Inside the Headset with the AFCA
Inside the Headset with the AFCA

Inside the Headset with the AFCA

American Football Coaches Association

Overview
Episodes

Details

Inside the Headset with the AFCA takes you in-depth with interviews, career breakdowns, and coaching development with football coaches around the country.

Recent Episodes

Jeff Monken, Head Coach - Army | 2025 AFCA Convention Presentation
DEC 11, 2025
Jeff Monken, Head Coach - Army | 2025 AFCA Convention Presentation

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 guide the Army Football program

📣 Follow Coach Monken & Army Football: @CoachJeffMonken | @ArmyWP_Football

🎧 Listen to Inside the Headset: Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and follow us here for weekly conversations with coaches across all levels of football. If you enjoyed this episode, please like the video and drop a review—it helps more coaches and fans discover the show. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

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41 MIN
Curt Cignetti, Head Coach - Indiana
DEC 4, 2025
Curt Cignetti, Head Coach - Indiana

This week on Inside the Headset, presented by CoachComm, we are featuring Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti's presentation from the 2025 AFCA Convention

In this conversation, Coach Cignetti reflects on his coaching journey and the intentional steps he's taken to build winning programs. He explains the foundation of Indiana's cultural transformation, emphasizing the importance of setting high standards, maintaining clear expectations, and enforcing strong accountability at every level.

A must-listen for coaches looking to strengthen culture, leadership, and program development.

Follow Indiana Football: CCignettiIU & @IndianaFootball

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38 MIN
Matt Hofer | University of Toledo Offensive Lineman & Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Member
DEC 3, 2025
Matt Hofer | University of Toledo Offensive Lineman & Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Member

Today we sit down with Matt Hofer, an offensive lineman at the University of Toledo and a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Over the last two years, Matt has committed himself to global mission work, traveling to Kenya and the Philippines to serve in schools, orphanages, and churches, supporting underserved communities through faith and service.

His impact extends to his hometown too, where he volunteers with the Cherry Street Mission, the Toledo Boys & Girls Club, and Victory Day, along with outreach efforts in local schools and community programs throughout Toledo.

In this conversation, Matt opens up about his faith, leadership mindset, life as a student athlete, and the deeper purpose that drives him beyond the football field.

A story about serving others, leading with humility, and using the platform of sport to make a real difference.

🔔 New episodes drop every week. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to hear more leadership and

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14 MIN
CJ Nightingale, Head Coach - Belhaven
NOV 26, 2025
CJ Nightingale, Head Coach - Belhaven

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with CJ Nightingale, the head coach at Belhaven University. Coach Nightingale discusses how his childhood shaped his coaching philosophy, details the key steps in his development as a coach, and reflects on his experience as a member of the 2022 AFCA 35 Under 35 class.

In this episode, Coach Nightingale shares: • The moment he knew he wanted to coach • Lessons learned early in his career • The transition from high school to college coaching • His time building the Indiana Wesleyan program • Establishing a defensive culture at Wheaton • The decision to take on the head coaching role at Belhaven • Insights from the AFCA 35 Under 35 program

Follow Coach Nightingale: @Coach_CDN2 Follow Belhaven Football: @BelhavenFB

📌 Subscribe for weekly conversations with coaches at every level of football. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

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44 MIN
Brett Ekkens, Head Coach - Tiffin
NOV 20, 2025
Brett Ekkens, Head Coach - Tiffin

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Brett Ekkens, the head coach at Tiffin University. Coach Ekkens shares his journey from player to coach, how adopting a no task is too small mindset shaped his career, and the lessons he learned on the way to becoming a head coach.

He also discusses staff building, taking ownership at every stage of the profession, and the leadership habits that drive success inside the Tiffin program. This is a valuable conversation for coaches at every level who are striving to grow, lead, and elevate their teams.

Follow Coach Ekkens and Tiffin Football: @Coach_Ekkens • @TiffinFootball

Stay connected with Inside the Headset: New episodes drop every week. Subscribe, rate, and review to help more coaches find the show. All links: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

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51 MIN