First things first - make sure you're following @FootballScoop, @CoachSamz, @Zach_Barnett and @JohnDBrice1 on the platform formerly known as Twitter for all the latest in the coaching profession.
As folks start to arrive in Nashville, we wanted to put together our annual look that serves as the Official Guide to the 2024 AFCA Convention.
Before we get to that, while there will be plenty of action at the hotel and convention center, be sure to try and take a trip down to Broadway or downtown for a bite to eat. Nashville has a lot to experience, and you'll regret not exploring a bit.
There are so many good things going on throughout the convention center, but here's a quick run down. You can also download the AFCA's new app for this year on the Apple / Android Store.
One other quick suggestion before we get into the schedule - if you're fortunate enough to have some graduate assistants or interns coming along, try to make it a point to grab a meal or drink with them at some point during the trip. Introduce them to someone else who can help them along in their career. Something as small as that can mean a lot to people just starting in the profession, and most of us can remember going to the convention early on in our careers and needing every bit of help we could get.
The General Session speakers kick off with Kansas State's Chris Kleiman, and general sessions include Jerry Kill, Matt Rhule (Nebraska), Jeff Brohm (Louisville), Eliah Drinkwitz (Missouri), and Barry Odom (UNLV).
Those always have great content you won't want to sleep on.
REGISTRATION
It sounds like there will be an expedited process for registration this year, so here's to hoping that that long, winding line is cut way down with the new approach. Check your email for details from AFCA.
ALL DAYS
SKILLS AND DRILLS
Location: Ryman Exhibit Hall B5
Time: 9a - 4p
A lot of work goes into lining up quality speakers for this fan favorite that has been around for a few years now, and if you're looking for some tips for a specific position, this is a great place to pick them up.
SUNDAY JANUARY 7TH
FIRST TIMERS MEETING -
Location: Delta Ballroom B
Time: 1:00 - 1:50
Exactly what it sounds like. If this is your first (or even second) time attending, head here for a lay of the land and how to best engage and get the most out of your first time attending.
MONDAY JANUARY 8TH
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES BREAKFAST
(Free. No Ticket Required)
Location: Presidential Ballroom C
Time: 6:30a - 7:45a
GRADUATE ASSISTANTS CAREER FORUM
Location: Delta Ballroom D
Time: 3:00p - 4:50
Zach typically attends this ever year, and I'm always impressed by the knowledge and advice shared by some of our game's most accomplished guys on topics like what it took to climb the ladder.
FOOTBALLSCOOP PARTY
Location: Fuse Sports Bar inside the Gaylord Opryland
Time: 5-6:30
Open to all attendees and spouses. Join us as we celebrate our Coaches of the Year and another great year in the profession.
National Championship Game
Time: 6:30
CONVENTION SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS
Times and Locations Vary. See AFCA for specific details
DBs - Corey Paker - Toledo: Skip your morning caffeine and attend coach Parker's session instead. He brings a ton of energy in everything he does and his defensive backs had a great year as he was a FootballScoop Defensive Backs Coach of the Year finalist.
Run Game Coordinator - Jalani Lord - Keiser : Keiser won the school's first NAIA title just a few weeks ago, and they finished the year 2nd in rushing and 3rd in rushing touchdowns.
HC - Glen Caruso - St. Thomas (FCS - MN): Glen is one of the most impressive coaches, and people, you could run into at the convention, and his talk is sure to have a ton of nuggets for new coaches and veterans alike.
HC - Nick Davis - Ottawa University (KS): Davis has a compelling topic on how to stand out as a small school with some unique approaches. He is a former 35 Under 35 selection with a bright future.
LBs - Seth Wallace - Iowa: The winner of our 2022 Linebackers Coach of the Year, Wallace's linebackers were once again dominant on one of college football's best defenses.
OL - Arthur Ray - Howard: Ray did an impressive job in his first season at Howard and has experience coaching in the SEC and playing in the Big Ten that will shine through in his session.
HC - Joe Osovet - Heritage HS (TN): Coach Osovet is a former Tennessee assistant who has carved out an impressive reputation, specifically when it comes to RPOs.
HC - Michael Christensen - Carson HS (CA): Very active in the AFCA for years now, Christensen is a veteran coach that is sure to be worth your time.
Pass Game Coordinator - Ra'Shaad Samples - Arizona State: One of the fastest rising coaches in the profession, Samples has coached with the Rams in the NFL and has learned from some of the game's brighest offensive minds.
OC - Brennan Marion - UNLV: The Go-Go offense will be the topic for Marion, who has blazed a unique path with an offense unlike anything else in college football. His trademark offense helped the Rebels win 9 games this past fall in a breakout year.
STC - Mark Behnke - Hamilton HS (MI): Behnke has devised a unique way to develop football IQ in his players by having them play Madden with a purpose. His systematic approach involves post game recaps and quizzes in Google Forms to engage players. It's something outside-the-box you won't want to miss.
...That's just a quick look at the lineup, there are so many other noteworthy speakers as well.
Be sure to stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest updates throughout the convention.