|
|
Post by bucball1231 on Jan 23, 2009 16:03:25 GMT -6
Hello everyone. I'm currently in my third year of college and have finally decided what I want to do with my life, coach football. I have entered the teaching program at my college, with a minor in coaching. Very excited about it.
Just wanted to see how some of you guys got your start, what you do now, and what your goals were going into this whole thing.
My goal is to coach on the professional level. Haven't decided what focus yet. I played corner and WR in high school, but was limited due to being diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I have a good understanding of both sides of the ball so I'm just trying to figure out where my knowledge is strongest at this point.
I was also wondering if it would be completely out of the question for my college's football coach to maybe let me be some sort of assistant, just as a way to break in to the career and start learning. Did anyone get their start this way?
Anyway, can't wait to start learning the game from the sidelines as opposed to on the field!
|
|
|
|
Post by touchdownmaker on Jan 23, 2009 18:17:08 GMT -6
Look, Mike Pettine Jr just got a job coaching the Jets defense. I played jr high school football with him. We went to cross town rival high schools- his career was a whole lot different from mine lol but we probably started similarly, got out of college and hooked up with a) me, the local jr high , b) him the local hs...I stayed a jr high coach for 9 years, he became a big time hs football coach in no time. next thing I know hes coaching for Ravens. Im a HC at one of the smallest schools I have ever heard of.
Lol. I cant say you CANT coach at the pros, you can. The thing you should focus on right now is learning how to be an assistant for someone else. Seriously. Best of luck and chase your dream hhhhhhaaaaard. btw, do not worry about your playing back ground.
|
|
|
|
Post by pcollett on Jan 23, 2009 18:34:43 GMT -6
I agree about playing time not being that important. A couple of the most successful coaches in our area never played.
First-make sure you are in it for the right reasons. As simple as it sounds, this took me a few years.
Secondly-don't worry about being a schematic genius. I started by thinking that I could just out-smart everyone else just by studying. Now I realize it's not what the coach knows-but what the players can execute. Find good people to learn from and focus on learning how to teach players to block and tackle (and pass, and catch, etc.)
|
|
|
|
Post by kylem56 on Jan 23, 2009 20:20:24 GMT -6
I was (still am kinda) just like you are I was a sophmore in college and missed football. I have known for a long time I always wanted to coach. I looked around at local high schools and found one 30 mins from my school that was pretty successful. I emailed the Head Coach asking if maybe he had a assistant position on the JV or Frosh level because I figured I was no way qualifed to coach varsity at 19 years old. I went out for the interview and after asking me questions and getting to know me, he said that if I wanted to learn football, than it would be best at the varsity level but it would be a volunteer position. He let me shadow him on defense and then a 40 year veteran on offense for the summer camps and 2 a days. During this time I just kept my mouth shut, worked as hard as I could, and took in everything I could. By the time the season started I was coaching the OLB/DEs on defense and then a assistant OL coach. Fortuantly (or not) I look older than what I am so even though I was only a couple years older than some of the players, they respected me because I was fair and for as demanding as I was, I made sure to laugh and joke with them and take care of my position group guys. We ended up 9-2, winning the league title and making the playoffs. It was a GREAT learning experience for a young coach. The 30 minute round trips to practice, after a full day of classes was worth it. It taught me a valuable lesson about sacrifice and how successful programs operate. That HC would end up leaving for other reasons. During the off season I would work part time jobs so I had enough money to buy books, videos, and attend clinics. I also started to work as many football camps as I could to keep learning. I contacted local college coaches to see if I could come in for an hour just to learn from them. This site was also a huge resource for me. I ended up at another local h.s. that just hired a new Head Coach. This program was in terrible, terrible shape when our staff came in. (15-85 over last 10 years). Even though I was still young, I convinced the HC that I would outwork anyone else he put on staff which meant taking on alot of responsiblities that some guys wouldnt take and in my mind making sure my position groups were as prepared as possible. I just finished my second season with that program and am now the Varsity co-OC and DL coach. Hopefully you havent fell asleep reading this yet. A) Volunteer at your college - Be prepared to do alot of grunt work, but as long as you work hard, keep your mouth shut and your ears open, you will learn a ton and make some good contacts B) Find a local HS- Find a local hs that is fairly successful and learn how good teams operate. This route might give you a better chance on actual coaching/interaction with players. In the meantime, read as much as you can on this site. I would try to become an expert in a certain position group before you try studying a scheme. Also, try to learn how good coaches TEACH their players. I dont know where you are located or what your studying for but if your trying to work at the NFL level, then you need to look into NFL team summer internship programs. No offense but unless you know someone who has some pull with a NFL team, theres no way you will find a job at that level. If you are fortuante enough to secure an internship, it will provide you with some valuable contacts. Heres a listing of all the current internships: footballjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/jobs/default.cfmanyway sorry for the long post, good luck |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2009 20:22:03 GMT -6
Look, Mike Pettine Jr just got a job coaching the Jets defense. I played jr high school football with him. We went to cross town rival high schools- his career was a whole lot different from mine lol but we probably started similarly, got out of college and hooked up with a) me, the local jr high , b) him the local hs...I stayed a jr high coach for 9 years, he became a big time hs football coach in no time. next thing I know hes coaching for Ravens. Im a HC at one of the smallest schools I have ever heard of. Lol. I cant say you CANT coach at the pros, you can. The thing you should focus on right now is learning how to be an assistant for someone else. Seriously. Best of luck and chase your dream hhhhhhaaaaard. btw, do not worry about your playing back ground. Coach where are you from ? and where are you coaching now ? |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2009 20:49:05 GMT -6
I grew up around coaches, my father was a very successful HS coach, (also coached youth and Div III) , I was injured in college, never got to finish playing...began helping my father still coaching HS at the time. He coached for 30 + years.
Through personal friends, attempts to get me to help out with a Nationally ranked High school powerhouse, near my college ..never really did, didn't understand much about coaching, but attended every game , and was more of an observer at practice.
1 year later, my wife's cousin asks me to help out my local youth team, because he has so many kids, but no-one who ever played the game, to help. I accept, 1st year was made head coach of the junior varsity, 2 years later I was named varsity head coach. Left in 06 , returned this year, was appointed HC by 3rd game of the season.
Still looking to get in to HS coaching someday (when I can dedicate the time needed) I've been asked several times, but could never get to a 1500 practice.
|
|
|
|
Post by touchdowng on Jan 23, 2009 21:43:19 GMT -6
I had some H.S. coaches who made a positive impression on me. I knew from my junior year in H.S. that I wanted to coach FB and teach. Seemed like a honorable way to make a living and kept me in touch with something I loved - football.
I played in college and by my junior year it was obvious to me that I probably would never be the starting QB as the guy older than me was better and the younger guy was going to be tremendous. I then set my sights on being a good teammate and asked my coach if I could QB the scout team (usually the #3 guys job and I was #2) as I thought it would help prep me for my coaching future. He let me do it and I learned a ton.
When it was time for me to do my student teaching my college allowed me to do mine a quarter early just so I could get the FB coaching experience alongside the teaching. I thought that was really great of them.
I was lucky as my cooperative teacher was also a first year HC of the school I was at. He was later inducted into our state's hall of fame as a football coach. I had a great chance to see how a guy did it from the his first year and he was great about letting me know what he was thinking all of the time.
I've been fortunate also in that we have had some great coaches in our area and they have been really great about sharing ideas and being sounding boards ready to dispense great advice. I guess I made the choice to not live in a vaccum and I believe it really paid off. So reach out to as many people as you can.
It's been 26 years since I was there and I've never looked back. I've had an opportunity to coach at the small college level but HS is where I knew I could make the most impact with people. As far as pros are concerned just be ready for the business side of it because more than anything it is a business.
|
|
|
|
Post by bigdog2003 on Jan 24, 2009 9:57:14 GMT -6
I am a college student and my goal is to become a HS Head Coach, maybe DII or III OC. I am also thinking of becoming a school administrator either a principal or an AD. I am majoring in PE/Teacher Cert because the state is going to have to hire double the number of PE teachers over the next 5 years.
2007 was my first year coaching football, unless I include the year that I was my dad's OC as a seventh grader. He knows very little about football and I was the OC for his team that my younger brother played on. Also was playing at the time as a starter on O,D, and ST on a undefeated team. In 2007 I was HC for a 6 and 7 year old team that would have been 8-1, but no score was kept. Last season I was the oline and dline coach for the local middle school's seventh grade team that went undefeated and only gave up 6 points all season.
|
|
|
|
Post by waltflanagansdog on Jan 24, 2009 17:34:10 GMT -6
I actually fell into coaching football. I had experience doing track, golf, tennis, etc. The smaller sports. My wife and I moved back to where we are now and I had an interview for the head junior high track position. I was offered the job and at the end of the interview they asked if I'd be interested in junior high football as well. I told them I'd be very interested, but I'd never coached it before. They said no problem, they'd teach me all I needed to know. I loved it! Greatest thing in the world. Since then, that was 2002, I moved up to HS DC the next year. Then I moved to a larger school as a position assistant, then moved to another larger school in same capacity then was promoted to DC. After that I became a varsity HC in 2007. Was fired at the beginning of the month. I took this team to the playoffs for the first time in 12 years. Had a bad year this past season, and they dumped me. Probably for the better, but I really like these kids.
|
|
rock85
Sophomore Member
Posts: 125
|
Post by rock85 on Jan 24, 2009 19:05:54 GMT -6
I did not play football in high school. I had a temporary job in my hometown, and when I was told the position was going to be eliminated, I went to the AD/football coach and asked if I could help out in any way, trying to keep my "foot in the door." He said he was looking for an assistant freshman coach..when I reminded him I did not play in high school, he told me to just learn from the other coaches and help where I could.... that was 18 years ago. I was an assistant on the freshman level for 7 years, working with the receivers. After the head coach retired, his replacement (from the staff) asked me to move up to the varsity. I have worked with the receivers, running backs, and now, the offensive line. I have also been the offensive coordinator for the past 4 1/2 years.
Advice I could give: do ANYTHING for the good of the PROGRAM, not necessarily your resume...work in the weight room during the off-season, help with equipment, scout your opponents every chance you get (and volunteer for those assignments no other coach wants!), get the field set up for practice, etc....make yourself a valuable asset to the PROGRAM...it won't go unnoticed.
|
|
ram7gm
Sophomore Member
Posts: 133
|
Post by ram7gm on Jan 24, 2009 19:22:30 GMT -6
I wasn't much of a player in HS, but loved the game and was always interested in the coaching side of things. After starting to coach various sports (youth, club, etc) during high school and college, I became a volunteer varsity assistant coach at a local high school while I was in college. This was the greatest opportunity for me... because it made me realize how much I loved the profession. Right then and there I changed my major to Phys Ed (also minored in Psych) and decided to be a hs teacher and coach. I got a job after graduation coaching and as a teacher's aide while I got my teachers certificate. Great experience learning from a lot of good coaches, soaked up as much as I could through osmosis, books, clinics, etc. Now I'm a varsity WR/DB coach at a mid-size OH powerhouse. Still an avid student of the game and patiently waiting for the next opportunity, whether it's as a coordinator or HC. Either way, I've learned that this is the best profession in the world, filled with great people who are willing to help a young coach.
|
|
|
|
Post by hsrose on Jan 24, 2009 20:27:56 GMT -6
By accident.
Coaching was not my chosen career path at all. I am a software systems guy for Lockheed in Sunnyvale. Been there pretty much all my life.
I started coaching at 44 when I applied to the local youth program, thinking I would be an assistant at the 13+ level. Apparently I misunderstood the intent of the board and ended up being the head coach of a really bad team. My son was on the team and his first year was horrible. Not knowing any better I took the position and we managed to go 3-5 in spite of my coaching - his second, and last year on the team. However, that was more wins than they'd had the previous 5 years.
I stayed with that team for 3 years, had a blast, and learned a lot about coaching, football, fund raising, and managing a team. I was very lucky and got a core of very good coaches. My last year we missed the championship by 1 point. After I left they went to the 'ship the next 4 years, winning the last 3.
I left the team because I went to a spring fund raiser for the high school to support my daughter who was playing soccer. At the event I started talking with a guy, bought him a beer or two, and he ended up telling me that he was the head football coach. We talked a couple more times and a couple of weeks later he ended up offering me an assistant position on his varsity. I was with him for 2 years, he leaves and a new HC comes in. I stay with him for 2 years, he leaves, and now I am applying for the position. If I get the position I will have assistants who have more coaching experience but are 20 years my junior.
Even though I didn't mean to be here, I am. And I am enjoying ever minute of it. I've talked with other coaches over many a beer at many a clinic and if I had to do it over, I would have been a teacher and coached HS. I truly enjoy this profession and, late in life, have found a passion for something that I would not have thought possible.
I know that regardless if I get the HC position or not, I will continue coaching. The coach I was with my first 2 years has had a standing offer for me since he left. So, I will be coaching for as long as I can.
Probably not the path most have taken, but being an accidental coach is like finding an Easter egg every time I take the field.
Casey
IHS Vikings
|
|
|
|
Post by schultbear74 on Jan 24, 2009 20:42:18 GMT -6
My favorite teachers were coaches. I loved football so much that when my career was cut short by an injury my Senior year in HS I knew that I hadn't had enough.
I teach and I coach, but I would gladly continue to coach even after retirement.
I have worked with coaches who were executives, factory workers, and people inbetween. My former players are Doctors, Lawyers, politicians, coaches, engineers and blue collar guys.
A few are in prison. Some have died in a good cause others have died badly.
|
|
|
|
Post by bucball1231 on Jan 25, 2009 16:53:10 GMT -6
I was (still am kinda) just like you are I was a sophmore in college and missed football. I have known for a long time I always wanted to coach. I looked around at local high schools and found one 30 mins from my school that was pretty successful. I emailed the Head Coach asking if maybe he had a assistant position on the JV or Frosh level because I figured I was no way qualifed to coach varsity at 19 years old. I went out for the interview and after asking me questions and getting to know me, he said that if I wanted to learn football, than it would be best at the varsity level but it would be a volunteer position. He let me shadow him on defense and then a 40 year veteran on offense for the summer camps and 2 a days. During this time I just kept my mouth shut, worked as hard as I could, and took in everything I could. By the time the season started I was coaching the OLB/DEs on defense and then a assistant OL coach. Fortuantly (or not) I look older than what I am so even though I was only a couple years older than some of the players, they respected me because I was fair and for as demanding as I was, I made sure to laugh and joke with them and take care of my position group guys. We ended up 9-2, winning the league title and making the playoffs. It was a GREAT learning experience for a young coach. The 30 minute round trips to practice, after a full day of classes was worth it. It taught me a valuable lesson about sacrifice and how successful programs operate. That HC would end up leaving for other reasons. During the off season I would work part time jobs so I had enough money to buy books, videos, and attend clinics. I also started to work as many football camps as I could to keep learning. I contacted local college coaches to see if I could come in for an hour just to learn from them. This site was also a huge resource for me. I ended up at another local h.s. that just hired a new Head Coach. This program was in terrible, terrible shape when our staff came in. (15-85 over last 10 years). Even though I was still young, I convinced the HC that I would outwork anyone else he put on staff which meant taking on alot of responsiblities that some guys wouldnt take and in my mind making sure my position groups were as prepared as possible. I just finished my second season with that program and am now the Varsity co-OC and DL coach. Hopefully you havent fell asleep reading this yet. A) Volunteer at your college - Be prepared to do alot of grunt work, but as long as you work hard, keep your mouth shut and your ears open, you will learn a ton and make some good contacts B) Find a local HS- Find a local hs that is fairly successful and learn how good teams operate. This route might give you a better chance on actual coaching/interaction with players. In the meantime, read as much as you can on this site. I would try to become an expert in a certain position group before you try studying a scheme. Also, try to learn how good coaches TEACH their players. I dont know where you are located or what your studying for but if your trying to work at the NFL level, then you need to look into NFL team summer internship programs. No offense but unless you know someone who has some pull with a NFL team, theres no way you will find a job at that level. If you are fortuante enough to secure an internship, it will provide you with some valuable contacts. Heres a listing of all the current internships: footballjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/jobs/default.cfmanyway sorry for the long post, good luck Ok.. just logged in for the first time after starting this thread. This is as far as I've gotten in the responses (yes I've read every word of everyone so far) I appreciate you guys' insight and help. It's very motivating to hear some of yall's stories. I actually go to school at Georgia Southern U. As most of you are probably aware, it's a very well respected program. I am also about 5 minutes away from Statesboro High School, which I believe has a few state title's in the last 10 years or so. So I do have some good learning resources around me. Anyway, I'll listen to anything anyone else has to say in this thread. It's pretty motivating to read some of this stuff, like I said before. |
|
sin86
Sophomore Member
Posts: 111
|
Post by sin86 on Jan 25, 2009 21:35:09 GMT -6
I played at a small high school in the mid 80's. I was lucky to be on a very talented team but that meant that I did not get to play much. One of my favorite coaches always said I was the hardest worker he had ever seen, but I could not gain weight no matter how hard I tried, so he kind of took me under his wing and got me to help with his duties. I learned a lot. After college I spent seven years pursuing a career in retail management  , and then one day I went applied for one teaching job at one school because a friend had asked me to. I ended up getting the job and an assistant position on the middle school football team. I knew the first year that this was a job I was passionate about. This will be my first year as a HC at the middle school. I have had several opportunities to move to various high schools in the area, though not at the high school which we feed. It is funny but I think I am at home on this level. |
|
|
|
Post by bigm0073 on Jan 26, 2009 7:42:31 GMT -6
I finished up playing at my college (OL) and I new even when I was in high school I wanted to coach. So spring of my senior year I help out in the weight room and I help with conditioning, plyos...
I have another semester to go so I come back in August as an unpaid student assistant. I was going to assist the OL Coach. Well I get there a week early and help with EVERYTHING.... FInally my OC gives me 10 tapes from the year before and asked me to break them down for him so he could file them away (I broke them down in 10 days)... Old school... Draw up every formation and put the players in and all of that BS...
As the year went on I was in EVERY meeting and was there all day Sundays too. I also was in charge of the scout team and JV team Offense. I finished in December and started look look for college GA jobs... Had one line up when my college coach asked me to come down for lunch.
We go out to eat and I find out the OL coach (My mentor) was leaving and they wanted to hire me for his spot (Full time OL coach $20,000 a year and I could go get my masters too). They said I did such a good job they thought I was ready.
At 23 I was a full time OL coach and I was loving it. Got my masters and in three years was coaching high school ball.
I had the bug right away and I new this was for me.
|
|
coachgeorge51
Sophomore Member
Cliches and mottos is mindless verbal nonsense.
Posts: 151
|
Post by coachgeorge51 on Jan 26, 2009 8:43:34 GMT -6
Almost identical story as bigm0073. Always wanted to coach, turn down two GA's after college, got into one of the best programs in the state of as a second year teacher, instantly earned the position of defensive coordinator, and eventually became an assistant principal before coming back into coaching after a three year leave for administration.
Your best bet is to volunteer at a great program, do everything and anything, and you will move up quickly. There simply aren't a lot of guys willing to put the time and effort into it anymore so your work will be appreciated.
|
|
|
|
Post by wolfden12 on Jan 26, 2009 9:06:53 GMT -6
I kinda began in your boat. I was in college and alot of my friends were graduating. I still had 1.5 years left. They were movbing on with there lives and I needed to also. I met up with an old buddy from my youth randomly and we started talking. He got me an interview at a local high school and I volunteered my first year. I moved on and for the past 4 years have been able to coach with my mentor of 20 years. He was my teacher and coach in middle and high school. I have moved to 2 other schools with him and think its the best move I made. I moved to the otherside of town and rarely get to see my friends. However, I feel that I made the right choice. I love the kids, community, and staff I work with. Being a coach you have to make sacrifices. Those close to you need to realize that. Coaching takes up alot of time and effort. I wouldn't change it for a thing. He told me from day one its a hard life but I let him know "I'll go away to coach with ya as long as you'll have me" He knows my devotion to him and the program no matter where were at and hopefully that opens up new doors in my future endeavors.
|
|
|
|
Post by CoachDaniel on Jan 26, 2009 11:01:59 GMT -6
I didn't quite understand your original question - you are getting your teaching certification and you want to coach on the professional level? Did you mean NFL? If so, do not get your start in high school. Its not like the minor leagues, you don't get the big call-up.
If you want high school, check with the local schools. Check with Statesboro, that's a nice way to start out at a school with a winning tradition. If you want to do college though, and you're at GaSou, I think Chris Hatcher is the coach there now. He's won national titles at Valdosta State. I met him once at a clinic and he seemed like a great job. Let him know what you want to do, let him know that you'll do anything to get there and maybe he'll let you hang around. If not, it never hurts to ask and he'll probably have some good advice anyway. But don't be surprised if you try to get in touch with him and don't hear back for a while, they're probably pretty busy right now.
I don't know how you get in the NFL, but Atlanta and Jacksonville are probably not reasonable commutes right now.
Hope this helps, I've been a high school coach for 7 years, climbed the ladder, and realized I"m on the wrong ladder. Its tough to get into college coaching from here. Wherever you decide to go, be confident and work your junk off and you will be successful.
|
|
|
|
Post by coachcreme on Jan 26, 2009 21:02:03 GMT -6
I am in the same boat some what...28 Played Juco/D2 and 1 year of Indoor I've been coaching high school varsity the past two seasons WR/QB/ST/DB and this past season Co Def coordinator and love coaching this is what I want to do...but at the college level...
I have a year left of school for my B.S. and have a cousin who coaches D1 football but I just don't know how to let him know this what I want to do and ask him for help moving up???
|
|
|
|
Post by mariner42 on Jan 26, 2009 21:29:37 GMT -6
Honestly, after injuries got the best of me and I had the farewell talk w/ my college coach, I called up the coach at a local HS and asked about being on the freshman staff. Took all of about, 15 minutes.
That's really the only advice I have, go ask people. Worst thing that happens is they say no and you move on to some who'll say yes.
Obviously, work your tail off.
|
|
|
|
Post by bleefb on Jan 27, 2009 0:09:05 GMT -6
I finished playing in Junior College and was planning on going into Physical Therapy when I transferred to the 4 year school. I even worked as an assistant trainer at my JC the year after I was done playing there. After one semester of Anatomy, Physiology, etc I realized that was not the major for me so I re-assesed, switched to History and decided to teach. I always liked coaching. I had done youth baseball even when I was still in high school and now football was open. I went to my High School Alma Mater and asked the HC if he had any openings. (I never played for him. My HC was fired my Senior year) Fortunately they were opening a new school and he had lost most of his staff to it, so the next thing I know I'm the JV Line coach and the Frosh OC. 32 years later I'm still coaching. Retired twice and came back both times, although now at a different school. Many highs and some lows along the way, but it does get in your blood. Al Pacino said it best: "Just when I was out, it pulls me back in." ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by jpdaley25 on Jan 27, 2009 15:31:47 GMT -6
Ga. Southern? Do you know Josh or Jack Caldwell? I coached both of them when they were in high school. A good place to start is at your former high school or for one of your former coaches. They already know you and will be more likely to give you a chance. Put in the time and the hard work or you will get no respect. Just like anything else, you have to pay your dues.
|
|
|
|
Post by bucball1231 on Jan 27, 2009 23:05:17 GMT -6
I didn't quite understand your original question - you are getting your teaching certification and you want to coach on the professional level? Did you mean NFL? If so, do not get your start in high school. Its not like the minor leagues, you don't get the big call-up. If you want high school, check with the local schools. Check with Statesboro, that's a nice way to start out at a school with a winning tradition. If you want to do college though, and you're at GaSou, I think Chris Hatcher is the coach there now. He's won national titles at Valdosta State. I met him once at a clinic and he seemed like a great job. Let him know what you want to do, let him know that you'll do anything to get there and maybe he'll let you hang around. If not, it never hurts to ask and he'll probably have some good advice anyway. But don't be surprised if you try to get in touch with him and don't hear back for a while, they're probably pretty busy right now. I don't know how you get in the NFL, but Atlanta and Jacksonville are probably not reasonable commutes right now. Hope this helps, I've been a high school coach for 7 years, climbed the ladder, and realized I"m on the wrong ladder. Its tough to get into college coaching from here. Wherever you decide to go, be confident and work your junk off and you will be successful. Good post. insightful. Yeah I'm mainly getting my teaching degree so I have something to fall back on if I can't coach college or pro. Obviously, setting goals as high as I have comes with just as big of a risk, and I have to prepare myself should I not make it. I have searched everywhere for some type of contact info for Coach Hatcher and have had really no luck. You seem pretty informed though. Any chance you may know how to contact him? (long shot, I know). To JPDaley, no I don't know Josh, but I did look up Jack on facebook and he looks pretty familiar. He apparently goes to the church that's on the other end of the street i live on. |
|
|
|
Post by bucball1231 on Jan 28, 2009 0:38:34 GMT -6
Great news... FINALLY found my college's head coach's email address and shot him an email about my intentions and asking if he had any space for me on the sidelines. Hopefully he'll send me an email back at least.
|
|
|
|
Post by joe83843 on Jan 28, 2009 2:20:06 GMT -6
Sorry bucball, I probably should have responded to this earlier... A week from today is national signing day, so I'd imagine the chances your school's coach getting your email, reading it, and remembering to respond to it are pretty slim right now. Since you've already sent an email I'd wait until after next Wednesday, then put on something semi-professional looking and go over to the athletic department and talk to them. Be nice to everyone you bump into, and be willing to work hard/do whatever needs to be done to show them you're into this. Be persistent if you don't get a definitive answer, but don't be rude either. Remember, a lot of coaches in the NFL right now got their start driving people to/from the airport, running odd jobs for assistants, etc. Good luck and let us know what happens! Oh, and before I forget...if you ever try getting ahold of an NFL coach make sure you do it in June, they have a couple of weeks then where things slow down a little. Otherwise, they'll probably be too busy to even look at an email from someone like you and me! Also, what you describe is almost EXACTLY how I got my start. A few years ago I audited a football coaching class in our PE department (couldn't take the class because I had a Biology Lab one day a week during the Thursday class), but I think my enthusiasm and the fact I showed up every Tuesday impressed the instructor. I told the instructor after the class was over I wanted to coach and he gave me some books to read to further my education. After I finished those he spent some time teaching me film. All together this probably took about a year. Then things really got cool! During that year he became a GA for our football team, so because of that he was able to get me an internship with our director of football operations! Through this internship I've learned from some really nice/smart people and done some interesting things. Last Saturday, for example, I spent a lot of the day helping out with odd stuff that needed to be done for a recruiting visit. I even got a few nice meals out of it!  Anyway, sorry 'bout the long post, but I figured it might cheer you up knowing this stuff DOES happen if you're sincere about learning about football and you're not just a glorified fan. That, and this way I don't feel like a troll on the board who never posts! ;D |
|
|
|
Post by dbeard42 on Jan 30, 2009 20:09:23 GMT -6
Great Post I myself am much like bucball I'm a sophomore in college playing football trying to learn as much as I can to get into this profession. The biggest advice I have gotten and followed is read anything you can get your hands on because the more you know the more knwoledge you have and can use when you coach. This and the biggest lesson that has been instilled on me by my coaches is you can't try to coach someone else's style you have to coach in your own style because what someone else's way may not work for you. My own question in getting into this profession is what do you need to master first a specfic postion that you know a lot about and can teach , basics and fundamentals and is their any short of specfic offense or defense you should know when getting into this bussiness or is it a more and merrier concept? Thanks for replies great convo guys
|
|
|
|
Post by CoachDaniel on Feb 1, 2009 8:59:02 GMT -6
Great news... FINALLY found my college's head coach's email address and shot him an email about my intentions and asking if he had any space for me on the sidelines. Hopefully he'll send me an email back at least. Keep us updated on what you hear. I'm jealous of your situation, I wish I was still in college trying to get a coaching job that pays nothing and requires long hours, rather than 28, accustomed to making money, and looking for a coaching job that pays nothing and requires long hours. But yeah, don't expect Coach Hatcher to get back to you immediately. Those cats are crazy busy right now. Also, since college/pro is what you really want - if nothing with the football program itself pans out (and be willing to do anything for them if you really want it), you might check with the strength coaches, see if they need any help. They work closely with the football program. You want any opportunity to show your work ethic for them. At the very least, they'll help you when the time comes to look for intern and GA jobs. |
|
, and then one day I went applied for one teaching job at one school because a friend had asked me to. I ended up getting the job and an assistant position on the middle school football team. I knew the first year that this was a job I was passionate about. This will be my first year as a HC at the middle school. I have had several opportunities to move to various high schools in the area, though not at the high school which we feed. It is funny but I think I am at home on this level.
