He has thorough knowledge of all fundamentals techniques employed concerning offense, defense, and kicking game.
A good coach makes a thorough preparation for carrying out his responsibilities at each and every practice session, off-season and in season event. He personally assumes the responsibility for preparing any necessary charts and drill situations to accomplish smoothly and efficiently the teaching expected of him on and off the field.
A good coach is constantly probing his own thinking in order to assure that he is covering effectively all phases of the game for those players over whom he has direct teaching responsibility. Checklists and related forms are essential to carry this out.
A good coach comes to practice field in a great frame of mind, which indicates he really enjoys coaching. This means an attitude, which reflects cheerfulness, and an attitude of patience toward the correction of mistakes made by his players.
A good coach will constantly seek to improve his own teaching methods. A good coach is willing to devote his time tirelessly to all phases of the program, with the realization that winning football results when these items are controlled. A coach realizes that to gain that extra amount of excellence, much time and effort is required, but that herein lays the difference between the champion and second best.
A good coach is willing to personally assume responsibility for thinking out an assignment, and for creatively attacking problems in all phases of the program. The average coach acts only on a direct assignment, waits for an exact spelling out of the assignment and functions only to the extent that an assignment is literally spelled out. A good coach is intensely loyal, honest, and sincere.
Once again, the hiring of a good coaching staff should be built around the following recommendations. The following items can and should be evaluated when choosing your staff.
Is he Loyal?
Is he trustworthy?
Is he a dedicated coach?
Is he dependable?
Is he energetic?
Does he care deeply about the finished product?
Does he have a good sense of direction?
Does he have a good sense of humor?
Football Staff Office Hours
The basic rule is to work long enough, to get the job done. Should not get caught up in busy work, coaches need time to themselves during the season and off-season. A coach needs to be flexible, but understand that this is not an 8 to 5 job, but a profession. Do what it takes to get the job down; don’t shortchange the other coaches and or your players. Very important, if married make sure your spouse is fully aware of the time constraints that coaching puts on you. Your spouse must completely understand this, if not problems with your relationship will possibly occur. Must consider your rules for receiving phone calls after hours along with text messages.
Communication through Technology: Athletes/Staff/Parents
One VERY important aspect of being a head coach is communication. This is a very important dynamic that is often overlooked. But, the benefits of an effective communicator more often than not, reduce conflict and the rewards can be tremendous! In today’s society we have a great deal of modes to communicate while still being effective. With time constraints we have to find
effective ways without wasting ours and others time! Many of our kids/parents/staff spend more time in front of a cell phone and computer, then they do a human being. So let’s take advantage of that.
Here are a few examples of ways to communicate with our athletes/parents and staff:
Mass texting. Much of our society is blessed by with a cell phone. It is constantly with them and they check it constantly. Put all of your parents/staff/athletes cell phones into your address book and send a mass text for upcoming events and reminders.
Individual texting. Getting a quick note in the middle of a tough school day can pay huge dividends with our students. It is a quick, yet powerful tool.
Blogging. There are several FREE blog websites that you can also use for communication. You can blog from your computer or from your cell phone. Plus, parents/athletes/staff can leave comments as well (however, you can edit the ones you want on there 🙂 It is a great way for people to connect & keep updated on events.
Facebook/Twitter/MySpace: You can create groups for your team or booster club. Another very effective way to relay information and allow your “community” to connect is through social networking.
Webpage: You can put calendars, passing tournament & fundraising fliers, workouts, team building activities, pictures, stats…..you name it and there are many free 7 easy to use sites available.
Google Voice. It is a FREE service through Google. You can get a free phone number with your area code and not have to use your own number. BUT, HERE IS THE BEAUTY OF IT…………….If someone calls you on that number you can have it “bounce” to ANY phonethat you want to. It can text & e-mail you the message if you decide not to answer it. Plus, it dictates (WRITES OUT) and records every message. So if some irate parent goes off on the phone…IT TRANSCRIBES EVERY WORD into an e-mail message for documentation.
Media & Public Relations
Whether you enjoy being in the spotlight or not, being a head coach in high school requires dealing with the media. First and foremost, you set the tone for your program. Often it will be your face and your words that represent your football program and school community. Plan in advance what you want to accomplish BEFORE you meet with anyone in the media. Choose your words carefully & wisely. And think about how you say something is often more important then what you say. Remember, things discussed “off the record” are free game for someone to use in print or on a clip on the news. Sometimes you may want to ask someone to repeat to you what you just said to clarify. Very often what you say during an interview gets turned around when they write the article in the newspaper. Are you going to be the only person on your staff that can address the media or will you allow your assistants to speak, as well? Have a plan. Will you allow your players to talk to the media without your permission or do you want to be present during the interview? Make sure that you have a media policy with your players, when dealing with the media. The last thing that you want is to create BULLETIN BOARD MATERIAL. Do not air you’re your frustrations about staff, administration, or players in the media. Keep private things private. Stay positive, add hope and understand all of your players, parents, school and community are looking to you to lead them.
The “Business” Side of Coaching
Another very important aspect of being a Head coach is the business side of your football program. Your football program is run, in essence, as a small business. Even though it is run as a non-profit educational “business”, money still comes in and goes out each year. So, do you have a plan or know where to start? Do you, as the head coach get to make these decisions or is it an athletic director, booster club president or an administrator? Below are several topics/questions to consider when running the financial component of your football program:
• Fundraising Questions: How much are you responsible for?
• Does you program receive the gate or concession money directly?
• Do you have separate ASB and booster accounts?
• Who is in charge of ordering (equipment, spirit packs, coaching gear, etc)?
• Can you charge for camps, spirit packs, or go to college camps?
• Is there a set date that the accounts books close?
• Does everything have to be ordered by a certain date?
• Can you contact and meet with vendors/sales people?
• How does your school’s PO (purchase order) policy work?
• What you can/cannot accept from a booster club?
• Can you purchase coaching attire/clinic/etc. out of your ASB accounts?
• How does coaching clinics get financed?
• Can you order items during the summer?
• Can you order items prior to a big summer fundraiser?
• Can your student-athletes be involved in the fundraiser?
• What are acceptable or unacceptable fundraisers according to your school’s policy?
About the Author of this post:
Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience. He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches. He has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series. Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.