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Post by coachinghopeful on Feb 4, 2009 20:43:57 GMT -6
OK, in all the "young coaches" threads on the site here lately, I kept seeing so many people on here talking about how they started coaching at 18, 19, etc, becoming a HS coordinator by the age of 23, etc. Is this the case for most people?
This has got me a little worried that I'm coming to coaching way too late. I was always told that no one takes a coaching candidate seriously unless he was a star player with college football experience, so I stayed away. Now I'll be 29 in May. I haven't been involved with football since HS, still need to get my teaching certificate, and I still haven't gotten to even run so much as one drill yet on any level.
Yet, like most people who get into coaching, my career goal is to become a HS HC, preferably by the time I'm 40. In my dreams, I'd be there 30+ years, build the program up to a championship level, and become a legend... Honestly, I'm afraid I might be too far behind in my football education and experience to ever achieve these goals.
What I'm wondering is how I stack up to the other coaches out there, especially those of you who didn't play college ball or leave such an impression at your old school that all you had to do for a job there was ask. How old were you when you first started coaching? How long did you pay your dues before you got your "break" to a coordinator or HC spot?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2009 20:52:50 GMT -6
I got started at about 20-21. I was basically a volunteer (got a little booster money) for 3 years and was passed over for a stipend for a guy who'd played at the school where I was coaching. So I made a few calls and ended up a G.A. at the college level which ended up getting me a lot of interviews and my choice of where to go. I was 2 years out when I got a DC job (26 years old). Since then I've moved onward and upward. Now the DC at a big school, very successful program etc.
Don't question it. Just do what you do and if you're worthy then you'll end up fine. We had a younger guy last year who probably will not make it in coaching. We took a chance, didn't turn out. Just work to learn and learn to work and youll end up fine.
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Post by CoachCP on Feb 4, 2009 21:01:57 GMT -6
I started when I was 17, and have coached at some level every year but my Freshman year of college since. I was recruited to play college ball at Wabash, but I realized I needed to branch out so I decided to focus on other extracurricular before settling back on coaching.
This year, I have no idea where or what I'll be doing. Our head coach at the high school by my college resigned to become an administrator, so I have no clue what I up for. I was the assistant OL/DL coach last year, with varsity booth duties. We are shuffling everyone around, and I am simply hoping for the best. I believe it will work out well, but I will not get my hopes too high.
That being said, I really think a late start can be beneficial. One of our younger coaches, who is probably about 28 or so, only played HS ball and just returned to coaching this year, and he has really excelled. We have a small but good rivalry that goes on I think between us, but I respect him very much because he puts a tremendous effort into learning and expanding his knowledge, much in the same way I do. He's going to be just fine, and if you commit yourself like that, I'm sure you will be too.
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Post by coachweav88 on Feb 4, 2009 21:04:57 GMT -6
I got started when I was 22. I played football in college and as a senior, at the beginning of camp week I blew out my knee for the second time, so I stayed with the team filming the games and helping run the offensive scout team. After I graduated, I was a missionary/football coach in Ukraine for the summer. I worked a year as a GA at the college I played for and I have been coaching high school ball ever since.
If you really want to coach, I'm sure you'll be able to find a position whether it's youth ball, junior high, or even a high school volunteer. That would be a good place to start if you have no experience.
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Post by Coach Huey on Feb 4, 2009 21:05:34 GMT -6
this is going to vary by state ... according to the guidelines specific to what one needs to be hired as a coach for a public school. in texas, that requires a bachelor's degree and a teaching certificate. well, most aren't going to get that until they are 22, 23, 24 years old.
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Post by los on Feb 4, 2009 21:16:09 GMT -6
As soon as you get your teaching certificate......you'll stack up nicely, with 99.9% of the HS football coach's I know, lol.....Most of the guys I know, that have been around awhile are good teachers first.....that happen to love coaching football....learned as much as possible about their trade....and enjoy working with young people.... Don't really know any ex-superstar football player HS coach's right off hand? 29 yrs old....heck, you're still a youngun...I can't even remember being 29 anymore....lol....you can do whatever you want......good luck
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Post by endersgame on Feb 4, 2009 21:19:04 GMT -6
I started studying the game seriously at age fourteen. I'm now sixteen. I always had an interest in football and aptitude for knowing what was generally going on the field, and why (or as much as my young mind could handle with no football education), ever since I was in third grade. I'm in high school now- I've never tried out for either the JV or varsity teams. Sure, I've been asked to by the starting QB, RB, and a few others after they seen me play in gym class (not incredibly athletic, but I naturally know leverages and have great game speed), but I never actually signed up. Always thought I was too small to be any good, and I have 20/80 vision on top of that.
And obviously, with no high school playing experience, there's zero chance for college as well. But do you think that's gonna stop me from wanting to coach? I realize I probably won't be taken seriously at first. Ex-players and coaches with years of experience will criticize me and say I don't know the game since I've never played it. However, this motivates me. I find that people respect you not for how good you look or how nice your clothes are or whether you have experience or not (talking the talk), but for how much knowledge you have and the leadership qualities you possess (walking the walk). I'm motivated to know more and be able to teach better than any other young coach out there at this point in my career because I know ultimately someone will pick me and have a hell of a young coach. A chief example of this can be found at Texas Tech. Mike Leach never played college ball and rode the bench in HS, but is now an extremely successful coach. Furthermore, the separation from the game opens my mind to things an experienced, ex-player now-coach might not consider. He'll do things the way he was taught them, because "that's the way things have always been taught and played."
So don't fret about being too old or late in discovering that you want to coach football. As long as you're knowledgable enough with good teaching and leadership skills, you'll find a coaching job. So get to work.
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Post by 44dlcoach on Feb 4, 2009 21:47:15 GMT -6
I started at 20. I think the best thing you can do to improve is try to get connected with a coach that has been around long enough to see the techniques change over time. I'm not talking about somebody who has coached a wing T, and a wishbone, and an I, and a spread, etc. but somebody who understands and can teach you the techniques that went into playing those systems and why. Understanding the details of execution is much more important than being an X's and O's genius, IMO.
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Post by kboyd on Feb 4, 2009 23:05:44 GMT -6
I started coaching at 24 and was a HC at 28. I did play college ball and was drafted into the CFL, so I had quite a bit of playing experience before I got into coaching. I gave up playing to coach, with 3 pro offers (again CFL). I don't think the age thing is a big factor as long as the desire is there and you are coaching for the right reasons. Hard work and a willingness to learn will take you a long way.
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Post by coachbdud on Feb 5, 2009 0:17:07 GMT -6
18
started out as assistant OL coach
last 2 seasons as the OL/DL coach
im turning 21 soon, and should be teaching by 24. And hopefully coordinating by then too
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Post by chargingcavalier on Feb 5, 2009 0:39:49 GMT -6
I agree with chibears when he said that a late start can be beneficial. I started coaching after I finished playing in college (23). Right away I thought I should have been a head coach or a coordinator. At 29 you have more life experience than me and you have a better idea of what is realistic. By your post you seem patient, which is a great attribute. I also agree with los. Great coaches are great teachers first. If you can't get your kids to learn what you are teaching them, how do you expect them to perform. I also agree that you can do what you want, when you want. Heck, Joe Paterno is in his 80's. You've got 50+ good years in you.
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Post by cmow5 on Feb 5, 2009 0:53:06 GMT -6
My playing experience was 5th and 6th grade (two hand touch not flag lol) and about 5 games of 7th grade. I did record a fumble recovery and a Half sack in those 5 games. got kicked off for grades.
Droped out of school in 10th grade with a GPA of 0. Never went to class or school. I was the kid all of you guys would say "he will be dead or in jail by the time his 18"
at 19 got my GED.
Started college at 29 and started coaching at the 8th grade level the same year.
Last year got moved up to Frosh DC/Varsity asst(filled in when needed)
about a month or so ago told my HC that I want to try my chances at the college level. about 2 days later he told me to contact Earlham College they are expecting my call to be a student asst.
since then I decided I want to stay at the High School level and obtain a degree in elementary ed.
HC told me he would like to move me up to Varsity but no one is leaving that he knows of.
so its not to late for you and you are better off then I was.
One thing that the HC loves about me is I am always there. If it is football related I am there. Sunday coaches meeting's frosh coaches do not have to be there and none ever gone. I was there at every one. Last year before I moved up they needed someone to help out the frosh coach until they found more coaches, I was there and become that coach. We host a camp every year I filled in for the Varsity oline coach. WR coach missed a week during the season I was there and filled in.
as far as X's and O's I know the least amount on the coaching staff...well maybe second to least amount now, but I am always there.
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Post by touchdownmaker on Feb 5, 2009 2:57:22 GMT -6
I started at 22 but didnt get serious about coaching until I was in my 30s. What I mean by that is, like some players, I was not ready and able to make the kind of sacrifices that it takes to climb the ladder. I didnt get my first head coaching job until I was in my 40s. In my 20s I knew I didnt know anything and I really didnt care, I was more interested in spending time with lady friends than coaching. Id show up, but I didnt improve from year to year. I was not a teacher and didnt care at that time. I was a fan with a whistle, a bag holder, rah rah type coach. Hell, I didnt know our plays or schemes and did not seek responsibility. I just liked being around the game. In my 30s I THOUGHT I KNEW EVERYTHING but of course didnt know anything. I finally got my priorities straight when it came to coaching and understood the value of study, listening, watching and learning every day. I realized it was time to get heavy into it. I did not get my first teaching job until I was into my 30s. Ill add that I really didnt get into the mentor/role model part of the role until later as well. I still dont know everything, but in my 40s I am better at fooling people that I might know something ha ha. I am hoping that by the time I turn 50 I will really be of some use Lets not forget too that finding a head coaching job can be made easier if you are willing to relocate. In Some states football jobs are harder to come by than others. If you are in Ohio, Pennyslvania or Texas for example you will be applying for HC jobs and competing against coaches that might have college coaching experience. If you were say in...........Alaska, you can probably just say "Id like to be the HC" and it just might happen (just joking, no offense meant to to Alaska or its fine coaches) One word of advice though...change your avatar.
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Post by indian1 on Feb 5, 2009 7:02:17 GMT -6
I went to college to become a teacher. I played college football but had no real interest in coaching. I landed my first teaching job (at 22) in part because they wanted me to be an assisstant on their varsity staff. I did that for two years and the HC position opened at my high school alma mater. (by this time I had realized I loved coaching). I applied, and got it. I became a head coach at age 24 with no clue what the hell I was doing.
That was four years ago. I can't believe how much I have learned. (Mostly what I have learned is that I still don't know $h!t.)
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Post by bigm0073 on Feb 5, 2009 7:12:36 GMT -6
I have stated this before but I was a student assistant in college at 22 and at 23 was the full time OL Coach at a College Program (FOur year starter on the OL at the school). I did that for 3 years and got into high school.
I got my first head job at 30 and by 34 I went to my current job (2nd year).
The college experience really looked good on my resume but what it taught me the most was: ORGANIZATION!! You have to be very, very organized to coach at that level...
I really feel like it is important to get on a program with a coach that has a solid philosophy and foundation... You can learn from that person... I do not think age is a factor...
Currently on my staff I have 3 coaches all under 23... None of them played college ball and they really were not ALL STARS either.. They are hungry young coaches who are very, very dedicated to the craft. They are like sponges and really DO IT ALL (Line fields, breakdown films, Technology, run sub level teams, administrative duties, they are really good and they GET IT!!
Again I see two of them being head coaches probably before they are 30 -35 years old. Really smart and work hard. They also connect well with our players.
I would not put an "artificial time table out there" (Broads do that when they are young... I want to be 25 years old when I get married and have kids by 26...). As you grow and learn in a program you will know when you are ready.
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Post by bigdog2003 on Feb 5, 2009 7:23:17 GMT -6
I guess I started coaching at 11 or 12, while starting on offense, defense, and special teams for an undefeated seventh grade school team. My dad was coaching my little brothers youth league team and had really no idea of what he was doing. Nobody wanted to coach, and he had coached my baseball team so he stepped in. I was the OC for the team and we won the regular season and postseason tourney going undefeated, and I was hooked on coaching.
Played football in seventh, eight, and part of the ninth grade before injuries and stupidity talked me into giving it up, sounded like a great idea at the time, but was the worst decision I have ever made. Went to every home game while in HS and still go to every game. Went to a two year college out of HS and majored in Business Management, worked two years as a supervisor for a construction company and applied for a job at the local Lowes as a department manager. Was sitting in the store managers office after being offered the job that was paid well but had horrible hours and said to myself that I don't want this, I want to teach and coach football. Turned the job down that paid 45,000 a year with great benefits and applied to college.
Entered Newberry College in the Fall of 2007 majoring in PE/Teacher Cert at 22. The first semester I need service hours for my education class so I accepted a HC position for a 6 and 7 year old team. The league didn't keep score, but we would have been 8-1 scoring around 40, while giving up around 7. Last year I asked the local middle school program if they needed any volunteers, and was told they would love to have me on the staff. Coached the lines for the seventh grade team that went undefeated 7-0, with 6 shutouts and giving up 6 points all season.
Now I am 23 and a junior in college. Coaching is great, I love it. Some of the players at the college I attend have told me to walk on, I am 6'3 275, but I don't think my injuries would allow me. I blew out my knee working out at home in HS, then hurt it again playing in a travel baseball league at 19.
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Post by lochness on Feb 5, 2009 7:28:03 GMT -6
I was 18. I did 3 years of Pop Warner, and then moved up to HS when I thought I was ready. I did not want to coach HS ball until I felt like I had some basic experience under my betlt.
I was in a HS coordinator role at 22 for my alma marter. Coached there for 9 years, then took a year off when I switched jobs...but actually stayed involved by taking on the OC role for a semi-pro team (not fun). Last weason, I got back into HS at a different school. Hopefully I'll be able to coach for many years to come. The school I coach at now already has a coordinator, so that was a tough adjustment for me. I'm hoping to be more involved in those type of duties next season...but I guess we'll see.
Good coaches come all ages and all levels of experience. Best advice: LEARN first...don't expect to be the all-knowlegeable one....welll....ever!
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Post by CoachMikeJudy on Feb 5, 2009 7:28:56 GMT -6
Everyone has different paths- you are definitely not getting in too late...
I knew I was going to coach when my college OC asked me if I had ever thought about coaching as a junior- and that he thought I'd be great...coming from his cynical a$$ those were powerful words.
For me:
21- GA D3 alma mater 22- Oline coach at Prep School 23-24 - OC at Prep School 25-27 - OC at HS in VA 28-29 - RB/Oline HS in DE
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Post by lochness on Feb 5, 2009 7:30:15 GMT -6
BTW, coachinghopeful:
That is by far the most disturbing yet also the most hillarious avatar picture EVER.
Well played!
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Post by bobgoodman on Feb 5, 2009 9:42:21 GMT -6
I'm the odd one out here so far, in that I started at 53. I was going to at 52, but a heart attack that spring set back my plans. I was kind of dared into it by the guys at Delphi's single wing forum. So far my experience has not been good, but I have learned from it.
I'd never played formally, only pickup games without pads, helmets, or officials. I had, however, played organized rugby as well.
Robert in the Bronx
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tarrant
Sophomore Member
Posts: 117
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Post by tarrant on Feb 5, 2009 10:06:01 GMT -6
I just finished my first year as the Freshman DC-Line coach/ varsity assistant as necessary, I'm 25, just got my bachelor's in December. I played in High school, but was just ok, player a year at college as a walk-on before failing out. I just called around all the high schools in my area until someone returned my phone call. went and interviewed. I still hope to get back and coach at the college level, get on as a GA at at a small school, but so far haven't had any bites. I figure that tells me I need to build my resume a little more before applying.
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sin86
Sophomore Member
Posts: 111
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Post by sin86 on Feb 5, 2009 10:58:20 GMT -6
I started at 29. I am fourty now and the HC of a middle school program, but have had opportunities at the HS level. I have worked for mostly bad coaches in that time. No organization, discipline, or planning. I learned a lot by seeing these guys make mistakes and then I would learn from them, they never did seem to learn. I got lucky my third year and worked with coach who was super organized. Him and I were able to practice 110 kids without anyother help. I learned more in one year with this guy than anyother coach ever. I now try to incorporate his philosophy into my style of coaching and so far so good.
If I had it to do all over again I would approach it entirely diferently. 1. I would look for programs in the area that were successful. 2. I would then try to find players and assistants within the system and ask how much they liked being a part of the program. This is a sign the coach is using good motivation techniques to keep things positive, because I have seen some very strong programs ran using negative reinforcement techniques. 3. I would ask the coach about his philosophy on teaching assistant coaches. 4. I would consume every item I could about coaching, but I would do it in a systematic way. For example, emphasize the positions you feel like you might be asked to coach first. My area that would WRs/DBs. 5. Always remember that you don't know everything and be willing to learn.
If you want to be the best it is easier to learn from the best. Find the best HC and then be a sponge. Much easier route to get you where you want to go faster than trying to figure out stuff on your own.
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mce86
Junior Member
Posts: 281
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Post by mce86 on Feb 5, 2009 11:09:52 GMT -6
Started late....Finished my playing career at 25...started coaching at 28. Head Coach by 31, now coaching my second year at the collegiate level at 35! I enjoy fighting father time!
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Post by unc31 on Feb 5, 2009 13:15:39 GMT -6
I began playing organized football at 6. Knew I wanted to coach by age 13. Played throughout HS and College. Started a semi-pro team right after college where I served as the starting Fullback and Head Coach. (let the QB call the plays for the most part). Most of our team had played college football and 3 went on to play in the NFL. We were very successful, but it was time to make a living.
At the age of 23 I became an assistant HS coach for 4 years then an assistant at the D1AA level for three years. Became a head HS coach at 30 and have done that ever since except for a 3 year stint as an assistant at a D1 Univ. Head coach got fired and rather than moving across the country I went back to coaching high school as a Head Coach. As many as the guys on this board can tell you, coaching college football is NOT all about the glamour everyone sees on Saturdays. It is a lot of painstaking and grueling work. I loved it, but with a family it is very difficult unless your head coach understands that family is important.
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Post by coachinghopeful on Feb 5, 2009 13:37:38 GMT -6
One word of advice though...change your avatar. LOL You mean you don't like how I've combined Sean Connery's 2 finest cinematic moments in my avatar? You should see the movie that pic is from... Seriously though, thanks for the thoughtful post and words of encouragement.
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Post by fbcoach74 on Feb 5, 2009 13:54:28 GMT -6
22 two years in middle school then moved to jv then was a head coach at 28. Just finished my third year as a head coach
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Post by coachinghopeful on Feb 5, 2009 13:59:05 GMT -6
BTW, coachinghopeful: That is by far the most disturbing yet also the most hillarious avatar picture EVER. Well played! Thank you, sir! If you think that pic is disturbing/hilarious, Netflix "Zardoz" sometime. Or hell, just google it and read some of the reviews, keeping in mind this movie actually got made... with Sean Connery in that costume...
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Post by touchdownmaker on Feb 5, 2009 13:59:44 GMT -6
One word of advice though...change your avatar. LOL You mean you don't like how I've combined Sean Connery's 2 finest cinematic moments in my avatar? You should see the movie that pic is from... Seriously though, thanks for the thoughtful post and words of encouragement. In all seriousness your next employer could be on this board, an administrator for example.
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Post by coachinghopeful on Feb 5, 2009 14:03:41 GMT -6
LOL You mean you don't like how I've combined Sean Connery's 2 finest cinematic moments in my avatar? You should see the movie that pic is from... Seriously though, thanks for the thoughtful post and words of encouragement. In all seriousness your next employer could be on this board, an administrator for example. Good point...
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Post by redandwhite on Feb 5, 2009 14:10:01 GMT -6
I knew by 7th grade that I wanted to be a football coach. I had great HS coaches/mentors and tried to be a good student of the game throughout HS. I did not play college football - the biggest mistake I made was not either walking on as a talent-challenged player or asking the coaching staff to be a part of the program in some way. I coached at the sophomore level the last two years of college, then stumbled into a HC job at a very small school (graduating classes between 35-40) at age 23. After 5 years I moved to a school 3 classifications higher - one year as an assistant then moved into the HC position. After 15 years at the second highest classification, I moved on to a school in the highest classification (2200 students 9-12). I have been incredibly fortunate in my career path - if not for great mentors it would have been nearly impossible to step into a HC position and have a chance to succeed. I guess, what I'm most trying to say is that no matter what the path is, it is of utmost importance to have a great support system of coaches that will help you become the best that you can become, whether they are coaches you work under, or with, or network with.
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