ATN Podcast 406: Looking ahead at Draft, Duhawks, Diplomats
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In episode 406 of the D3Football.com Around the Nation Podcast, hosts Pat Coleman and Greg Thomas reflect on the end of spring practices and look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the evolving landscape of Division III football, and the future of conference realignment. The show features in-depth conversations with new head coach Brandon Novak of Loras College, who discusses rebuilding a struggling program in Dubuque, Iowa, with a young, energetic coaching staff and a focus on recruiting and culture. Mike Phelan, head coach at Franklin and Marshall, shares insights from his first season leading the Diplomats to their first-ever playoff berth, emphasizing strong leadership, returning starters, and the importance of facility advantages. The podcast also includes a compelling interview with agent John Perez, who breaks down what Division III players need to succeed at the pro level—dominance on film, elite pro day metrics, and adaptability—highlighting the rare but possible path to the NFL or CFL, as exemplified by Derek Sluka’s journey. The episode closes with a lively mailbag segment and a nostalgic look at the podcast’s 20-year journey, with plans for a potential 20th anniversary celebration. Key takeaways include: 1) Division III football is experiencing creative conference solutions like affiliate memberships to maintain automatic bids; 2) Pro prospects must dominate at their level and meet strict physical benchmarks to be noticed; 3) Coaching staffs are increasingly young and diverse, bringing fresh energy and innovation; 4) The Centennial Conference’s rising competitiveness makes F&M’s first playoff run even more impressive; 5) Facilities and recruiting are critical for program growth; 6) Adaptability is key—players like Derek Sluka can succeed by playing multiple positions; 7) The podcast’s longevity is a testament to community and passion; 8) Fans and listeners can help sustain the show through sharing and reviews. The overall tone is optimistic, forward-looking, and deeply invested in the future of Division III football.
Division III programs are using creative solutions like affiliate memberships to maintain automatic playoff bids.
Pro prospects must dominate at the D3 level and meet strict pro day physical benchmarks to be considered.
Young, diverse coaching staffs are bringing fresh energy and innovation to rebuilding programs.
The Centennial Conference’s growing strength makes F&M’s first playoff berth a major achievement.
Facilities and recruiting are critical for long-term program success.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Spring Reflections and Health Reboot
Hosts Pat Coleman and Greg Thomas kick off the episode with personal reflections on returning to fitness after a long break, including Pat’s run with coach Dan Garrett and Greg’s thoughts on aging and coaching wisdom. They set a light-hearted tone while previewing the episode’s focus on the offseason and upcoming NFL Draft.
Conference Realignment and the SCAC’s Creative Solution
“It's kind of like fouling down eight with two minutes left in the game. Like you're just trying to extend the game and, you know.”
Mailbag: The Future of Texas Football and Conference Stability
The hosts address listener questions about the SCAC’s strategy, the long-term viability of Gallaudet as a partner, and the impact on other nearby conferences like the Landmark, Mac, and Centennial. They discuss the shifting landscape of conference loyalty and the growing importance of stability.
Anna Maria College and the State of Small Division III Schools
The hosts express concern over the state of Anna Maria College in Massachusetts, which is facing closure due to financial and enrollment challenges. They reflect on the broader trend of small colleges struggling in the current demographic climate and the inevitability of consolidation and closures.
The New Era of Coach-to-Player Communication in D3
The hosts discuss the newly permitted use of radios in helmets for Division III teams, with a public service announcement from the Football Film Federation urging coaches to avoid putting all their eggs in one basket when investing in technology.
“You need to be a player that dominates the level of competition regardless of the position that you play. So really what they're looking for is you should jump out on film as will quote unquote a man amongst boys.”
“He surprised us so much in just what we saw him in the limited opportunity at wide receiver. We'd like to extend his stay to try out at the veteran minicamp as a receiver.”
“It's kind of like fouling down eight with two minutes left in the game. Like you're just trying to extend the game and, you know.”
Hosts
Guests
Pat Coleman
person
Greg Thomas
person
D3Football.com
organization
John Perez
person
Brandon Novak
person
Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference
organization
Loras College
organization
Mike Phelan
person
Gallaudet University
organization
Franklin and Marshall
organization
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