On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Joe Battaglia, Head Coach at Lock Haven University.

Coach Battaglia shares the leadership and business lessons he has applied throughout his coaching career, discusses the value of professional development, and reflects on the journey that led him to become the head coach at Lock Haven.

During the conversation, Battaglia details his experiences as a young coach working his way through the profession, including stops at Temple and Georgia Tech. He discusses the challenges of transitioning into larger roles, lessons learned as a first-time coordinator, and the importance of building strong relationships throughout a coaching career. He also explains the impact the AFCA 35 Under 35 program had on his development and why he encourages young coaches to pursue opportunities that help them grow as leaders.

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by EJ Barthel, Running Backs Coach at Nebraska.

In this conversation, Coach Barthel reflects on his unique path through the coaching profession, from working in recruiting and player personnel to coaching running backs at the collegiate and NFL levels. He discusses the lessons he learned from legendary coaches, the evolution of recruiting, the development of a personal coaching philosophy, and the importance of embracing challenges throughout a coaching career.

Coach Barthel also shares insights into player development, talent evaluation, building relationships with student-athletes, and Nebraska's commitment to building a physical, productive run game. Additionally, he offers advice for young coaches looking to break into the profession and explains why growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Follow Coach Barthel and Nebraska Football here: @Coach_EJBarthel & @HuskerFootball

Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive content. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches discover the show. We release new episodes every week, so be sure to follow and never miss an episode.

Find all episodes and platform links here:
https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Peter Davila, Defensive Coordinator at Keiser University.

In this conversation, Coach Davila shares the journey that has shaped his coaching career, discussing how purpose, perseverance, and professional development have guided him through opportunities at multiple levels of football. He reflects on the mentors who impacted his growth, the challenges of balancing coaching and family life, and the lessons learned throughout his career transitions.

Coach Davila also provides insight into his first experience as a defensive coordinator at Keiser University, discussing leadership, staff development, and the importance of embracing new challenges. The episode concludes with advice for coaches navigating their own careers and seeking to maximize every opportunity in the profession.

Follow Coach Davila and Keiser Football here:
📲 @CoachDavila
📲 @KeiserFootball

Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive content. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it helps other coaches discover the show. New episodes drop every week, so hit that follow button and never miss a conversation.

Find all Inside the Headset content here:
https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

For more information on joining the American Football Coaches Association, visit afca.com.

1:09 Introduction

1:21 When did you know you wanted to become a part of the coaching profession?

2:09 How did the culture of being a player help you as a coach?

4:29 How did you get your first coaching opportunity?

7:20 Was there anything in 1998 that made you reconsider the profession?

8:40 How do you navigate coaching while raising a family?

10:32 What made you coach high school football on the side?

12:36 How did you navigate returning to coaching with a pay decrease?

15:43 How did you reintegrate yourself into coaching in 2011?

17:37 Why pursue professional development opportunities with the NFL?

20:32 What did it mean to have mentors invest in your development?

22:24 Does the care factor still resonate at the highest level?

24:31 What was your transition to Otterbein like?

26:26 Why was that opportunity the right fit?

28:05 What led to the opportunity at James Madison?

29:28 What stood out from the interview process?

33:03 How did you establish yourself in one place for the first time?

35:49 What were the benefits of changing positions at Albany?

38:09 What challenges have you faced as a first-time defensive coordinator?

42:24 What was the thought process behind coaching the defensive line?

46:25 What advice would you leave for coaches navigating their careers?

49:40 Closing