|
|
Post by Coach Goodnight on Jan 5, 2018 11:33:24 GMT -6
I have a question for you guys....
if you were going to interview for a head coaching job for program that is struggling, what kind of things would you want to know about that program?
Would you want to know what "types" of kids they have?
Is there something that can be done to help those "types" of kids? (getting them stronger, focus more on the fundamentals and techniques, etc)
Is it a "baseball" "basketball" etc school in other peoples opinion? Can there be something done to help make it where all programs are important?
let me know what you guys would want to know!!
|
|
|
|
Post by realdawg on Jan 5, 2018 11:41:58 GMT -6
What is the school/community view on football?
What is the wt training situation like?
What kind of off season program have they had?
How many coaches are in the building?
What kind booster club situation do they have?
|
|
|
|
Post by rsmith627 on Jan 5, 2018 11:43:47 GMT -6
I have a question for you guys.... if you were going to interview for a head coaching job for program that is struggling, what kind of things would you want to know about that program? Would you want to know what "types" of kids they have? Is there something that can be done to help those "types" of kids? (getting them stronger, focus more on the fundamentals and techniques, etc) Is it a "baseball" "basketball" etc school in other peoples opinion? Can there be something done to help make it where all programs are important? let me know what you guys would want to know!! What do YOU want to know about the program? I interviewed for a job like this here once, and called the HC of every team on their conference schedule. Some HCs were willing to offer their insight, some weren't as they didn't know me and weren't comfortable badmouthing an opponent. Most were good once they figured out that I just wanted insight into the program, and not badmouthing kids or other coaches in our field. Here are the types of things I asked them: 1. What did they know about the community? Was it a supportive community? Could that community handle championship caliber football? 2. Why did they feel like they were beating the team consistently? Schematic issues? Were they simply just out-athleting them on a consistent basis? |
|
|
|
Post by Coach Goodnight on Jan 5, 2018 11:51:54 GMT -6
I have a question for you guys.... if you were going to interview for a head coaching job for program that is struggling, what kind of things would you want to know about that program? Would you want to know what "types" of kids they have? Is there something that can be done to help those "types" of kids? (getting them stronger, focus more on the fundamentals and techniques, etc) Is it a "baseball" "basketball" etc school in other peoples opinion? Can there be something done to help make it where all programs are important? let me know what you guys would want to know!! What do YOU want to know about the program? I interviewed for a job like this here once, and called the HC of every team on their conference schedule. Some HCs were willing to offer their insight, some weren't as they didn't know me and weren't comfortable badmouthing an opponent. Most were good once they figured out that I just wanted insight into the program, and not badmouthing kids or other coaches in our field. Here are the types of things I asked them: 1. What did they know about the community? Was it a supportive community? Could that community handle championship caliber football? 2. Why did they feel like they were beating the team consistently? Schematic issues? Were they simply just out-athleting them on a consistent basis? Lets say that their opponents are "out-athleting" them consistently, do you think that a team such as that can be made at least competitive? Especially if it isn't a culture issue.... I know if its a culture thing, thats the first thing that needs to be changed. |
|
|
|
Post by rsmith627 on Jan 5, 2018 12:21:55 GMT -6
What do YOU want to know about the program? I interviewed for a job like this here once, and called the HC of every team on their conference schedule. Some HCs were willing to offer their insight, some weren't as they didn't know me and weren't comfortable badmouthing an opponent. Most were good once they figured out that I just wanted insight into the program, and not badmouthing kids or other coaches in our field. Here are the types of things I asked them: 1. What did they know about the community? Was it a supportive community? Could that community handle championship caliber football? 2. Why did they feel like they were beating the team consistently? Schematic issues? Were they simply just out-athleting them on a consistent basis? Lets say that their opponents are "out-athleting" them consistently, do you think that a team such as that can be made at least competitive? Especially if it isn't a culture issue.... I know if its a culture thing, thats the first thing that needs to be changed. I think it would depend on the team, right? I don't know, the NFL guy they hired over me hasn't done anything yet. My bro-in-law works in the school and I guess the coach is just having a heck of a time getting a good core of kids to show up to lift with any consistency. I think that's the key to winning anywhere though. Have to get your kids to buy into the weight room and what it can do for them on the field. |
|
|
|
Post by bigmoot on Jan 5, 2018 13:45:25 GMT -6
admin support
|
|
|
|
Post by 53 on Jan 5, 2018 13:50:37 GMT -6
Pretty much all you need to know. |
|
|
|
Post by 54695469 on Jan 5, 2018 13:58:09 GMT -6
You should always ask how long you'll have to change the culture at the new school.
|
|
|
|
Post by blb on Jan 5, 2018 14:14:37 GMT -6
You should always ask how long you'll have to change the culture at the new school. If you were parent of a senior player your first year (who sometimes are on interview committees) - how are you going to react to a candidate whose plan doesn't account for being successful in his-her son's last year? |
|
|
|
Post by coachcb on Jan 5, 2018 14:21:17 GMT -6
What is the school/community view on football? What is the wt training situation like? What kind of off season program have they had? How many coaches are in the building? What kind booster club situation do they have? This is a good start. I would also want to know how many multiple sport athletes there are in the school, if there is a particular sport that is "popular" (i.e. drawing numbers away from the football program..) and what the academic eligibility process looks like. |
|
|
|
Post by chi5hi on Jan 5, 2018 14:22:12 GMT -6
You should always ask how long you'll have to change the culture at the new school. If you were parent of a senior player your first year (who sometimes are on interview committees) - how are you going to react to a candidate whose plan doesn't account for being successful in his-her son's last year? This is exactly correct! Your "culture" (I hate that word as much as "community") should be to start winning RIGHT NOW! |
|
|
|
Post by Coach Goodnight on Jan 5, 2018 15:50:25 GMT -6
If your plan doesn't include working to be successful in your first year then why are you even applying for the job? Changing the culture should start the day you walk in the door as the new head coach. You should always ask how long you'll have to change the culture at the new school. If you were parent of a senior player your first year (who sometimes are on interview committees) - how are you going to react to a candidate whose plan doesn't account for being successful in his-her son's last year? |
|
|
|
Post by blb on Jan 5, 2018 16:36:02 GMT -6
Before you interview at a school that has been "struggling" you need to do a lot of research.
A lot of questions that have been posted here can be found out ahead of time. Even including talking to the outgoing coach.
Often the reason the program has been "struggling" wasn't a coaching problem. The problems were more endemic.
There are many schools-communities that regardless of how good a coach is, how hard he works, how good a guy he is - the environment or conditions just do not exist to have a successful football program.
All places are not created equal.
When you interview those in the room will act like they want a successful program and all it takes is a new coach because they believe they have the infrastructure and players to do so.
As I have posted before - many times the people tasked with hiring a new head football coach are the least qualified to do so.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2018 17:37:34 GMT -6
Id avoid that like the plague , too many red flags
|
|
|
|
Post by freezeoption on Jan 5, 2018 18:47:41 GMT -6
Look at how many head coaches they have had. Call them up and talk to them, of course some will probably bad mouth the program but they may bring things to light that will never come up in the interview. Next, people lie, adm lies, you can ask them all you want, but they are going to make their situation sound positive. I would go into the barbershop, get a haircut, bring up the football opening and that is probably all your going to have to say, everyone in there will tell you something. The number of kids or athletes coming out is going to be a variable you cant control, the answer to that question will be tough. There is a lot into turning a program around, having a strong plan and discipline is what it takes, but will the adm and parents and boosters back you or backstab you.
|
|
|
|
Post by CS on Jan 5, 2018 19:51:39 GMT -6
I’ve never been a head coach of a high school football team but a big one I have seen and heard was what sport did the AD coach. Or what sport does the AD coach currently. Or , he!!, was the AD even a coach.
I have been a HC in other sports and this is definitely a factor IMO
|
|
|
|
Post by larrymoe on Jan 5, 2018 21:39:40 GMT -6
I always try to find out if they've been successful at some point and how long ago it was.
If they've always struggled, it's probably not something you can remedy. Some places just identify as losers.
|
|
|
|
Post by 60zgo on Jan 5, 2018 23:47:07 GMT -6
"Struggling" is a relative term. But teams that are in that 2-3 wins a year or less range have a basic blueprint:
1. An admin that has little commitment to athletics/is afraid of making unpopular choices.
2. Poorly run/attended strength & conditioning program.
3. Toxic player culture that lacks discipline & accountability.
4. Poorly organized.
5. Fundamentally & schematically unsound.
4 & 5 are actually easy fixes, but 1 is the most important. If you don't have 1 you will struggle to fix 2 & 3.
|
|
|
|
Post by 54695469 on Jan 6, 2018 18:33:15 GMT -6
If your plan doesn't include working to be successful in your first year then why are you even applying for the job? Changing the culture should start the day you walk in the door as the new head coach. If you were parent of a senior player your first year (who sometimes are on interview committees) - how are you going to react to a candidate whose plan doesn't account for being successful in his-her son's last year? Never said that I wouldn't start working to turn things around on the first day on the job. You read that into my post. Furthermore, I think that the statement, "change the culture" is stupid! |
|
|
|
Post by rsmith627 on Jan 6, 2018 19:12:01 GMT -6
If your plan doesn't include working to be successful in your first year then why are you even applying for the job? Changing the culture should start the day you walk in the door as the new head coach. Never said that I wouldn't start working to turn things around on the first day on the job. You read that into my post. Furthermore, I think that the statement, "change the culture" is stupid! Everybody on this board knows you think that. |
|
|
|
Post by joelee on Jan 6, 2018 19:25:39 GMT -6
"Struggling" is a relative term. But teams that are in that 2-3 wins a year or less range have a basic blueprint: 1. An admin that has little commitment to athletics/is afraid of making unpopular choices. 2. Poorly run/attended strength & conditioning program. 3. Toxic player culture that lacks discipline & accountability. 4. Poorly organized. 5. Fundamentally & schematically unsound. 4 & 5 are actually easy fixes, but 1 is the most important. If you don't have 1 you will struggle to fix 2 & 3. Man, double like this post. |
|
bunit44
Probationary Member
Posts: 13 
|
Post by bunit44 on Jan 6, 2018 20:02:00 GMT -6
"Struggling" is a relative term. But teams that are in that 2-3 wins a year or less range have a basic blueprint: 1. An admin that has little commitment to athletics/is afraid of making unpopular choices. 2. Poorly run/attended strength & conditioning program. 3. Toxic player culture that lacks discipline & accountability. 4. Poorly organized. 5. Fundamentally & schematically unsound. 4 & 5 are actually easy fixes, but 1 is the most important. If you don't have 1 you will struggle to fix 2 & 3. Man, double like this post. ^ This. Spot on. |
|
|
|
Post by Coach Goodnight on Jan 6, 2018 20:47:23 GMT -6
What is so stupid about that statement? If your plan doesn't include working to be successful in your first year then why are you even applying for the job? Changing the culture should start the day you walk in the door as the new head coach. Never said that I wouldn't start working to turn things around on the first day on the job. You read that into my post. Furthermore, I think that the statement, "change the culture" is stupid! |
|
|
|
Post by option1 on Jan 7, 2018 6:14:17 GMT -6
Where, as in what State, are you interviewing in? Just curious.
I do not have a specific list of topics that may come up in your interview. I believe the best way any interviewee can be prepared is to devise and answer their own questions. As a HC candidate I'm sure you have a set of core values and a program plan in place. Use those elements to map out a course for building your program. Your overall plan is more important than what/how you will answer individual specific questions. A good plan has answers and addresses the peaks and valleys of long term sustainability.
If a program is "struggling" assume all the reasons why it may be happening and see how your plan addresses those elements. I think it is useful to be "general" and specific at the same time. Take winning for example. Winning games, district, league, etc is very specific. However, defining what winning is and the process behind it is general, relative, and subjective and can be more applicable to struggling programs. Increase participation and retention (win), foster positive relationships in your school (win), increase GPA, grad rate, etc (win), be visible and have a positive effect on the community regardless of current community involvement i.e. toys for tot's, adopt a platoon, food/clothing drives, adopt a highway/coastline, etc (win). I could go on but I'm sure you get the point.
You should be able to outline what your program is going to do for that senior who's parent is on the interview committee and anyone else in the room. What are you going to do to positively impact his/their life in a short period of time? Very little of it needs to be about specifically winning games and if that's all they want to hear it's probably not a great place anyway. Now, that being said, YOU need to believe and know that all these factors will lead to wins on the field and have an effect on the other things you need to be competitive, weight room and all that.
It can be helpful and show that you have done your homework to tailor your plan to the specifics at that school. If you can, know who's going to be in the room. There's almost nothing you can't find on the internet. School demographics, school grade, grad rate, admin. Alma maters, current roster numbers, team history, community demographics, all those elements can be useful to you if strategically place in your presentation.
BTW, I'm not a fan of cliche rhetoric like "community" and "culture". However, Admins love this ch!t and the words do often have a way of saying a lot with just one word. I almost guarantee that the schools improvement plan for the year has one of these "catchy", cliche buzz words/ buzz phrases. Embrace it and use it to your advantage.
How bad do you want it?
Good luck!
|
|
|
|
Post by coachklee on Jan 7, 2018 9:58:04 GMT -6
What do YOU want to know about the program? I interviewed for a job like this here once, and called the HC of every team on their conference schedule. Some HCs were willing to offer their insight, some weren't as they didn't know me and weren't comfortable badmouthing an opponent. Most were good once they figured out that I just wanted insight into the program, and not badmouthing kids or other coaches in our field. Here are the types of things I asked them: 1. What did they know about the community? Was it a supportive community? Could that community handle championship caliber football? 2. Why did they feel like they were beating the team consistently? Schematic issues? Were they simply just out-athleting them on a consistent basis? Lets say that their opponents are "out-athleting" them consistently, do you think that a team such as that can be made at least competitive? Especially if it isn't a culture issue.... I know if its a culture thing, thats the first thing that needs to be changed. I guess it is culture, but as others have noted it really comes down to admin support. Something as simple as actually scheduling a legit “Weight & Speed Training” class. We are fighting an uphill battle where I’m at as a TRUE “Weight & Speed Training” class doesn’t exist. We have enough kids choosing to get into the weight room before or after school which is awesome & tells us a lot about those kids, but on top of school work & an off-season sport (B-ball or wrestling) that can be a really long & grinding day (which isn’t actually a good thing all year long). This might change in a few years when we get new PE teachers who would maybe just turn PE into weight training, but it isn’t changing anytime soon (this is all because Admin won’t simply make it happen despite easily having enough for 1 section). Bottom line is if there are a bunch of little things like that in addition to limited prospects of quality assistants (guys that would be able to be HCs or at least approach their role as the HC of their position group or role), the uphill battle might all be in vain (aside from teaching young men how to be committed, put forth great effort & develop deeper discipline). |
|
|
|
Post by coachd5085 on Jan 7, 2018 10:46:02 GMT -6
Furthermore, I think that the statement, "change the culture" is stupid! Can I ask why? I think most here have read your repeated jabs at the "culture" concept, and I think most of us agree when it comes to #grind and other social media aspects. But I do have to ask, what else would you call it when a new HC arrives and : 1) institutes accountability tying practice attendance to playing, (meaning, you can't skip practice and still play) 2) mandates (where allowed) or creates an environment where off season S&C attendance becomes the norm. 3) institutes the concept that the best players will play, regardless of class or who your parents are. etc. |
|
|
|
Post by 60zgo on Jan 7, 2018 11:51:48 GMT -6
I have a question for you guys.... if you were going to interview for a head coaching job for program that is struggling, what kind of things would you want to know about that program? Would you want to know what "types" of kids they have? Is there something that can be done to help those "types" of kids? (getting them stronger, focus more on the fundamentals and techniques, etc) Is it a "baseball" "basketball" etc school in other peoples opinion? Can there be something done to help make it where all programs are important? let me know what you guys would want to know!! To answer the original question... I would check the commitment level of the admin. Ask yourself what you need to run your program the way you want. Is it about winning? Impact? What kind of coach do you want to be? Are you what the admin needs? Remember that this is the Principal's school. It's about their vision of education. The football coach is just one of the principals tools to achieve THEIR vision. Find a principal that is a match for your vision. |
|
|
|
Post by Coach Goodnight on Jan 7, 2018 12:02:52 GMT -6
I have a question for you guys.... if you were going to interview for a head coaching job for program that is struggling, what kind of things would you want to know about that program? Would you want to know what "types" of kids they have? Is there something that can be done to help those "types" of kids? (getting them stronger, focus more on the fundamentals and techniques, etc) Is it a "baseball" "basketball" etc school in other peoples opinion? Can there be something done to help make it where all programs are important? let me know what you guys would want to know!! To answer the original question... I would check the commitment level of the admin. Ask yourself what you need to run your program the way you want. Is it about winning? Impact? What kind of coach do you want to be? Are you what the admin needs? Remember that this is the Principal's school. It's about their vision of education. The football coach is just one of the principals tools to achieve THEIR vision. Find a principal that is a match for your vision. I don’t have an interview anywhere as of yet, this is preparation type stuff. There is one school I hope to get an interview and land the HC gig there. The principal is a former HC and an awesome guy. I think he would be very supportive and would be an awesome guy to work with/for! |
|
|
|
Post by bigmoot on Jan 7, 2018 12:22:18 GMT -6
and sometimes a school talent is just not good enough compared to the competition they see every week.
you can have great admin, great weightroom, etc but still have trouble winning
|
|
|
|
Post by option1 on Jan 7, 2018 16:09:12 GMT -6
To answer the original question... I would check the commitment level of the admin. Ask yourself what you need to run your program the way you want. Is it about winning? Impact? What kind of coach do you want to be? Are you what the admin needs? Remember that this is the Principal's school. It's about their vision of education. The football coach is just one of the principals tools to achieve THEIR vision. Find a principal that is a match for your vision. I don’t have an interview anywhere as of yet, this is preparation type stuff. There is one school I hope to get an interview and land the HC gig there. The principal is a former HC and an awesome guy. I think he would be very supportive and would be an awesome guy to work with/for! Again, I do not know what state you are in but do not put too much into Admin being former HC, coaches, etc. I have experienced coaches I believed to be "real guys" change their tune once they become and administrator. In many states, like mine, the reason for the switch from coach/teacher to administration is money, and once the key to keeping that 6 figure salary and potential to move downtown is dependent on overall school grade, the coach hat almost completely forgotten. |
|
