head Coach at McKendree University. In this conversation, Coach Babcock discusses his humble beginnings in the profession, how he has navigated the ever-changing world of college football, and his commitment to pushing the game of football forward. Coach Babcock is entering his 12th season leading the Bearcats and has been a member of the AFCA Board of Trustees since 2023. 

Follow Coach Babcock and McKendree Football on social media here: 

@MikeBabcock44 & @Mckendree_FB 

Show Notes: 

1:04 Becoming a coach after playing, value of coaching on both sides of the ball, humble beginnings as a coach. 

21:23 First full-time job at San Diego, navigating the profession with your significant other, juggling other responsibilities on top of coaching.  

40:41 Opportunity at Colorado State-Pueblo, learning from mentors and peers, transition to McKendree. 

57:52 Differences between being the Head Coach and an Assistant Coach, finding comfort in longevity, moving football forward.