Inside the Headset: Nate Shreffler

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Nate Shreffler, the offensive coordinator at Hillsdale College. Coach Shreffler recaps his collegiate coaching career and experience as a play-caller. He also reflects on his selection as the AFCA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year. Nate Shreffler has been the offensive coordinator for Hillsdale College since 2010. Shreffler runs many of Hillsdale College football team’s charitable efforts, including the “Guys with Ties” program, Victory Day program, and the Chargers’ volunteer tutoring program at local elementary schools. Show Notes 0:37 Introduction 1:17 Unique opportunity coaching at alma mater 3:05 First start as coach 5:35 Coaching at Olivet 8:25 Next job transition 10:53 How to stay sharp in today’s landscape 12:45 Advice …

Inside the Headset: Joe Gerbino

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Coach Joe Gerbino, the offensive coordinator at Bethune-Cookman. Coach Gerbino discusses his start in coaching, recaps his season, and reflects on his selection as the DIII Assistant Coach of the Year. Joe Gerbino became the Pioneers’ offensive coordinator in the Summer of 2017. Gerbino was originally hired as an athletic assistant for the Utica football program in the Spring of 2015 and was responsible for the wide receivers, the same position he played as a Pioneer. He played four years of varsity football at Utica and was voted as a leadership council member for every semester at the institution. Coach Gerbino has been a part of both bowl teams at Utica …

Inside the Headset: George Papageorgiou

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Coach George Papageorgiou, the offensive line coach at Benedictine College (KS). Coach “Pops” reflects on his coaching career, some changes he sees in the next generation of players, and reflects on his selection as the 2022 AFCA NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year. George Papageorgiou, or as his players call him, Coach Pops, has been at Benedictine College for 20+ years. He joined the Raven coaching staff in 2000 as the assistant head coach and running backs coach. In 2018, he was named the Heart North Assistant Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, the offensive line has aided in some of the top offensive production squads in school history. Prior …

Inside the Headset: John Loose

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring John Loose, the Outside Linebackers & Assistant Head Coach at Army West Point. Coach Loose recaps his coaching career, discusses the unique experience coaching at a service academy, and discusses Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation. Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation was founded in 2004 to raise money for pediatric caner research. To learn more and figure out ways to help, go to www.laurensfirstandgoal.org online or go to the LFG Foundation on Twitter @LFGfootballcamp John Loose, the outside linebackers & assistant head coach at Army West Point just completed his 17th season with Army and is in his second stint with the program. Coach Loose was a successful defensive coordinator at University of …

Inside the Headset: Chris Kappas

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Chris Kappas, Head Coach at Lousiville HS (OH). Coach Kappas recaps his collegiate coaching career and his transition to the high school level. He also discusses his unique experience coaching on all sides of the ball and reflects on his selection as the AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year. Chris Kappas was recently hired as the next head football coach at Louisville High School in Ohio. Coach Kappas transitions to a high school coaching job after a highly successful coaching career with stops at Austin Peay, Bowling Green, and Mount Union. Coach Kappas has held coordinator jobs on all sides of the ball as the ST, DC, and OC at …

Inside the Headset: FCS COTY Panel

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring our Division 1 – FCS Coach of the Year regional winners in a panel discussion. The coaches reflect on their year, discuss key mentors in their life, and review some takeaways from the AFCA convention. The regional winners for FCS Coach of the Year participating in the panel are: Region 1: Bob Chesney, College of the Holy Cross Bob Chesney recently completed his 5th season at the College of the Holy Cross. He has posted a winning conference record in each of his 12 seasons as a collegiate head coach. The Crusaders became the first team in conference history to clinch four straight outright Patriot League titles and have completed three …

Inside the Headset: DII COTY Panel

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring our Division II Coach of the Year discussion. The coaches recap this past season, reflect on key mentors in their life, and discuss the connections they have made through the AFCA. The regional coach of the year winners for Division II are: Region 1: Ernie McCook, Shepherd University Ernie McCook recently completed his fifth season at the helm for the Rams after being named the head coach at Shepherd on January 24, 2018 after serving as an assistant at Shepherd for 18 years. McCook led Shepherd to a 13-2 record in the 2022 season. McCook led Shepherd to a 10-3 mark and an NCAA II playoff appearance in its first season …

Inside the Headset: DIII COTY Convention Round Table

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring our Division III Coach of the Year discussion. The coaches discuss some highlights of their program this past season and some key mentors in their life that have helped push them to their success. The regional coach of the year winners for Division III are: Region 1: Mike Toerper, Ithaca College Michael Toerper (Ter-per) was named as the 11th head coach of the Ithaca College football program on February 18, 2022. In his first season as head coach in 2022, Toerper guided the Bombers to 12-1 and reached the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals. IC secured its first undefeated regular season since 1986 and claimed its first outright Liberty League title. Toerper …

Inside the Headset: NAIA Regional Coach of the Year Panel

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring our NAIA regional coaches discussion. The coaches recap their seasons, their team’s culture, and reflect on some influential leaders in their life. The regional selections for NAIA are: Region 1: Mike Jasper, Bethel University (Tenn.) Mike Jasper recently led his Bethel Wildcats to an 11-1 record and a berth in the NAIA playoffs. Coach Jasper is a graduate of Bethel and was the first-ever Wildcat drafted to the NFL in 2011 when selected by the Buffalo Bills. He spent three years in the National Football League with the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants and Carolina Panthers. Region 2: Jordan Langs, Indiana Wesleyan University Jordan Langs had successful stops at previous institutions such …

Inside the Headset: POI Convention Round Table

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring our 2022 Regional Power of Influence Award winners in a roundtable discussion. The coaches discuss their journey, some of the mentors who have had an impact upon them, and some pillars of their football program. 2022 AFCA/AFCF Regional Power of Influence Award winners are: Region 1: Jim Kelliher, Abington (Mass.) High School Region 2: Rodney Saulsberry Sr., Whitehaven (Tenn.) High School Region 3: Dwight Lundeen, Becker (Minn.) High School Region 4: John King, Longview (Tex.) High School Region 5: Todd Sloat, Fall River (Calif.) High School Jim Kelliher has been the head coach at Abington High School for 49 years and currently sits fourth for career victories in Massachusetts history with …

Inside the Headset: GA Panel

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring our GA panel from the 2022 AFCA convention. The panelists discuss what they look for in a GA, how to be successful, and maintaining discipline through adversity. Our speakers included Bret Bielema, Sean Lewis, Ryan Riemedio, Dr. Alvin Parker, and Julian Griffin. Bret Bielema recently completed his second season as the Head Coach of Illinois. Bielema arrived in Champaign with 24 years of collegiate coaching experience and a 12-year record of 97-58 as head coach at Wisconsin and Arkansas. While at Wisconsin, he led the Badgers to three Big Ten championships and six consecutive bowl games including two Rose Bowls. Coach Sean Lewis recently completed his fourth season as HC at …

Inside the Headset: Ryan Day

This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Ohio State’s Head Coach, Ryan Day. Coach Day discusses his experience at previous conventions, being successful at a historic university, and maintaining efficiency within his football program. Coach Ryan Day is currently in his 4th year as the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football program. Coach Day will be leading his program as the 4th seeded team in this year’s College Football Playoff. At the conclusion of this season, Coach Day will have completed his 21st year of coaching football in the collegiate/professional ranks. He has seen success at Ohio State in the form of 2 Big Ten championships, and Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl victories, and 3 CFP …