This list is good for coaches returning to their school as well. While there should be continuity in your program from year to year, it is also a good practice for coaches to refocus on the fundamentals of running your program, just as we coach our players on the fundamentals year in and year out.
First Week on the Job
• Met with the administrators
• Have individual meetings with the players and their parents
• Promote the program throughout the community
• Locate and identify potential volunteers who can assist in the success of the program
• Meet with and address all players and coaches
• Establish Clear Expectations
• Meet with our Parent Group
• Create Structure (Meetings, Film, Practice etc.)
• Begin to Implement Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Schemes
• Staff meetings with new and old coaches to establish team/ personal goals for the season
• Meet with assistant coaches and talk about philosophy, schemes, assignments, and rules and expectations
• Self Audit Financial Accounts.
• Determine equipment needs.
• Meet with each graduating player individually.
• Host a parent meeting/information evening.
• Meet with each coach from previous staff who expressed an interest in continuing to coach.
• Meet with each coach from previous staff who expressed an interest in continuing to coach.
• Meet with Boosters.
• Send letter to faculty and school staff.
• Begin recruiting those who do not play football.
• Sell the program’s brand.
Establishing Short Term Goals
• Construct the pre/off season plan
Speed, strength training, and condition programs
Sports Clinics, Workshops, and Camps
• Create an initial 3-day team building and conditioning program
Team bonding /student-athlete and coaching staff evaluations
• Conduct character and Grade checks with all team members
Show the importance of integrity and positive school efforts
• Conduct inventory checks
Assessment of program needs: budget (sponsorship/ fundraisers), equipment, practice scheduling, Season
scheduling, etc.
Examples of Topics to be Covered at a Parent Meeting
• Introductions Coaching Staff – Every coach is present and introduced.
Football Calendar
• January through December (even though meeting takes place at the end of May) – to give parents the whole scope
of year round program.
Practice, passing schedule etc.
• Program Philosophy
WE, US, OURS – Clearly communicated with parents which transitions into parent expectations.
• Team Goals – On and off the field
Team Focused Programs: Leadership, Creating Accountability
Nutrition, Athletic Training, Academic Accountability
Character Development Program
• Player Handbook
Separate Handout (Detached from parent handout, includes expectations)
• Health Clearance Packet and Physicals
Player Evaluation & Expectations
• Pre/Post season meeting forms
Clearly defined rules/expectations
• Health Clearance Packet and Physicals
Player Expense for Football
• Touchdown Club Presentation
Role of The TD Booster Club
• Volunteer Opportunities
Facilities: Existing and the Future
Working with Parents
Developing constructive relationships with parents will more than pay off with the time it takes. This is a great place to use the home visit if necessary for building the program and discussing their sons objectives and goals both short and long term.
When dealing with parents and developing close relationships with them, don’t let the friendship compromise fairness to your players or coaching objectivity. Never play a boy because his parent is a friend, must discuss with them their sons role on the team. The following are several guidelines that we as coaches will use in building consistency in our football program.
A parent with a complaint would usually rather talk on the phone than in person. The best approach to an irate parent is to talk to that person face to face. Do not make and “enemy”. Turn them into a friend of the program.
Do not hesitate to refer parents to the head coach, but first inform the head coach fully of any potential problems.
Coaches should never comment negatively about another coach or squad member in front of a parent or visitor.
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.