Between a rock and a bigger rock

coachic,
I was just faced with a similar issue last season as I just took over the reigns of being announced as the HC. I was our OC last season and we had some kids who kinda felt that the staff before I was hired in was part of the reason why we didn't win games, and then this past season we only won 1 game....so I understand.
but why do you feel that you arent ready to take over? I kinda felt the same as you but I looked at it this way. I'm already here in the program I've already gotten things established with my Off. system but in your case your Def. so now you only have to establish Sp tm and Off. Coaches or what ever you plan on doing with that.
it's a tough transition with how much more you as a HC have to deal with but....if you put good people around you and they believe in you system then you should be fine especially if the kids like you they'll do whatever it takes for a coach they enjoy being around trust me.

Now as far as those few players that you wanna have run off...there's a few ways to deal with them you said it yourself they are a cancer to your team and it's bothering you. either you can let them cut themselves or do it by committee with the players advisory board. but I would use my seniors who are starters for me and find out if they are willing to vote them out. or....I'd Kill the cancer's slowly. come april make things really difficult for them don't allow them to get reps , playing time, work the {censored} out of them...if they feel it's not worth it, then they'll fold or they'll be players for you one or the other. I don't cut kids I allow them to cut themselves . I'm in a Demographic where we have 5 rival schools within 20 miles of each other and each school has somewhere around 2000-2600 students pop. but we only get about 100-120 kids out to play.

that's true but like I said if you put good people around you then....those things won't be as tough as you think. I'm in the process of everything you've mentioned including scheduling coaching meetings etc. but I'm sure his AD would be willing to assist in guiding you through those off the field issues. my AD is there with me to answer any questions or help with Purchase orders etc. that stuff can be dealt with. the only other things I'd be concerned about that are off the field issues would be my players grades and having some sort of study hall set in place so you can maintain your guys.

Thats if you have an AD whose willing to help. If you were in my last situation, you'd have a female AD whose sole purpose in life was to make everyday hell for the football program. Even as far as to take our gate money and give it to the field hockey program, which her daughter coached.

As an asst. coach at a previous school, I experienced this. There were a few of us assistants that tried to hold kids accountable for the weight room.

Kids are kids, and the HC title carries weight with it. You can try to rationalize with them, but ultimately many kids don't want to be reasoned with. They're kids, we are adults,;we know what is best. But they don't necessarily want to hear your version of what is best right now. You're not the HC. The new HC may come and say exactly the same thing you do, and the kids will eat it up, because he is the HC.

Like dcohio said "I would apply for the job just so when you're in the weight room, you can say "yea, I did apply, and if all you want to do is stand around and bad mouth, you better pray they don't hire me." ......he understands the power HC carries with it.

The advisory board is a good idea, but its still YOUR advisory board and the kids know that. They know when the new HC gets to town he will have new rules.

I'm not saying give up, I'm just trying to be realistic and help you understand what those kids are probably thinking. It may help you stress a little less.

Unless you don't aspire to be a head coach at any point in your career I would not say that "I am not ready to be a head coach". If that is the case ,then stop "acting" like one.Right now you are their leader and you should do just that,LEAD!! I think you should apply for the job and start acting like it is yours. This is your chance to audition yourself. See what works in the off-season.Put together your plans for your program.Use every opportunity to make yourself look good and learn on the fly.If they bring in somebody new then show him what you have done and he can maybe incorporate your stuff into his.You have to keep the program going for the sake of the kids.Adults always seem to mess it up for kids but right now you are the foundation of a football program.Some people are given leadership.Some people have leadership thrust upon them.And some people take the mantle of leadership. Right now everybody is watching to see what you do and you are fumbling the ball.If you don't want the ball then get off of the field.