Inside the Headset Presented by CoachComm
EJ Barthel, Running Backs – Nebraska
June 11, 2026
On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with EJ Barthel, Running Backs Coach at the University of Nebraska.
Coach Barthel shares his unconventional journey through the coaching profession, discussing how experiences in recruiting, player evaluation, athlete development, and coaching at multiple levels helped shape the coach he is today. From working in recruiting and personnel departments at Rutgers, Temple, and Penn State to coaching in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers and leading running back rooms at the collegiate level, Barthel has built a diverse background that continues to influence his approach at Nebraska.
Barthel also discusses the impact of working under respected coaches such as Matt Rhule, James Franklin, Mike London, Jim Mora, and Kyle Flood. He shares lessons on leadership, organization, player relationships, and the importance of creating a clear coaching philosophy that guides daily interactions with student-athletes.
The conversation also explores his work developing players, the satisfaction of helping student-athletes achieve their goals, and the responsibility coaches have to invest in the growth of the people they lead. Barthel shares how those experiences have shaped his coaching philosophy and contributed to Nebraska’s success in the running game.
Follow Coach Barthel: @CoachEJbarthel
Watch the full episode above and subscribe to the Inside the Headset podcast for more conversations with coaches from across the profession.
Find all episodes and platform links here:
https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
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EJ Barthel, Running Backs – Nebraska
On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with EJ Barthel, Running Backs Coach at the University of Nebraska.
Coach Barthel shares his unconventional journey through the coaching profession, discussing how experiences in recruiting, player evaluation, athlete development, and coaching at multiple levels helped shape the coach he is today. From working in recruiting and personnel departments at Rutgers, Temple, and Penn State to coaching in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers and leading running back rooms at the collegiate level, Barthel has built a diverse background that continues to influence his approach at Nebraska.
Barthel also discusses the impact of working under respected coaches such as Matt Rhule, James Franklin, Mike London, Jim Mora, and Kyle Flood. He shares lessons on leadership, organization, player relationships, and the importance of creating a clear coaching philosophy that guides daily interactions with student-athletes.
The conversation also explores his work developing players, the satisfaction of helping student-athletes achieve their goals, and the responsibility coaches have to invest in the growth of the people they lead. Barthel shares how those experiences have shaped his coaching philosophy and contributed to Nebraska’s success in the running game.
Follow Coach Barthel: @CoachEJbarthel
Watch the full episode above and subscribe to the Inside the Headset podcast for more conversations with coaches from across the profession.
Find all episodes and platform links here:
https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
