|
|
Post by pantherdc on Jul 22, 2007 10:16:02 GMT -6
I just was hired as the new DC. The old DC is the new HC and all other defensive position coaches will be returning. We will be running pretty much the same defense as last year. How should I approach the situation? We start meetings next week. Thanks!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by fbdoc on Jul 22, 2007 12:43:19 GMT -6
Are you new to the staff? Did the HC tell you WHAT you're going to be running or do you have control? Make sure these topics have been addressed and made crystal clear with the head coach BEFORE any meetings with hold over assistants. Assuming you're going to run your own stuff, be prepared at the first meeting to explain the what and why of your defense. Listen to the input (and questions) from the staff but make sure they know that this is how its going to be done. Meet with each coach individually and let them know that they will be "in charge" of their position and that you are counting on them to continue to do a great job. Build them up, give them the playbook/drill book so they CAN do a great job. Also, don't be afraid to ASK their opinion and advice - those things can go a LONG way toward brining a new staff closer together.
|
|
|
|
Post by coachnichols on Jul 22, 2007 12:49:01 GMT -6
Questions:
You were just hired...why so late? Did the former DC just get the job (in late July)? What's the situation?
What's the team morale right now? Have you been winning?
What's the staff's morale? Are they good coaches?
Looking back on my first year as DC, Iwould say the most important thing to remember is communication. Be clear when you communicate with the staff. Make sure you and your HC are on the same page about everything. Make it clear to position coaches what is expected of them, what your plan is, etc. Time and again in coaching and teaching, I've found poor/unclear communication to be the root of most problems.
|
|
|
|
Post by coachd5085 on Jul 22, 2007 14:10:30 GMT -6
Or is it the flip side to what fbdoc suggested? Was the DC just promoted from within to HC, and you were promoted from within to replace him as the defensive coordinator. If that is the case, find out if you will be the DC in fact as well as in appearance (for exampl,e , Will Muschamp at LSU, DC in appearance, but not 100% in fact)
If that is the case, and you believe in what you did last year, GREAT..just go with it. If you don't, well, that is where it gets a little more trickey
|
|
|
|
Post by pantherdc on Jul 22, 2007 16:36:55 GMT -6
I am new to the school. I have watched all of last season's game film. We will be using the same defense. Morale is high. We have good athletes. Watching the film has shown me that we just need to keep up the repetitions.
|
|
|
|
Post by coachnichols on Jul 22, 2007 17:15:44 GMT -6
There you go then.
You're the new guy. What do you believe? What are you passionate about? What do you want to see on the field? Give the answers to your staff and teach them how the defense is going to get to where you want to go. Lots of clear communication and lots of teaching. Leave nothing to chance.
|
|
|
|
Post by chadp56 on Jul 22, 2007 17:28:08 GMT -6
It sounds like you don't have a lot of decisions that need to be made. I'd say, learn the system inside and out, ask lots of questions if you don't have something down (especially with the HC since he did that job last year), as fbdoc said give your assistants responsibility for their positions with imput where needed, and finally work your tail off scouting opponents and preparing. Probably by next season you will be able to add some of your own ideas for improvement once you have the prospective. Good luck coach. Sounds like you are in a good situation for success.
|
|
|
|
Post by pantherdc on Jul 22, 2007 21:34:15 GMT -6
Thanks everyone!
|
|
