Inside the Headset Presented by CoachComm
Jim Clements, Head Coach – Kutztown
May 8, 2025
On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Jim Clements, the Head Coach at Kutztown University. In this conversation, Coach Clements shares his ongoing journey of professional growth, his philosophy on building strong programs and coaching staffs, and why staying connected within the coaching community matters. Coach Clements is entering into his 11th season leading the Golden Bears, producing winning seasons in each of his previous 10 seasons. Coach Clements was honored as the 2024 AFCA Division II Regional Coach of the Year for Region 1 for his efforts leading the Golden Bears to an 11-1 record in 2024.
Find Coach Clements and KU Football on social media here:
@KUHC_Clements & @KUBearsFootball
Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive content. If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a like and leave a review—it really helps others discover the show. We drop new episodes every week, so hit that follow button and never miss a moment. Find us here: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset
Show Notes:
1:25 Introduction
1:36 When did you know you wanted to be a part of the coaching profession?
3:15 First opportunity as student assistant at Widener.
5:36 Transitioning from a player to a coach.
7:17 Coaching different positions early on in your career.
8:54 Spending time coaching at the high school level.
10:40 Returning to your alma mater and landing your first full-time job.
14:16 Including your family in career decisions.
16:11 Sharpening your tools as a young coach.
19:16 Characteristics of a successful coach.
23:01 Difficulties experienced as a first-time coordinator.
26:21 Serving as a coordinator without play-calling duties.
28:49 Benefits of having a JV program for both players and coaches.
30:27 Experience at Delaware Valley.
33:47 Importance of networking within your peer group as a young coach.
37:20 Maintaining success as you transitioned to Head Coach.
42:02 Taking over the Kutztown program.
45:12 Approach to building a staff and a culture.
49:40 Choosing whether or not to call plays as a HC.
53:35 Keeping up with your coaching tree.
55:40 Being named the 2024 AFCA Region 1 Regional Coach of the Year.
57:21 Conclusion
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.
« « Previous PostNext Post » »
Jim Clements, Head Coach – Kutztown
On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by Jim Clements, the Head Coach at Kutztown University. In this conversation, Coach Clements shares his ongoing journey of professional growth, his philosophy on building strong programs and coaching staffs, and why staying connected within the coaching community matters. Coach Clements is entering into his 11th season leading the Golden Bears, producing winning seasons in each of his previous 10 seasons. Coach Clements was honored as the 2024 AFCA Division II Regional Coach of the Year for Region 1 for his efforts leading the Golden Bears to an 11-1 record in 2024.
Find Coach Clements and KU Football on social media here:
@KUHC_Clements & @KUBearsFootball
Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive content. If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a like and leave a review—it really helps others discover the show. We drop new episodes every week, so hit that follow button and never miss a moment. Find us here: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset
Show Notes:
1:25 Introduction
1:36 When did you know you wanted to be a part of the coaching profession?
3:15 First opportunity as student assistant at Widener.
5:36 Transitioning from a player to a coach.
7:17 Coaching different positions early on in your career.
8:54 Spending time coaching at the high school level.
10:40 Returning to your alma mater and landing your first full-time job.
14:16 Including your family in career decisions.
16:11 Sharpening your tools as a young coach.
19:16 Characteristics of a successful coach.
23:01 Difficulties experienced as a first-time coordinator.
26:21 Serving as a coordinator without play-calling duties.
28:49 Benefits of having a JV program for both players and coaches.
30:27 Experience at Delaware Valley.
33:47 Importance of networking within your peer group as a young coach.
37:20 Maintaining success as you transitioned to Head Coach.
42:02 Taking over the Kutztown program.
45:12 Approach to building a staff and a culture.
49:40 Choosing whether or not to call plays as a HC.
53:35 Keeping up with your coaching tree.
55:40 Being named the 2024 AFCA Region 1 Regional Coach of the Year.
57:21 Conclusion
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.
