Antonio James, Defensive Coordinator - Southern Illinois

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Southern Illinois Defensive Coordinator, Antonio James. In this conversation, Coach James discusses getting his start at the high school level, navigating job changes, and learning from every experience he has. Coach James is in his third season at Southern Illinois and has helped lead the Salukis to a 2-1 start to their 2024 season.  Follow Coach James and Southern Illinois Football on social media here:   @2_adjames & @SIU_Football  1:05 Getting started at the high school level, emphasizing the basics at every level, and opportunity to jump to the college level.  22:36 Being confident in your teaching ability, navigating staff and job changes as a young coach, and opportunity at Morgan State.  54:30 Learning from each experience, coaching away from the spotlight, and opportunity at Southern Illinois. 

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Missouri State Head Coach, Ryan Beard. In this conversation, Coach Beard discusses the value of building genuine relationships, taking leaps of faith to advance his career, and his AFCA 35 Under 35 experience this past January. Coach Beard, a member of the 2023 AFCA 35 Under 35 class, just kicked off his second season leading the Bears.   Follow Coach Beard and Missouri State Football on social media here:   @Ry_Beard & @MoStateFootball  1:05 Transitioning from player to coach, building genuine relationships with your network, and volatility of the coaching profession.  20:57 Defining your why as a coach, coaching at the Division 2 level, and returning to Western Kentucky.  40:01 Benefits of coaching special teams, navigating the profession with your spouse, and transition to Central Michigan.  1:02:14 Adapting to the ever-changing nature of football, becoming the Head Coach at Missouri State, and experience in the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute.  

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Illinois Head Coach, Bret Bielema. In this conversation, Coach Bielema discusses starting out at his alma mater, working with legendary coaches, and the impact coaches can have on their players. Coach Bielema, who just began his fourth season at Illinois, was recently named to the AFCA Board of Trustees and helped lead the Illini to a 45-0 victory to kick off their 2024 campaign.   Follow Coach Bielema and Illinois Football on social media here:   @BretBielema & @IlliniFootball  1:05 Being shaped by tragedy, differentiating yourself as a coach from a player, and the power of the pen and writing notes.   18:31 Becoming a full-time coach at Iowa, taking the leap away from your alma mater to advance your career, and joining the staff at Wisconsin.   39:23 Working under multiple legendary coaches, navigating adversity as a head coach, and joining the AFCA Board of Trustees.  

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Wisconsin-Eau Claire Defensive Coordinator, Brady Grayvold. In this conversation, Coach Grayvold discusses getting his start in the high school ranks, taking advantage of opportunities you are given, and the uniqueness of football in the Upper Midwest. Coach Grayvold, who is set to begin his second season as the defensive signal caller, was a 2020 AFCA 35 Under 35 class member.   Follow Coach Grayvold and Wisconsin-Eau Claire football on social media here:   @CoachGrayvold & @UWECFootball  Show Notes:   1:05 Following in your dad’s footsteps, having a successful playing career at Wisconsin-Whitewater, and starting out in and adapting to high school football.   19:04 Becoming a Head Coach at a young age, jumping to the college level, and learning how to separate work and life.  38:43 Getting the opportunity to be a defensive coordinator, the uniqueness of football in the Upper Midwest, and experience in the AFCA’s 35 Under 35. 

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Mayville State Head Coach, Rocky Larson. In this conversation, Coach Larson discusses becoming a college coach at 18, finding his voice as a young coach, and the importance of building a staff that fits the culture of the program. Coach Larson is entering his fifth season at Mayville State and was a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.   Follow Coach Larson and Mayville State Football on social media here:   @coachlarsonmsu & @mayville_FB  1:05 Shifting from waterboy to safeties coach, the value of coaching on both sides of the ball, and having tough conversations through transitions.   24:02 Navigating through tough times in the profession, becoming a Defensive Coordinator at 23, and building relationships with fellow coaches.   38:25 Becoming the Head Coach at Mayville State, coaching in the NAIA, and serving as the Athletic Director.  

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with CSU Pueblo Defensive Coordinator, Caid Faske. In this conversation, Coach Faske discusses how he got his start as a student assistant, the uniqueness of Division 2 football, and his AFCA 35 Under 35 experience. Coach Faske is entering his second season with the Thunderwolves and was a member of the 2019 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.   Follow Coach Faske and CSU Pueblo Football on social media here:  @CoachFaske & @CSUPFootball  1:05 Starting the profession as an Undergrad, finding your voice as a young coach, and getting your first full-time job.   23:34 Opportunity at Texas A&M-Commerce, uniqueness of Division 2 football, and transition to SFA.  39:33 Taking full advantage of great experiences, becoming a coordinator at CSU-Pueblo, and experience in the AFCA 35 Under 35 program.     

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Mount Union Head Coach, Geoff Dartt. In this conversation, Coach Dartt discusses experiencing success as a player and a coach, navigating health issues, and becoming the head coach at his alma mater. Coach Dartt is entering his fifth season leading Mount Union and was a member of the 2018 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.   Follow Coach Dartt and Mount Union football on social media here:   @CoachGeoffDartt & @MountUnionFB  Show Notes  1:04 Playing days at Mount Union, breaking into the profession, and hardships as a first-time coordinator.   21:46 Opportunity at WKU, navigating health issues while coaching, and becoming the head coach during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  45:00 Developing as a head coach and maintaining success at Mount Union. 

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with McMurry Defensive Coordinator, Will Snyder. In this conversation, Coach Snyder discusses growing through adversity, chasing his goal of becoming a coordinator, and loving and caring for the people you interact with. Coach Snyder is entering his third season as the defensive coordinator at McMurry.   Follow Coach Snyder and McMurry football on social media here:   @CoachSnyde & @McMURRYFOOTBALL  Show Notes:   1:05 Importance of constantly learning, chasing the goal of becoming a coordinator, and developing players off the field.   13:53 Building your coaching network, navigating a relationship in the profession, and the importance of relationships.   27:32 Learning many positions in pursuit of being a coordinator, opportunity at McMurry, and involvement with FCA.  

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Stony Brook Head Coach, Billy Cosh. In this conversation, Coach Cosh discusses following in his dad’s footsteps as a coach, developing as a young coordinator, hiring a staff as a first-time head coach. Coach Cosh, a member of the 2020 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class, is entering his first season at the helm of the Stony Brook program.   Follow Coach Cosh and Stony Brook football on social media here:   @CoachBCosh & @StonyBrookFB  Show Notes:   1:30 Following in your dad's footsteps, adjusting to the profession, and transitioning to Indiana.   21:03 Sharpening your tools as a GA, first full-time gig, and developing as a young coordinator.  40:41 Opportunity at Richmond, developing a scheme to fit your personnel, becoming a Head Coach. 

On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Kansas running backs coach, Jonathan Wallace. In this conversation, Coach Wallace discusses starting out in the NAIA level, building relationships with your players, and how to navigate the profession with your spouse. Coach Wallace, who is entering his fourth season with the Jayhawks, was a member of the 2024 AFCA 35 Under 35 Class.   Follow Coach Wallace and Kansas Football on social media here:   @CoachWallaceKU & @KU_Football  Show Notes:   1:30 Transitioning from a player to a coach, acclimating to the profession, and transitioning from the SEC to the NAIA.   20:58 Importance of genuine relationships with players, having confidence in yourself, and navigating the profession with your spouse.   38:02 Uniqueness of coaching at a Military Academy, difficulty of leaving a job, and building a culture in a position group.   59:02 Maintaining a personal life outside of coaching and AFCA 35 Under 35 experience.