This week, we’re joined by Jernaro Gilford, Cornerbacks Coach at BYU, as he reflects on his coaching path—from playing for the Cougars to returning to lead young men at his alma mater. Coach Gilford dives into his early career, lessons learned at Southern Utah, and the power of building genuine relationships with players.

Whether you're a young coach looking to grow or a seasoned veteran, this conversation offers valuable insight on developing as a leader in the football coaching profession.

🗓 Episode Highlights
– Getting started in coaching
– Playing career at BYU
– Making the transition to coaching
– Lessons from the D3 and FCS levels
– Coaching at your alma mater
– Why relationships matter in coaching

🔗 Connect with us
Follow: @jernarogilford | @BYUfootball
More episodes: linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Jas Bains, Head Coach at Western Colorado University and member of the AFCA Board of Trustees. Now in his 15th season, Coach Bains reflects on his coaching journey, how he’s built long-term success, and the role of leadership and special teams in his program.

In this episode, Coach Bains shares valuable lessons from his early coaching days, how he earned trust as a young coordinator, and his approach to developing a strong team culture that lasts. He also talks about the importance of staying connected to the coaching profession through his work with the AFCA.

🕒 Episode Timestamps:

• 1:18 – Introduction

• 1:45 – When did you know you wanted to coach?

• 4:20 – Playing at Willamette and Fresno State

• 5:46 – Landing his first coaching job

• 10:50 – Lessons from the early years

• 13:34 – How a GA role led to full-time promotion

• 16:15 – Special teams philosophy and success

• 20:03 – Becoming Defensive & Special Teams Coordinator at Western Colorado

• 22:10 – Adjusting as a young coordinator

• 24:25 – Teaching players and coaches all positions

• 27:00 – Leading peers close in age

• 29:30 – Balancing two coordinator roles

• 31:50 – Transitioning to Head Coach

• 38:58 – Hiring his first staff

• 44:28 – Longevity and building a strong culture

• 48:58 – Developing coaching staff chemistry

• 53:52 – Serving on the AFCA Board of Trustees

• 55:58 – Final thoughts

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to Inside the Headset for weekly conversations with coaches across all levels of football.
🎧 Listen now and share with a fellow coach!
🔗 More AFCA content: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset

This week on Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Michael Christensen, longtime high school football coach and former Head Coach at Carson High School in California. With over 35 years of experience, Coach Christensen shares his journey through some of the most competitive programs in Los Angeles, the challenges of coaching at both public and private schools, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

We also discuss his current role as Chair of the AFCA High School Coaches Committee and how he continues to impact the coaching profession on a national level.

Topics include:

• Starting out as a walk-on coach in California

• Building successful high school programs

• Adapting to different athlete and school cultures

• Balancing football with family life

• His leadership role with the AFCA

Whether you're a veteran coach or just starting your journey, this episode offers valuable insights into the realities of coaching high school football today.

🎧 Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!