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Post by husky44 on Oct 28, 2009 18:47:21 GMT -6
Coaches,
I have been approached by an adminstrator from a rival school in the area who inquired whether or not I might be interested in a head coaching job that is apparently going to open at that school. I have always wanted to be a head coach and have been preparing for this step for a number of years. I am interested in the job since this school at one time had a tradition and is about a five minute drive from my home. The one area of concern I have so far, without interviewing of course, is being able to balance my family life and the job which is quite consuming. My faith, family and then football are priorities I set many years ago and I never want to get those confused. For those of you who are in a head coaching position and have similar priorities how do you balance this? Can you? My wife is very supportive and sees coaching as a calling and a time to serve like I do.
I'm sure there has been posts like this before but I was unable to find it.
Thanks for any feedback.
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Post by vince1265 on Oct 28, 2009 19:25:05 GMT -6
Coach, I have been in your situation. If you feel that this is a good move for you and your family then go for it. You dont have to comprimise your family because of coaching. Surround yourself with the best people possible. Have a plan written out. Have a plan for your first thirty days. Who are you going to see, talk with, staff, note to parent or better yet have a meeting with them and tell them how you are going to run your program. You set the tone. Do it the way you want to do it. When they look at the record it will have your name in front of it no one elses. Treat your players and coaches with respect. Have the kids involved if they are old enough ball boys, help with equipment etc. Have a detailed plan on what you are going to do and work it. Hope this helps.
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Post by indian1 on Oct 28, 2009 19:45:14 GMT -6
Have a plan. Be organized. You don't need to spend 16 hours a day if you prioritize well. Don't waste time chasing ghosts. Identify what you HAVE to do to be effective. Do it, and then go home to the wife and kids.
The best coaches I know (D-1, D-2, D-3, high school) have solid family lives. I'm a HC and family always comes first.
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Post by fbdoc on Oct 28, 2009 20:06:19 GMT -6
Husky - if they are coming to you, then you have done something to impress them. As the others have said, balancing coaching and family is possible - it will depend totally on you! My wife is also a career coach and we balanced 3 kids and our coaching lives all across the country (HS and College). I think we did ok - all 3 kids are in college right now - but looking back I could have spent more time on family. Plan your Work and Work your Plan. You will do fine!
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Post by husky44 on Oct 28, 2009 21:08:35 GMT -6
I think the best way to maintain a solid home life is finding quality assistant coaches who are passionate about the game and what we are trying to teach kids to take some of the load off. I am a pretty organized individual so it will be important to find a quality staff. What are some questions or things to look for when interviewing assistants? Also, how do you handle assistants from the previous regime?
I guess this is a little different topic.
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Post by rcole on Oct 28, 2009 21:47:28 GMT -6
Tough decision...everyone has made great suggestions. It sounds as if you are a lot like me. I have often thought about the time thing and I feel that as a head coach I would probably not put in any more hours than I already do. If you are the type of coach that has been working toward that goal, you probably already put in as much time as the head coach. That has been the case for me and most of the "future-head-coaches" that I have worked with. Those guys get ready to do the job by doing everything they can within the program. First one there, last one to leave. Combine that with being organized and efficient AND having quality assistants that also want to be head coaches. Don't see why it would have to require more hours. And if the school is only five minutes from your house, couldn't you invlove your family in a lot of your head coaching PR type duties and obligations?
Good luck with the situation...and I hope your are happy with whatever direction you choose.
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Post by fbcoach74 on Oct 29, 2009 10:45:32 GMT -6
I have similar views. I think as long as you are organized you can be successful with out compromising any of them. My faith comes first and it has never been compromised. I coach in a community that is very religious so there are no problems with that. My family is involved. I have a very supportive wife and that is a key. We are expecting our first child around next summer so it will be interesting to see how that changes things. The other thing I would advise hire loyal assistants that share your vision. If they are loyal and you trust them delegate. It gives them more ownership and frees you up to do other things.
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Post by tango on Oct 29, 2009 11:40:52 GMT -6
This is my third head coaching job. I have a 3.5 year old girl and a six month old boy, started later in life. Must have good baby sitters (family). Wife must think it is important. Don't hold meetings to meet. That is the most annoying thing for you and your family. We do not meet on the weekends anymore. We talk on the phone and get together at school. When you have a chance take care of the kids and bite your lip. Assistant coaches are key. If you have good ones let them coach. If you do not have good ones do it yourself. You will save time in the long run. Find the guy that will take care of film and equipment.
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