This week on Inside the Headset, we are featuring Nick Davis, the head coach at Ottawa University. Coach Davis reflects on his career progression, growth as a coach, and experience with the AFCA 35u35.

Coach Davis enters his second year as the head coach at Ottawa University, after successful stops at Rose-Hulman, Michigan, Western Illinois, and Monmouth. Coach Davis was recently a part of the 2022 AFCA 35u35 class and is active in the coaching education community.

Follow Coach Davis and Ottawa University on social media

@CoachNickDavis & @OttawaBravesFB

0:32 Introduction

1:20 What made you want to coach?

6:43 Learning to be a coach

8:23 Preparing

10:04 Struggles with recruiting

11:20 Wearing various hats as a coach

13:40 Growth at Rose-Hulman

15:20 Taking opportunities at small schools

16:50 Getting back to Ottawa

20:00 Preparing for HC interview

23:00 Defining culture

25:25 Structuring staff

29:00 Staff turnover

32:25 Unexpected things as HC

34:35 AFCA 35u35 Class

36:03 Social/Conclusion