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

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