by Jerry Campbell

(This article is an excerpt from Jerry Campbell’s E-book, Getting a Coaching Job and Building a Football Program).

The following information may be used as a guide when applying for a Head Coaching or Assistant Football Coaching job. The assumption here is that each party, the school and the coach is making a decision as to the “fit” between the position and coach.

Criteria for the coach to consider:

1. Am I Genuinely enthused and excited about this position
2. Do I see myself as being committed on a long term basis, both to the school and its community.
3. Do I feel positively about the school, the community and football program.
4. Will I be able to earnestly promote and support the students and the program.
5. Can I perform and contribute at a high level of competency while actualizing my potential.
6. Am I, or will I become involved in the youth of the community.
7. Is this a school that I would want my own kids to attend?
8. Is this a community that I truly want my family involved in?

Questions To Consider Asking When Seeking a Head Football Coaching Position

The following information should be considered and thoroughly evaluated when evaluating your options for the right head football coaching position:

1. What is the administrative feeling towards athletics? What part does athletics play in the total educational program? What are the school’s philosophies, goals and objectives concerning athletics?

2. How is the continuity among coaches? Do animosities exist between coaches of different sports?

3. What is the administrative policy concerning disciplines?

4. What is the breakdown of administration? Who am I responsible to? What is expected of me?

5. Does the faculty have a positive or negative feeling towards athletics?

6. What support does the school receive from the student body, parents, boosters, and community?

7. What is the attitude of the athletes? Are they familiar with winning programs?

8. What current disciplines have been established in athletics concerning training rules, conduct, quitting, failure of classes, alcohol, drugs, etc?

9. What is the social atmosphere among the students? Are there complications due to cross cultural rivals? What are the socio-economical backgrounds of the students?

10.What type of off-season programs are available? Is there a summer weight program and if one is in place what has been its attendance? Does the program provide athletic periods?

11. What is the coaching situation? How many football coaching stipends available? Does the head football coach have full say on who is allowed to coach? How many coaches must I keep from the old staff? Will I be allowed to bring coaches with me (offensive and defensive coordinators)?

12. Does the district allow time off for professional development (clinics, seminars, etc.)? Does the school provide funds for coaching clinics? If not, may coaches use sick leave time to attend clinics without negative pressure from the administration?

13. What is the policy concerning budgets? What is the football budget? What are the procedures for outside fundraising activities?

14. What facilities are available?

Practice fields Equipment?
Game field (lights) Basic football gear
Locker rooms Sleds
Varsity room Football dummies
Training room Media – Video, editing systems
Weight room Game day head phones
Gyms or field house Training supplies
Coaches’ offices Uniforms game, practice
Storage

15. If facilities are not available, can compensation be made through a booster club or maintenance department? Does the administration welcome improvements and ingenuity?

16. What are the policies and procedures concerning scouting, travel, buses, equipment maintenance, field preparation, meals, filming, etc?

17. Does the school allow a summer camp? 7 on 7? May a fee be charged?

18. Does the school have any special regulations other than those specified by the district or state association with regards to eligibility?

19. What are the salary ranges for teaching and coaching? What are the other responsibilities accompany teaching contracts? (Club supervision, committees, etc.)

20. Is the school willing to support a strong winning football program? Do the administrators, teachers, students and community want a strong program?

A football program should be managed with a business like approach. It should be well organized to function in a smooth, progressive and systematic manner. It should support the philosophy of the school climate, highlighted by accelerated goals, ideas, and its people. The ultimate goal of the school and the football program should be to meet the needs of the people and to become the best it can possibly be in a highly competitive environment.

It all starts with a good “fit” between the coach and the school/program. By following the guidelines presented in this article, you will increase the odds of finding the right program/school/job and put yourself in the best position to be successful.

Jerry Campbell a nationally renowned Coach, Author and Clinic speaker Jerry recently launched his own web site, Jerry Campbell Sports. The site’s “flagship” feature is a lively Discussion Board for Coaches, Players and Fans – hosted by Jerry himself and moderated by a number of High School and college coaches.

For more information, check out Jerry’s eBook Getting a Coaching Job and Building a Football Program.