Bryan Nardo

Inside the Headset: Bryan Nardo

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring the Defensive Coordinator at Gannon University, Bryan Nardo. Coach Nardo discusses his start in coaching and his career path, his defensive and recruiting philosophy, and the impact the AFCA has had on his career. Bryan Nardo is currently coaching at Gannon University as the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers coach. He was appointed in February 2022 after 2 years at Youngstown State and 8 years at Emporia State. Coach Nardo was named the Great Lakes Football Conference Assistant Coach of the Year in 2011 while working at Missouri S&T in Rolla, MO. He was also selected as a member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute …

Inside the Headset: Jameson Croall

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Jameson Croall, the Head Coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Coach Croall explains the unique opportunity coaching at a service academy, his coaching path, and some key takeaways from his involvement with the AFCA. Coach Croall was recently named USMMA Football’s head coach in August 2022. This will be his 11th year with the program, first as HC. The previous 10 years Coach Croall served as the Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach. A 2009 graduate of Springfield College, Croall played for four years as an offensive lineman for the Pride while earning his bachelor’s degree in physical education. He graduated with his master’s degree from Springfield in 2020. …

Inside the Headset: Eli Gardner

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Stonehill College’s head football coach Eli Gardner. Coach Gardner discusses the new changes in a coach’s career, the change to Division 1 FCS for Stonehill College, and his experience with the AFCA 35u35. Coach Gardner is in his seventh year as the head coach at Stonehill. He served in other roles at Stonehill before taking over the head coaching position with experience as the special teams & defensive coordinator and associate head coach. Coach Gardner was a part of the 2018 AFCA 35U35 class at the 2018 AFCA Convention in Charlotte, NC. Coach Gardner is a 2008 graduate of Western New England University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sports …

Inside the Headset: Julian Griffin

This week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Julian Griffin, the running backs coach at UTSA. Coach Griffin discusses his role as NFL Liaison, his recruiting approach, and the importance of having mentors in the profession. Julian Griffin played wide receiver at ULM from 2008-2012 before becoming a coach at Texas A&M Kingsville. His coaching stops include ULM, Central Methodist, SMU, Arkansas, and is now present at UTSA as the running backs coach. Coach Griffin earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and exercise fitness from ULM in 2012 and his master’s degree in education from Texas A&M-Kingsville in 2015. 2:11 What do NFL scouts look for? 4:07 Experience with PRO Days 6:29 Working with athletes outside of current discipline …

Inside the Headset: Juwan Lewis

This week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Davenport University’s running backs coach, Juwan Lewis. Coach Lewis discusses his passion for educating others, shares how his faith guides him to pour into both his players and his family, and reflects on the impact his community has had on his coaching career. Coach Juwan Lewis joined the Davenport staff in 2021 as the running backs coach and high school recruiting coordinator. Prior to coaching at Davenport Coach Lewis was an influential leader at the University of Findlay. Coach Lewis has also coached at Hiram College and Mount Union. Coach Lewis started coaching following a career in Arena Football. Coach Lewis played college football at Eastern Michigan University and Ferris State …

Inside the Headset: Jacob Bronowski

This week on Inside the Headset we are featuring Miami University Ohio’s Special Teams Coordinator, Jacob Bronowksi. Coach Bronowski talks about his journey to special teams coordinator, how he adjusts for close games, and how he navigates being a great coach and a great family man. Coach Bronowski is in his first season at Miami (OH) University as the Special Teams coordinator. Coach Bronowski has also had stops at Tennessee, UCF, and Robert Morris. He got his start in coaching in 2017 as a special teams graduate assistant at his alma mater at the University of New Mexico. He played quarterback at UNM (2013) and also spent time as a special teams student assistant with the Lobos in 2014-16 before …

Inside the Headset: Mike Dovenberg

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring The College of San Mateo’s Offensive Coordinator & QB’s coach, Coach Mike Dovenberg. Coach Dovenberg was also part of the inaugural AFCA 35 under 35 class. Coach Dovenberg discusses his win against cancer, the unique experience and challenges of coaching players in junior college football, and where he gained a lot of his insight and guidance as a young coach in the profession.

Inside the Headset: Paul Michalak

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Trinity University’s Assistant head coach, and the AFCA’s D3 Assistant Coach of the Year, Coach Paul Michalak. Coach Michalak talks about both his and his family’s football journey, shares what it is like recruiting at a non-scholarship, high academic performance university, and gives us insight into the advanced technology used to run Trinity’s camps.