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.

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Danny Wuerffel from the Wuerffel Foundation as he reflects on his playing career, shares his passion for community service, and talks about the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy and its collaboration with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. A former Heisman Trophy winner and National Champion at the University of Florida, Danny Wuerffel has devoted his life to serving others and honoring the service contributions of current college football players.

Follow Danny Wuerffel and the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy on social media here:

@DannyWuerffel & @WuerffelTrophy

1:05 Reflecting on your successful playing career and the coaches that impacted your career.

8:30 Getting involved with Desire Street Ministries and becoming the Executive Director following Hurricane Katrina.

16:55 Establishing the Wuerffel Trophy and partnering with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Southern Illinois Defensive Coordinator, Antonio James. In this conversation, Coach James discusses getting his start at the high school level, navigating job changes, and learning from every experience he has. Coach James is in his third season at Southern Illinois and has helped lead the Salukis to a 2-1 start to their 2024 season.

Follow Coach James and Southern Illinois Football on social media here:

@2_adjames & @SIU_Football

1:05 Getting started at the high school level, emphasizing the basics at every level, and opportunity to jump to the college level.

22:36 Being confident in your teaching ability, navigating staff and job changes as a young coach, and opportunity at Morgan State.

54:30 Learning from each experience, coaching away from the spotlight, and opportunity at Southern Illinois.

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Missouri State Head Coach, Ryan Beard. In this conversation, Coach Beard discusses the value of building genuine relationships, taking leaps of faith to advance his career, and his AFCA 35 Under 35 experience this past January. Coach Beard, a member of the 2023 AFCA 35 Under 35 class, just kicked off his second season leading the Bears.

Follow Coach Beard and Missouri State Football on social media here:

@Ry_Beard & @MoStateFootball

1:05 Transitioning from player to coach, building genuine relationships with your network, and volatility of the coaching profession.

20:57 Defining your why as a coach, coaching at the Division 2 level, and returning to Western Kentucky.

40:01 Benefits of coaching special teams, navigating the profession with your spouse, and transition to Central Michigan.

1:02:14 Adapting to the ever-changing nature of football, becoming the Head Coach at Missouri State, and experience in the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute.

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Illinois Head Coach, Bret Bielema. In this conversation, Coach Bielema discusses starting out at his alma mater, working with legendary coaches, and the impact coaches can have on their players. Coach Bielema, who just began his fourth season at Illinois, was recently named to the AFCA Board of Trustees and helped lead the Illini to a 45-0 victory to kick off their 2024 campaign.

Follow Coach Bielema and Illinois Football on social media here:

@BretBielema & @IlliniFootball

1:05 Being shaped by tragedy, differentiating yourself as a coach from a player, and the power of the pen and writing notes.

18:31 Becoming a full-time coach at Iowa, taking the leap away from your alma mater to advance your career, and joining the staff at Wisconsin.

39:23 Working under multiple legendary coaches, navigating adversity as a head coach, and joining the AFCA Board of Trustees.

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Mayville State Head Coach, Rocky Larson. In this conversation, Coach Larson discusses becoming a college coach at 18, finding his voice as a young coach, and the importance of building a staff that fits the culture of the program. Coach Larson is entering his fifth season at Mayville State and was a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.

Follow Coach Larson and Mayville State Football on social media here:

@coachlarsonmsu & @mayville_FB

1:05 Shifting from waterboy to safeties coach, the value of coaching on both sides of the ball, and having tough conversations through transitions.

24:02 Navigating through tough times in the profession, becoming a Defensive Coordinator at 23, and building relationships with fellow coaches.

38:25 Becoming the Head Coach at Mayville State, coaching in the NAIA, and serving as the Athletic Director.

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with CSU Pueblo Defensive Coordinator, Caid Faske. In this conversation, Coach Faske discusses how he got his start as a student assistant, the uniqueness of Division 2 football, and his AFCA 35 Under 35 experience. Coach Faske is entering his second season with the Thunderwolves and was a member of the 2019 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.

Follow Coach Faske and CSU Pueblo Football on social media here:

@CoachFaske & @CSUPFootball

1:05 Starting the profession as an Undergrad, finding your voice as a young coach, and getting your first full-time job.

23:34 Opportunity at Texas A&M-Commerce, uniqueness of Division 2 football, and transition to SFA.

39:33 Taking full advantage of great experiences, becoming a coordinator at CSU-Pueblo, and experience in the AFCA 35 Under 35 program.