when to give it up and move on?

As far as quitting coaching all together, just picture if its something you can do without. Although I know I don't have as much experience as most on this board I've spent time away from the game and it ate me up inside. Personally I know I couldn't be without it, kinda like an addiction, I think if you are still passionate about the game itself don't be so quick to throw away the profession.

that about sums it up.

I think I am there now, because I could live without the non-stop drama that clouds the game.
Relationships are what this game is REALLY about (IMO) and if creating, sustaining, maintaining, and improving them has become too much trouble, then, yeah, just give it a rest.

eickst---what size school are you coaching at? At the last school I helped with, both the HC/OC and the DC had other coaches much more capable at doing their coordinator jobs than they were.

eickst---AHHHh..yes... I see. Thats tough too, because as the kids get older, your assts keep leaving you.

I have coached for over twenty years. I cannot live without coaching the game. I have coached at a state champion and I have coached for a team that did not win a game. No matter how tough the season or how difficult the situation I never thought I could leave the game. I have had parents threaten me and I have had parents hug me and thank me for helping thier son to be a better person and player. I do not teach school nor have I ever been a teacher. I am in private business and I have never missed a season. I have turned down great career opportunities because I had to coach football and the job schedule would not allow for it. I have no desire to be a school teacher but I will always coach somewhere. If you can live without being on that field and truly be happy then you should get out. The emotional conflict of being a coach is not for everybody and I have seen it really tear up some very good men. But, try to imagine driving by a stadium on a Friday night and seeing the lights and all the people there and not having a part in what is going on there. If you can imagine doing that and not just want to cry then you might be able to give up the drug of football. I know I could not ever give it up. Sometimes you need to move to the next team, but you still need to coach. Nothing wrong with that because if you coach for any period of time you will probably not finish your career at the same place you started. Think about it for some time before you try to enter football "rehab". Just another idiot's opinion

Got to call you out on this one...you don't know what his shoes are.... and no offense, this is your first ever Varsity Season. So mentally, you are fresh and full of spirit.

I'm in a similar boat...except this season has added one HUGE variable. I know have a little boy at home. These last three months have been very hard on my wife and I. I think I am done coaching now until my son gets a little older and is less of a hand full.

Coachcalande I have to disagree. There are some jobs no coach wants. I took two of those jobs. My first HC job was by default. Four people applied. Two backed out, one was not qualified, so that left me. Stayed for 6 years. When the parents ran my family out of the stands and made my daughter cry I resigned. The next job was a new program. No one would take the job other than a parent. He ran the program for two years and nerly killed it. I took over after his demise. Lets be honest, when you interview they want to know your record. Sometimes that is all that matters to the "powers that be".

To echo others, make sure the decision isn't just based on your emotions. Take a step back and take the time to list all the pros & cons of coaching vs. non-coaching. Go over the list and decide what is best for you and your family. A change of venue can help as can taking a year off to recharge your batteries. I've taken a sabbatical from coaching twice in my career, once for a single year and once for 3 years, both times my choice. What I found out was that about 2 years into the 3 year absence I really missed the game and got back into it. I don't regret that decision at all and have found that I missed not coaching more than I realized. If you decide to get out, you can always attend local games to keep up with what is going on and enjoy watching football as a casual observer (I was lucky enough to land a radio color job which helped my football fix to an extent). Keep your contacts with fellow coaches so you can jump back in if you want. Whatever you decide, take the time to make a rationale decision, either way you'll be better off than letting emotions cloud the decision.

I haven't thought about quitting, only going to another program. The president we have of our youth chapter is stepping down and we don't know who the next president will be until after elections.

I have tried to give up coaching before and it didn't work for very long. I enjoy coaching, but I can live without it. When it isn't fun anymore I won't do it.
I resigned once because a HC was an immature, insecure young man who was scared of anyone who knew more than he did. I coached some 7th and 8th graders the next year, had a losing season and loved it.
29th year of coaching, when my youngest son is done- I'll think about what I want to do.

raider,
Don't ever give up something you love without first weighing the pros and cons. Like so many wives mentioned by you guys, my wife goes through "husband withdrawl" during the season, but after the season, I more than make up for the time spent away. I have two young boys, and though I have spent alot of time away from them during the season, I always make it a point to have them at the games in the stands, where our wives have a "family section". After the game, I always get the boys down where they can get some "playing time" on the field. We also have great kids, and my sons get attached big time to them every year. So even though I'm away during the season, I still get to spend time with the family.
To tell you the truth, IF I was home all the time, my wife would kill me. I've had numerous job opportunities come my way that would have doubled my salary, but this game keeps pulling me back. If you truly loveit, things will work out.

Single mothers raise children all the time

Brother you must be short sighted. Wars are fought all the time, but if a better option is available I think we should probably use it. If WingT74 can give his child and wife a few years, good for them. The most important child you teach and coach is your own.
Greg the Amature

Just makes sure you give yourself plenty of time to make the right choice.