Inside the Headset Presented by CoachComm
Brent Vigen, Head Coach – Montana State
February 19, 2026
On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Brent Vigen, head coach at Montana State University, for a conversation about his career and winning the FCS National Championship.
Coach Vigen shares the story of his path into the coaching profession, beginning with his early exposure to the game and the influence of family. He discusses the transition from player to coach and what it took to earn credibility in the locker room when coaching former teammates. From graduate assistant to coordinator to head coach, Vigen explains how each step required humility, preparation, and a willingness to continue learning.
A major part of his journey includes working under respected mentor Craig Bohl, where he developed a deeper understanding of program structure, culture alignment, and staff leadership. Vigen reflects on those growth years, including calling plays as a young coordinator and learning how to lead other coaches while still developing himself.
The episode also explores his time at Wyoming, including his role in developing Josh Allen and how individualized development, patience, and accountability shaped that process.
Now leading Montana State, Vigen discusses what it takes to build and sustain a championship culture. He breaks down how to motivate players after reaching the top, the importance of internal competition and self-scouting, and how consistency in standards drives long-term success. He also shares the personal side of the journey, including the role of family support and perspective in navigating the demands of the profession.
Finally, Vigen explains why serving on the AFCA Board of Trustees matters to him and how investing in the profession ensures that the next generation of coaches is supported and developed.
This episode offers practical insight for coaches at every level who are committed to leadership growth, cultural consistency, and building programs that last.
Watch the full interview and subscribe to Inside the Headset for more conversations with leaders across the game.
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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Brent Vigen, Head Coach – Montana State
On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we sit down with Brent Vigen, head coach at Montana State University, for a conversation about his career and winning the FCS National Championship.
Coach Vigen shares the story of his path into the coaching profession, beginning with his early exposure to the game and the influence of family. He discusses the transition from player to coach and what it took to earn credibility in the locker room when coaching former teammates. From graduate assistant to coordinator to head coach, Vigen explains how each step required humility, preparation, and a willingness to continue learning.
A major part of his journey includes working under respected mentor Craig Bohl, where he developed a deeper understanding of program structure, culture alignment, and staff leadership. Vigen reflects on those growth years, including calling plays as a young coordinator and learning how to lead other coaches while still developing himself.
The episode also explores his time at Wyoming, including his role in developing Josh Allen and how individualized development, patience, and accountability shaped that process.
Now leading Montana State, Vigen discusses what it takes to build and sustain a championship culture. He breaks down how to motivate players after reaching the top, the importance of internal competition and self-scouting, and how consistency in standards drives long-term success. He also shares the personal side of the journey, including the role of family support and perspective in navigating the demands of the profession.
Finally, Vigen explains why serving on the AFCA Board of Trustees matters to him and how investing in the profession ensures that the next generation of coaches is supported and developed.
This episode offers practical insight for coaches at every level who are committed to leadership growth, cultural consistency, and building programs that last.
Watch the full interview and subscribe to Inside the Headset for more conversations with leaders across the game.
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.
