Inside the Headset with the AFCA

On this episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Ricky Rahne, Head Coach at Old Dominion.
Coach Rahne shares his journey from collegiate quarterback to FBS head coach, including the key moments that shaped his path, the mentors who influenced his development, and the lessons learned through coaching transitions at multiple programs.
He also discusses building an offensive identity, navigating career growth, and what it means to serve on the AFCA Board of Trustees in today's college football landscape.
Key Topics:
Transition from player to coach
Early career opportunities and networking
Lessons from coaching transitions
Offensive development and leadership
Growth through multiple programs
Building a program at Old Dominion
Role with the AFCA Board of Trustees
Follow: Twitter/X: @RickyRahne | @OldDominionFB
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On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Sean Lewis, Head Coach at San Diego State.
Coach Lewis shares his journey into the coaching profession, the offensive philosophy that helped accelerate his rise to a young head coach, and the lessons learned through both success and adversity along the way. He also discusses the importance of staying involved in the evolution of the game through his role on the AFCA Board of Trustees.
From early career decisions to leading at the FBS level, this episode provides valuable insight for coaches at every stage of the profession.
Follow Coach Lewis and San Diego State Football: Twitter/X: @TheHC_CoachLew | @FA_SDSU
Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform, and subscribe for new episodes every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches find the show.
🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset 🔗 For more information on joining the AFCA, visit https://www.afca.com
1:10 Introduction 1:27 When did you know you wanted to coach? 2:51 First job and offensive approach 4:07 The conversation that got you into coaching 5:34 Path to Nebraska 7:01 First AFCA Convention experience 8:53 Comparing GA roles 10:31 Early eye-opening lessons 11:42 Opportunity at Akron 13:12 Navigating unexpected situations 15:36 Starting at Akron 16:18 Lessons from difficult seasons 17:42 Being let go 18:54 Career outlook and next steps 21:01 Preparing for interviews 24:21 Honesty in leadership 25:43 Staff dynamics 27:27 Evolution of roles 28:21 Adjustments as OC/QB coach 30:50 Offensive success at Bowling Green 32:58 Lessons from Syracuse 35:55 Becoming a young head coach 37:15 Transition from HC to OC 38:46 New offensive perspective 40:36 Returning to head coaching 41:58 Role on AFCA Board of Trustees 43:54 Closing

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Nick Garrett, Head Coach at Andrew College.
Coach Garrett shares the key moments that led him into the coaching profession and reflects on his journey through multiple levels of football. He discusses transitioning from player to coach, lessons learned from working under different staffs, and how those experiences have shaped his approach as a head coach.
He also dives into navigating adversity, balancing the demands of coaching and family, and the importance of modeling excellence within a program.
Follow Coach Garrett & Andrew College Football
Twitter/X: @Dr_NickGarrett Twitter/X: @TigersAndrew
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Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches find the show.
We drop new episodes every week. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Joe Price III, Wide Receivers Coach at Kentucky.
Coach Price shares his journey through the coaching profession, from his early days at the high school level to coaching in the SEC. He discusses the importance of relationships, maintaining a servant mindset, and the lessons learned at each stop along the way.
In this episode, Coach Price also reflects on his experience as a video coordinator, transitioning between levels of football, and developing as a wide receivers coach. Additionally, he talks about his role on the AFCA Board of Trustees and what it means to represent assistant coaches across the profession.
Follow Coach Price & Kentucky Football
@CoachJP3 @UKFootball
Inside the Headset
Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show.
We drop new episodes every week.
🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset
For more information on joining the American Football Coaches Association, visit afca.com
Timestamps
1:09 Introduction 1:33 Getting started in coaching 2:42 Early leadership and playing experience 5:13 Breaking into the profession 7:03 Lessons as a video coordinator 9:31 Transition to North Shore High School 11:05 Coaching state championships 15:31 Player-coach relationships 18:11 Transitioning levels 21:09 Advice for aspiring college coaches 23:38 First college job experience 26:14 Early college coaching lessons 32:18 Moving to UTSA 38:20 Thriving as a WR coach 41:25 Evaluating opportunities 43:59 Building staff relationships 46:41 Coaching at Kentucky 48:14 AFCA Board of Trustees role 50:11 Advice for young coaches 51:56 Conclusion

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Eric Jones, Offensive Line Coach at Central College and AFCA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year.
Coach Jones shares his journey from high school coaching to the college level, lessons learned along the way, and how he develops offensive linemen while building meaningful relationships with his players.
Follow Central College Football: @CentralDutchFB
Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform. New episodes drop every week.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches find the show.
🔗 https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset