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Post by badtotheflexbone on Dec 21, 2017 18:49:48 GMT -6
I may get an opportunity to be an assistant at the HS level at a great program. Thanks to all the wonderful people here, I've learned a lot. My mentality is "Do whatever the head coach asks as if it is the most important thing in the world." I now understand the full plate a HS HC already has and will work my butt off to take as much off as possible while adding value where ever and however I can.
With this said, my question for you guys is how do you do all this without becoming a "Yes, man" type of guy? Is this something to worry about or is it on a case by case basis depending on the HC philosophy and whether he wants input from his assistants?
My plan is to keep my mouth shut, learn everything I can, and give input when asked but does this come off as "Yes, man"? My concern is not being a critical thinker/offering my thoughts (when asked) versus just blindly agreeing with everything because I am low man on the totem pole.
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Post by s73 on Dec 21, 2017 19:13:47 GMT -6
I may get an opportunity to be an assistant at the HS level at a great program. Thanks to all the wonderful people here, I've learned a lot. My mentality is "Do whatever the head coach asks as if it is the most important thing in the world." I now understand the full plate a HS HC already has and will work my butt off to take as much off as possible while adding value where ever and however I can. With this said, my question for you guys is how do you do all this without becoming a "Yes, man" type of guy? Is this something to worry about or is it on a case by case basis depending on the HC philosophy and whether he wants input from his assistants? My plan is to keep my mouth shut, learn everything I can, and give input when asked but does this come off as "Yes, man"? My concern is not being a critical thinker/offering my thoughts (when asked) versus just blindly agreeing with everything because I am low man on the totem pole. As a HC & IMO, when newly hired you have something to prove 1st. FOR ME, I'm not looking for input from "newbies" until they have DEMONSTRATED to me that they know their stuff. If I sit down with an assistant to chalk talk for example, it's pretty easy to see if the guy knows his stuff or not. If he does, then I am more apt to be open to him when he offers something. I have no timetable for any of this. The guy has to show knowledge. Some become people I listen to more quickly than others, just depends on what I see when I observe them coaching. Gotta earn your stripes brother. That's the best advice I can give. |
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Post by chi5hi on Dec 21, 2017 20:51:11 GMT -6
If you're asked, give your honest opinion. BTW...that honest opinion may be "I don't know." If you don't know, don't try to BS your way through.
Be there early.
Help carry equipment, or designate that task, and insure the job is completed.
Don't yell at the kids.
Don't get impatient with the kids.
When you have time, watch the other coaches and learn something every chance you get. If you don't see the reason why a fellow coach teaches something, ask him.
Learn your offense and defense the way your HC runs it. learn BOTH! One relates to the other.
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Post by bluboy on Dec 22, 2017 7:54:01 GMT -6
"Do whatever the head coach asks as if it is the most important thing in the world." I now understand the full plate a HS HC already has and will work my butt off to take as much off as possible while adding value wherever and however I can." This has been my mantra for 40+ years. IMHO, the three most important traits of an assistant are loyalty to the HC, a great work ethic, and a willingness to learn.
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Post by bleefb on Dec 23, 2017 13:29:02 GMT -6
"Do whatever the head coach asks as if it is the most important thing in the world." I now understand the full plate a HS HC already has and will work my butt off to take as much off as possible while adding value wherever and however I can." This has been my mantra for 40+ years. IMHO, the three most important traits of an assistant are loyalty to the HC, a great work ethic, and a willingness to learn. I would add "Do the jobs nobody else wants to do." |
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Post by runitupthemiddle on Dec 29, 2017 12:41:45 GMT -6
"Do whatever the head coach asks as if it is the most important thing in the world." I now understand the full plate a HS HC already has and will work my butt off to take as much off as possible while adding value wherever and however I can." This has been my mantra for 40+ years. IMHO, the three most important traits of an assistant are loyalty to the HC, a great work ethic, and a willingness to learn. I would add "Do the jobs nobody else wants to do." Yes, don't be afraid or above doing the dirty work. |
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center
Junior Member
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Post by center on Dec 29, 2017 13:03:49 GMT -6
Coach the daylights out of your position group.
Also monitor their off the field stuff. Grades and stuff.
Don’t let problems with them get to the HC.
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Post by clowndude on Feb 19, 2018 9:13:54 GMT -6
I cannot find the article that was once posted on here, but it hit the nail on the head about being the type of assistant that HCs love to have.
Does anybody know the location of the article that talked about the 2 key words to being a better assistant, "Add Value"?
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Post by 50slantstrong on Feb 19, 2018 11:15:46 GMT -6
Always ask to learn. Don’t ever try to just “not look stupid”. One of my biggest regrets from when I started was not trying to ask as many questions as possible. Especially this time of year. Once the season starts your other coaches won’t have the time.
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Post by cwaltsmith on Feb 20, 2018 8:23:14 GMT -6
Always have a why to any suggestion you give. And not just "because i like it"...If you think we should widen our splits or move to a head up tech... have a reason why, and make sure you know haow to incorperate it into the present scheme.
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Post by gators41 on Feb 20, 2018 8:47:58 GMT -6
I may get an opportunity to be an assistant at the HS level at a great program. Thanks to all the wonderful people here, I've learned a lot. My mentality is "Do whatever the head coach asks as if it is the most important thing in the world." I now understand the full plate a HS HC already has and will work my butt off to take as much off as possible while adding value where ever and however I can. With this said, my question for you guys is how do you do all this without becoming a "Yes, man" type of guy? Is this something to worry about or is it on a case by case basis depending on the HC philosophy and whether he wants input from his assistants? My plan is to keep my mouth shut, learn everything I can, and give input when asked but does this come off as "Yes, man"? My concern is not being a critical thinker/offering my thoughts (when asked) versus just blindly agreeing with everything because I am low man on the totem pole. I dont think any good HC wants Yes Men. Dont be that. Offer your opinion when asked, keep your mouth shut when not. I had to learn that, I have a big mouth. Not disrespectful, just had a lot of ideas my first year. No one wants to hear them until you prove yourself. After that first season you will have been through the {censored} with the other guys, they will trust you and you can have some input. |
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Post by badtotheflexbone on Feb 21, 2018 2:01:01 GMT -6
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Post by groundchuck on Feb 21, 2018 4:42:59 GMT -6
The same thing I tell my players, students, and own children. Figure out how you will add value to the organization.
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Post by Defcord on Feb 21, 2018 6:12:35 GMT -6
Always have a why to any suggestion you give. And not just "because i like it"...If you think we should widen our splits or move to a head up tech... have a reason why, and make sure you know haow to incorperate it into the present scheme. I think this is pretty important. I think you could add to it two things. First: Defend your position well with sound reason. I think it was Schembechler's book (I could be wrong) but he said he challenged new ideas from assistants to make sure that they really believed in it. If they couldn't handle the pressure from the HC in staff meetings then they couldn't coach it well enough for their kids to handle it during a game. Second: After you have defended your position, if the HC or coordinator choose not to use your idea then move on and get back on the same page. |
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Post by cwaltsmith on Feb 21, 2018 7:52:24 GMT -6
Always have a why to any suggestion you give. And not just "because i like it"...If you think we should widen our splits or move to a head up tech... have a reason why, and make sure you know haow to incorperate it into the present scheme. I think this is pretty important. I think you could add to it two things. First: Defend your position well with sound reason. I think it was Schembechler's book (I could be wrong) but he said he challenged new ideas from assistants to make sure that they really believed in it. If they couldn't handle the pressure from the HC in staff meetings then they couldn't coach it well enough for their kids to handle it during a game. Second: After you have defended your position, if the HC or coordinator choose not to use your idea then move on and get back on the same page. Yes great points... understanding that every plan can be pencil whipped... have an answer and thought process... One of the biggest problems I ever had as a HC was I had an asst that wanted to install the favor of the week to our OFF and DEF every week bc it worked on TV or for the team playing our opponent. He wasn't a young guy either... had been a coord at a big school for years... But definitely be ready to defend your why with football reasons, not just bc you think so. |
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Post by aceback76 on Feb 21, 2018 8:15:31 GMT -6
I may get an opportunity to be an assistant at the HS level at a great program. Thanks to all the wonderful people here, I've learned a lot. My mentality is "Do whatever the head coach asks as if it is the most important thing in the world." I now understand the full plate a HS HC already has and will work my butt off to take as much off as possible while adding value where ever and however I can. With this said, my question for you guys is how do you do all this without becoming a "Yes, man" type of guy? Is this something to worry about or is it on a case by case basis depending on the HC philosophy and whether he wants input from his assistants? My plan is to keep my mouth shut, learn everything I can, and give input when asked but does this come off as "Yes, man"? My concern is not being a critical thinker/offering my thoughts (when asked) versus just blindly agreeing with everything because I am low man on the totem pole. Listed in order of importance: 1. Ever be LOYAL! 2. Work Ethic: Be the first one there, and the last one to leave. 3. Learn to disagree without being disagreeable. ******************************************************* Loyalty If you work for a man, in heaven's name work for him. If he pays you wages which supply you bread and butter, work for him; speak well of him; stand by him, and stand by the institution he represents. If put to a pinch, an ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness. If you must vilify, condemn, and eternally disparage, resign your position, and when you are outside, damn to your heart's content, but as long as you are part of the institution do not condemn it. If you do that, you are loosening the tendrils that are holding you to the institution, and at the first high wind that comes along, you will be uprooted and blown away, and will probably never know the reason why. |
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Post by Defcord on Feb 21, 2018 8:18:09 GMT -6
I think this is pretty important. I think you could add to it two things. First: Defend your position well with sound reason. I think it was Schembechler's book (I could be wrong) but he said he challenged new ideas from assistants to make sure that they really believed in it. If they couldn't handle the pressure from the HC in staff meetings then they couldn't coach it well enough for their kids to handle it during a game. Second: After you have defended your position, if the HC or coordinator choose not to use your idea then move on and get back on the same page. Yes great points... understanding that every plan can be pencil whipped... have an answer and thought process... One of the biggest problems I ever had as a HC was I had an asst that wanted to install the favor of the week to our OFF and DEF every week bc it worked on TV or for the team playing our opponent. He wasn't a young guy either... had been a coord at a big school for years... But definitely be ready to defend your why with football reasons, not just bc you think so. I agree the flavor of the week guys are frustrating, especially because most of them don't realize that themselves and the rest of the guys on staff don't know enough about the play or scheme they saw to coach it successfully. It's one thing if you see something and research it and talk to guys that run it successfully to figure out how to run it, but if you just want to draw up some x's and o's because it was cool on Saturday or Sunday then I get worried really quick. |
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Post by Defcord on Feb 21, 2018 8:19:32 GMT -6
I may get an opportunity to be an assistant at the HS level at a great program. Thanks to all the wonderful people here, I've learned a lot. My mentality is "Do whatever the head coach asks as if it is the most important thing in the world." I now understand the full plate a HS HC already has and will work my butt off to take as much off as possible while adding value where ever and however I can. With this said, my question for you guys is how do you do all this without becoming a "Yes, man" type of guy? Is this something to worry about or is it on a case by case basis depending on the HC philosophy and whether he wants input from his assistants? My plan is to keep my mouth shut, learn everything I can, and give input when asked but does this come off as "Yes, man"? My concern is not being a critical thinker/offering my thoughts (when asked) versus just blindly agreeing with everything because I am low man on the totem pole. Listed in order of importance: 1. Ever be LOYAL! 2. Work Ethic: Be the first one there, and the last one to leave. 3. Learn to disagree without being disagreeable. ******************************************************* Loyalty If you work for a man, in heaven's name work for him. If he pays you wages which supply you bread and butter, work for him; speak well of him; stand by him, and stand by the institution he represents. If put to a pinch, an ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness. If you must vilify, condemn, and eternally disparage, resign your position, and when you are outside, damn to your heart's content, but as long as you are part of the institution do not condemn it. If you do that, you are loosening the tendrils that are holding you to the institution, and at the first high wind that comes along, you will be uprooted and blown away, and will probably never know the reason why. I think this is pretty good stuff. Don't be a guy that puts holes in the boat he is sailing in. |
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Post by gators41 on Feb 21, 2018 11:38:39 GMT -6
I may get an opportunity to be an assistant at the HS level at a great program. Thanks to all the wonderful people here, I've learned a lot. My mentality is "Do whatever the head coach asks as if it is the most important thing in the world." I now understand the full plate a HS HC already has and will work my butt off to take as much off as possible while adding value where ever and however I can. With this said, my question for you guys is how do you do all this without becoming a "Yes, man" type of guy? Is this something to worry about or is it on a case by case basis depending on the HC philosophy and whether he wants input from his assistants? My plan is to keep my mouth shut, learn everything I can, and give input when asked but does this come off as "Yes, man"? My concern is not being a critical thinker/offering my thoughts (when asked) versus just blindly agreeing with everything because I am low man on the totem pole. Listed in order of importance: 1. Ever be LOYAL! 2. Work Ethic: Be the first one there, and the last one to leave. 3. Learn to disagree without being disagreeable. ******************************************************* Loyalty If you work for a man, in heaven's name work for him. If he pays you wages which supply you bread and butter, work for him; speak well of him; stand by him, and stand by the institution he represents. If put to a pinch, an ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness. If you must vilify, condemn, and eternally disparage, resign your position, and when you are outside, damn to your heart's content, but as long as you are part of the institution do not condemn it. If you do that, you are loosening the tendrils that are holding you to the institution, and at the first high wind that comes along, you will be uprooted and blown away, and will probably never know the reason why. Beautiful words about Loyalty. I wish I could write like that |
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Post by coachbeam on Feb 21, 2018 17:35:09 GMT -6
Something that a head coach told me as an assistant that I continually remind myself is to sell every single idea as my own. Even if it's not something that I totally believe in, for whatever reason, sell it to my players like I came up with it. I guess that would fall under loyalty.
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Post by cfoott on Feb 21, 2018 18:05:19 GMT -6
I've been a HC on the lower levels and I always look at how the players respond to the coach. Are they walking all over them? Are they afraid of them? Do they take them serious? I think that carries the most weight. Coaches evaluate their assistant daily, informally. Connect with the players, teach then their position and hold them accountable.
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