Post by biggroff on Jul 30, 2007 7:49:29 GMT -6
Myself...Been coaching at 4 different schools in 11 years. (I work at a college so I cannot coach where I teach)
1) Was at a very small private school for my first job. Loved the kids. I left this job to follow the head coach when he took new job at a mich bigger public school. I saw a chance to coach a much bigger program with all the trappings that come with a big program. (The private school went on to be a multiple state champion the past few years).
2) After 6 years of buliding up the program at the big public school, I (along with 4 other coaches) were let go due to budget concerns. That hurt a lot. Staff was very disfunctional so may be a blessing in disguise.
3) Took a job for one year a a small public school. We were good, made the playoffs (this school always made the playoffs) but I did not mesh very well with the staff there. They were not bad guys or anything, just a small staff where I was much different than the guys on the staff. I Felt pretty empty there.
4) Now I am at another small private school that did not have a winning season for 10 years. This is my 3rd year. We went 4-5 and 5-4 the past two years. Lower levels were 9-0 past two years. I LOVE the head coach. He lets run the defense any way I want, lets the assistants coach, is organized, and really balances out family and football (Very important to me with 3 small kids at home). We have the best coaching staff I have ever been a part of both from a personal and football perspective. I drive 1 hour from my job to coach at this school, which is the only drawback.
I had the opportunity to jump to a big time public school football program this past spring. Great facilities, great athletes, chance to be a DC at a traditional football powerhouse. They searched me out which is very humbling. This school would still be an hour drive from where I work. I decided to stay at the private school. (maybe I am nuts! Some people though I was) After 11 years I have learned two big things...
1) Grass is always greener on the other side. Every place has its positives and negatives. It is hard to leave and start over at another school at the high school level. The bonds you form with the kids and the community are very hard to break. I have made the mistake of leaving for reasons that I though were important (Winning, facilities,etc). There is a lot to be said for staying and making the place you are at better. If you are leaving a school to become a head coach or to make twice as much salary, that is a different thing.
2) If you love the people you are working with then stay and be happy. This is 10 times more important than winning. Coaches always say this but I am not sure how many people actually believe it. I have experienced 4 different staffs. If you love the peolpe you work with your work life , family life, and coaching life will be SO much better.
Hope this helps.
1) Was at a very small private school for my first job. Loved the kids. I left this job to follow the head coach when he took new job at a mich bigger public school. I saw a chance to coach a much bigger program with all the trappings that come with a big program. (The private school went on to be a multiple state champion the past few years).
2) After 6 years of buliding up the program at the big public school, I (along with 4 other coaches) were let go due to budget concerns. That hurt a lot. Staff was very disfunctional so may be a blessing in disguise.
3) Took a job for one year a a small public school. We were good, made the playoffs (this school always made the playoffs) but I did not mesh very well with the staff there. They were not bad guys or anything, just a small staff where I was much different than the guys on the staff. I Felt pretty empty there.
4) Now I am at another small private school that did not have a winning season for 10 years. This is my 3rd year. We went 4-5 and 5-4 the past two years. Lower levels were 9-0 past two years. I LOVE the head coach. He lets run the defense any way I want, lets the assistants coach, is organized, and really balances out family and football (Very important to me with 3 small kids at home). We have the best coaching staff I have ever been a part of both from a personal and football perspective. I drive 1 hour from my job to coach at this school, which is the only drawback.
I had the opportunity to jump to a big time public school football program this past spring. Great facilities, great athletes, chance to be a DC at a traditional football powerhouse. They searched me out which is very humbling. This school would still be an hour drive from where I work. I decided to stay at the private school. (maybe I am nuts! Some people though I was) After 11 years I have learned two big things...
1) Grass is always greener on the other side. Every place has its positives and negatives. It is hard to leave and start over at another school at the high school level. The bonds you form with the kids and the community are very hard to break. I have made the mistake of leaving for reasons that I though were important (Winning, facilities,etc). There is a lot to be said for staying and making the place you are at better. If you are leaving a school to become a head coach or to make twice as much salary, that is a different thing.
2) If you love the people you are working with then stay and be happy. This is 10 times more important than winning. Coaches always say this but I am not sure how many people actually believe it. I have experienced 4 different staffs. If you love the peolpe you work with your work life , family life, and coaching life will be SO much better.
Hope this helps.