rooster
Sophomore Member
Posts: 246
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Post by rooster on Nov 1, 2006 11:07:25 GMT -6
Coaches,
I need to make changes to my entire staff if we are to maintain a consistent winning program. The only problem is how do I go about doing so without hurting feelings? My staff is very loyal to me and the program, but we just didn't get the job done this year with above-average players. The problem isn't just at the varsity level. The problem is at all three levels (Frosh, JV, Varsity). I want to be truthful, yet honest with these coaches about moving them. Has anyone gone through this before? If so, any advice?
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Post by fort on Nov 1, 2006 13:57:23 GMT -6
Can't speak from any sort of experience here, but I know as an assisstant, I want 100% honesty from the HC when talking about my abilities. I would much prefer the HC tell me straight up rather than dance around the subject.
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Post by brophy on Nov 1, 2006 15:03:52 GMT -6
I think you have to explain the PROGRAM vision, direction, and outline.
How does positions & titles affect the PROGRAM?
What is best for the program.
Too often we look at serving at the lower levels as a 'demotion' rather than a significant ownership in the program.
Ask not what the program can do for you, but what .....ah, you know the rest.
As the Head Coach / Leader of the football program, I feel we have to establish that leadership and direction, and how those roles should be filled. If people are offended by that, then clearly they have their own agenda in mind.
I would suggest talking with the coach one-on-one and explain the situation of the program, offer your thoughts, and ask him what he thought of it. If he tells you he will only do such-and-such, you may want to examine if he is going to help THE PROGRAM with that attitude.
IF you are looking at moving a loyal assistant away from the Varsity, I would recommend moving them to a status upgrade (position coach to coordinator, coordinator to HC) and give them as much freedom as you can to do what you've already instructed them to do the last few years.
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Post by fbdoc on Nov 1, 2006 17:05:45 GMT -6
Egos are what makes us great and what can also bring us down. I agree with Brophy - you must communicate your vision. Sometimes asking a coach to list his 3 biggest strengths and 3 biggest challenges (in an informal evaluation) can open the door for a discussion about his place on the staff. If it's determined that one coach is the "best" one to lead you JV or be a position coach at the Varsity, hopefully he will relish that opportunity. You can also help soothe a bruised JV ego by involving those coaches in game day duties with the varsity so they still feel involved. I've go the same duty to perform this year (we have one more game left) as I have a varsity assistant that simply needs a little more seasoning at the JV level. Believe me, I'll be doing everything that has been suggested on this post.
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Post by khalfie on Nov 1, 2006 18:15:40 GMT -6
It all depends on the type of moves you are making...
If its re-arranging coaches, different levels, offense to defense and vice versa, well you just highligh what you believe the strengths of the coaches are, and explain why you want them to do... whatever!
However, if its, you are fired... well, before you go that route, 1st make sure you have better replacements... assistant coaches don't fall from trees...
More so, make sure, its not your fault your assistants aren't meeting your criteria...
Have you explicitly enumerated what it is you want from your assistants...
Have you had weekly meetings with your coaches expressing your approval or dissatisfaction with their progress?
Have you been coaching up the coaches... many times I think the best HC's are the ones that coach up their AC's, while letting their AC's coach up the players.
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Post by coachcalande on Nov 2, 2006 0:27:47 GMT -6
Coaches, I need to make changes to my entire staff if we are to maintain a consistent winning program. The only problem is how do I go about doing so without hurting feelings? My staff is very loyal to me and the program, but we just didn't get the job done this year with above-average players. The problem isn't just at the varsity level. The problem is at all three levels (Frosh, JV, Varsity). I want to be truthful, yet honest with these coaches about moving them. Has anyone gone through this before? If so, any advice? well, I had to fire someone once...I think it worked out best because I was just very honest. he was a good guy and loved the game and the kids but he couldnt put in the work that was required. I offered him a chance to be a volunteer. What I would guard against is the scapegoat firing technique...that is, placing blame for the programs failures on one guy or another and definately address it as you mentioned, a program problem that needs to be addressed. ...having a couple of meetings to air things out, brain storm problems and solutions and really get everyone thinking "our program" rather than "my program"...getting everyone thinking "our philosophy, mission, vision" might be a workable way to get things going in the direction you want...at that meeting you can bring up "we have to make some changes, some are going to make you happy, some will not"...etc. good luck and wow, id love to hear what happens next. finally id consider bringing in new coaching contracts with your expectations and realigned assignments to a meeting...have everyone read and sign their contracts, give them time to consider their investment after seeing your newly aligned responsibility assignments...you might not have to fire anyone, they might resign if they dont like what you present...better to get that out of the way now rather than July for instance. I think keeping things professional and business, not personal is your best bet. |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2006 7:40:38 GMT -6
I'm an assistant who has been told my services weren't needed anymore, but the HC was completely honest. He told me what my strengths and weaknesses were and I moved on. He has been nothing but helpful in guiding me to jobs over the past couple years. The advice from Khalfie and Calande up above is great stuff!
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