tsbre32
Probationary Member
Posts: 7 
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Post by tsbre32 on Sept 9, 2020 13:40:37 GMT -6
Anyone on a staff or been part of staff that doesn't have coaches titled as "Coordinators?" I coach High School. This is my first year on a new staff. I spent the past 6 years on a staff of 5 coaches. The Head Coach was the DC, we had an OC, and I was the STC. It's been a couple weeks on the new staff of 6 coaches and I don't know if I like the non coordinator setup. The Head Coach calls offensive plays and is as close to the OC as you can get. The "DC" role is mainly filled by the head coach but no one has a specific role. I run the special teams by myself. Just curious if there is a better way to make sure nothing falls through the cracks as far as game planning and practice organization.
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Post by fantom on Sept 9, 2020 14:00:34 GMT -6
Anyone on a staff or been part of staff that doesn't have coaches titled as "Coordinators?" I coach High School. This is my first year on a new staff. I spent the past 6 years on a staff of 5 coaches. The Head Coach was the DC, we had an OC, and I was the STC. It's been a couple weeks on the new staff of 6 coaches and I don't know if I like the non coordinator setup. The Head Coach calls offensive plays and is as close to the OC as you can get. The "DC" role is mainly filled by the head coach but no one has a specific role. I run the special teams by myself. Just curious if there is a better way to make sure nothing falls through the cracks as far as game planning and practice organization. If you're not the HC it doesn't matter if there's a better way or not. |
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Post by justafbcoach on Sept 10, 2020 9:09:31 GMT -6
Anyone on a staff or been part of staff that doesn't have coaches titled as "Coordinators?" I coach High School. This is my first year on a new staff. I spent the past 6 years on a staff of 5 coaches. The Head Coach was the DC, we had an OC, and I was the STC. It's been a couple weeks on the new staff of 6 coaches and I don't know if I like the non coordinator setup. The Head Coach calls offensive plays and is as close to the OC as you can get. The "DC" role is mainly filled by the head coach but no one has a specific role. I run the special teams by myself. Just curious if there is a better way to make sure nothing falls through the cracks as far as game planning and practice organization. If you're not the HC it doesn't matter if there's a better way or not. I agree with fantom for sure. The HC makes that call. I will say I worked for a HC once who tried to call both offense and defense because we were struggling at the time and he "wanted to make sure if he went down, he went down doing all he could." It did lead to a lot of disorganization in practice and on Fridays, but we finished the year on a roll and sneaked into the playoffs. I left because I didn't like the way it was day-to-day. Now, I'm OC at my current school and I am essentially HC of Offense and our DC is essentially HC of Defense. Our coach is supportive of us and lets us run our groups the way we want within the culture we've established. It's much more organized since everybody knows who to "report" to. I couldn't imagine working where nobody had titles, but I guess they are somewhat irrelevant if the big whistle is heavy on both sides of the ball. |
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Post by coachcb on Sept 10, 2020 9:33:20 GMT -6
Yup, as fantom pointed out, you just have to live with it. I wouldn't want to operate like that but there are certainly are times when the "coordinator" title actually means very little. The HC is a coordinator and he lays out exactly what will be run on offense, defense and special teams. He runs one of three aspects of the game and the other two "coordinators" have little control over what is installed and called. |
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Post by bobgoodman on Sept 10, 2020 9:49:34 GMT -6
With a total of 6 coaches, I'd say having such a thing as "coordinators" is at least borderline top-heavy organization. You could if you want have 2 coaches who are the last say below the team HC as to particulars on offense and defense, but other than on game day, they're hardly ever going to be coordinating a set of ACs under them. And if you do have coordinators, then on game day the head coach of the team could sleep thru most of the game.
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Post by nicku on Sept 10, 2020 10:40:42 GMT -6
If you're not the HC it doesn't matter if there's a better way or not. Arguably the truest statement I have seen on here non-related to X's and O's. |
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Post by carookie on Sept 10, 2020 13:08:29 GMT -6
Issue of semantics; the HC is both the DC & the OC, whether or not he has the titles or not. If he's the one deciding on the system, coordinating practice, and calling the plays in the game then he is the coordinator.
I've been on staffs where a coach had the title of coordinator, but the jobs listed above were done by others, said coach was not really the coordinator- he just got the letters next to his name in the program.
In your case, the HC is both the DC & OC.
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Post by aceback76 on Sept 10, 2020 13:22:44 GMT -6
Anyone on a staff or been part of staff that doesn't have coaches titled as "Coordinators?" I coach High School. This is my first year on a new staff. I spent the past 6 years on a staff of 5 coaches. The Head Coach was the DC, we had an OC, and I was the STC. It's been a couple weeks on the new staff of 6 coaches and I don't know if I like the non coordinator setup. The Head Coach calls offensive plays and is as close to the OC as you can get. The "DC" role is mainly filled by the head coach but no one has a specific role. I run the special teams by myself. Just curious if there is a better way to make sure nothing falls through the cracks as far as game planning and practice organization. PREFER this approach (titles do not a good coach make)! Staff has a "say" in game planning, BUT I (as HFC) GET 51% of the vote! I CALL the offense at games. Don't have a D-Coordinator, but I let my most trusted assistant CALL the defense from a Game Plan sheet we made up together (while I meet with QBs on sideline). |
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Post by fantom on Sept 10, 2020 13:24:45 GMT -6
Issue of semantics; the HC is both the DC & the OC, whether or not he has the titles or not. If he's the one deciding on the system, coordinating practice, and calling the plays in the game then he is the coordinator. I've been on staffs where a coach had the title of coordinator, but the jobs listed above were done by others, said coach was not really the coordinator- he just got the letters next to his name in the program. In your case, the HC is both the DC & OC. Unless there's extra money that comes with the title it doesn't matter much. |
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Post by coachcb on Sept 10, 2020 13:54:06 GMT -6
Issue of semantics; the HC is both the DC & the OC, whether or not he has the titles or not. If he's the one deciding on the system, coordinating practice, and calling the plays in the game then he is the coordinator. I've been on staffs where a coach had the title of coordinator, but the jobs listed above were done by others, said coach was not really the coordinator- he just got the letters next to his name in the program. In your case, the HC is both the DC & OC.
It's all about how much autonomy an HC feels comfortable with when giving a coach the offense, defense or special teams. In some programs/years, you just let that coach roll because they're good at what they're doing. In other programs/years, you end up micro managing and basically running all three...
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Post by aceback76 on Sept 10, 2020 13:59:05 GMT -6
I don't give that "title" to an assistant, because once you "give" it, you can't "take it aawy" (for non-performance) without losing a friend. Also - I found that by appointing a coach as a "coordinator", it stifled the creativity of OTHER staff members!
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Post by blb on Sept 10, 2020 14:18:13 GMT -6
In HS coaching there are many different situations-ways to organize a staff.
One of my mentors called both O and D even though he had many long-time assistants who were very good coaches. They just weren't interested in being coordinators on the varsity level.
Another of my mentors did not want to coach defense (except for a position) and would let his DC run whatever he wanted.
Both are Hall of Fame coaches in our state.
I wanted to have a DC but they were going to run my defense because the record was going to be on my name, if they left I didn't want to have to start over, and in most of my situations I spent more time on football than my assistants did.
In two of my first years with a program the assistants I designated to be DC wanted to wait-see how I game planned-called games, and there were some where I didn't have assistants who had the experience or ability to be a coordinator.
Having said that, we were usually better when I could turn other side of the ball over to a good coach who was more interested in helping us win than what his title was.
Point is, just wanting to be a coordinator-having a title doesn't mean you're ready to. Have to earn it.
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tsbre32
Probationary Member
Posts: 7
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Post by tsbre32 on Sept 10, 2020 14:29:15 GMT -6
Fantom's comment put it in to perspective for me and I appreciate that. I agree coordinator is just a title that doesn't hold much weight. To me it helps create a hierarchy. I think it puts a lot on the Head Coaches' plate. I was looking for ways to help as I am still trying to find my role. Was curious of what other people's experiences were.
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Post by **** on Sept 10, 2020 17:47:07 GMT -6
Anyone on a staff or been part of staff that doesn't have coaches titled as "Coordinators?" I coach High School. This is my first year on a new staff. I spent the past 6 years on a staff of 5 coaches. The Head Coach was the DC, we had an OC, and I was the STC. It's been a couple weeks on the new staff of 6 coaches and I don't know if I like the non coordinator setup. The Head Coach calls offensive plays and is as close to the OC as you can get. The "DC" role is mainly filled by the head coach but no one has a specific role. I run the special teams by myself. Just curious if there is a better way to make sure nothing falls through the cracks as far as game planning and practice organization. I am HC, OC and DC and have a staff member handle SPT. |
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Post by carookie on Sept 10, 2020 19:27:22 GMT -6
I will write this, though it goes against prevailing sentiments. It is very important to have a clearly articulated and outlined list of jobs and tasks for all coaches; included among these are play calling responsibilities and who calls the play should the play caller go down. That may seem silly but I have seen it happen multiple times.
Along those lines, who comes up with the game plan should the 'game-planning coach' not be available. Ditto for all the other tasks traditionally attached to a coordinator.
Now, I'm not one to go chasing a title or initials after my job title; but lets be honest, there are lots of coaches who want to work their way up and eventually get a HC job themselves. Lots of times for people to get a shot at an interview they have to work their way up, being a coordinator being the step you have to take before-hand. Now maybe you can get an interview by pointing out that 'you were really the coordinator, but your HC didn't want to give you the title'. But I'd hate to think I'd be stifling someone's career growth because I didn't give them a title for a job they were already doing.
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tsbre32
Probationary Member
Posts: 7
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Post by tsbre32 on Sept 11, 2020 7:10:14 GMT -6
I will write this, though it goes against prevailing sentiments. It is very important to have a clearly articulated and outlined list of jobs and tasks for all coaches; included among these are play calling responsibilities and who calls the play should the play caller go down. That may seem silly but I have seen it happen multiple times. Along those lines, who comes up with the game plan should the 'game-planning coach' not be available. Ditto for all the other tasks traditionally attached to a coordinator. Now, I'm not one to go chasing a title or initials after my job title; but lets be honest, there are lots of coaches who want to work their way up and eventually get a HC job themselves. Lots of times for people to get a shot at an interview they have to work their way up, being a coordinator being the step you have to take before-hand. Now maybe you can get an interview by pointing out that 'you were really the coordinator, but your HC didn't want to give you the title'. But I'd hate to think I'd be stifling someone's career growth because I didn't give them a title for a job they were already doing. With a HC, OC, DC, ST coordinator, these coaches are in charge of their unit. It is up to them how much time and effort get's put into it because at the end of the day, it's on them if their unit performs. This coaching staff does not have assigned responsibilities as far as scouting and game planning. We spend hours on Sundays drawing up a defense to stop our opponent and their isn't much continuity from week to week or easy way to adjust in game because we don't have much in as a defense. I understand the defense can look completely different week to week but it should have similar principles and rules. |
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Post by coachcb on Sept 11, 2020 7:21:07 GMT -6
I will write this, though it goes against prevailing sentiments. It is very important to have a clearly articulated and outlined list of jobs and tasks for all coaches; included among these are play calling responsibilities and who calls the play should the play caller go down. That may seem silly but I have seen it happen multiple times. Along those lines, who comes up with the game plan should the 'game-planning coach' not be available. Ditto for all the other tasks traditionally attached to a coordinator. Now, I'm not one to go chasing a title or initials after my job title; but lets be honest, there are lots of coaches who want to work their way up and eventually get a HC job themselves. Lots of times for people to get a shot at an interview they have to work their way up, being a coordinator being the step you have to take before-hand. Now maybe you can get an interview by pointing out that 'you were really the coordinator, but your HC didn't want to give you the title'. But I'd hate to think I'd be stifling someone's career growth because I didn't give them a title for a job they were already doing. With a HC, OC, DC, ST coordinator, these coaches are in charge of their unit. It is up to them how much time and effort get's put into it because at the end of the day, it's on them if their unit performs. This coaching staff does not have assigned responsibilities as far as scouting and game planning. We spend hours on Sundays drawing up a defense to stop our opponent and their isn't much continuity from week to week or easy way to adjust in game because we don't have much in as a defense. I understand the defense can look completely different week to week but it should have similar principles and rules.
Tough situation... As an aside, the offense, defense and STs should be the same from Day One. A few wrinkles tossed in, here and there, but 90%+ of the scheme should remain the same.
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Post by coachbb on Sept 11, 2020 9:02:07 GMT -6
Titles might be meaningless in the "small" picture of things, but titles are pretty important for assistants who are looking to move-up and eventually become HCs themselves one day. Good assistants usually have career aspirations of their own, and I know many districts that won't interview someone without experience as a coordinator or HC.
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Post by carookie on Sept 11, 2020 10:49:08 GMT -6
I will write this, though it goes against prevailing sentiments. It is very important to have a clearly articulated and outlined list of jobs and tasks for all coaches; included among these are play calling responsibilities and who calls the play should the play caller go down. That may seem silly but I have seen it happen multiple times. Along those lines, who comes up with the game plan should the 'game-planning coach' not be available. Ditto for all the other tasks traditionally attached to a coordinator. Now, I'm not one to go chasing a title or initials after my job title; but lets be honest, there are lots of coaches who want to work their way up and eventually get a HC job themselves. Lots of times for people to get a shot at an interview they have to work their way up, being a coordinator being the step you have to take before-hand. Now maybe you can get an interview by pointing out that 'you were really the coordinator, but your HC didn't want to give you the title'. But I'd hate to think I'd be stifling someone's career growth because I didn't give them a title for a job they were already doing. With a HC, OC, DC, ST coordinator, these coaches are in charge of their unit. It is up to them how much time and effort get's put into it because at the end of the day, it's on them if their unit performs. This coaching staff does not have assigned responsibilities as far as scouting and game planning. We spend hours on Sundays drawing up a defense to stop our opponent and their isn't much continuity from week to week or easy way to adjust in game because we don't have much in as a defense. I understand the defense can look completely different week to week but it should have similar principles and rules. I am agreeing with everything you are writing. In fact, I am writing that there should be even more order of responsibility than just HC, OC, DC, ST. There needs to be someone who is designated as the top assistant to each in case something happens. Moreover, responsibility for all required tasks should be clearly articulated early on. |
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Post by coachlit on Sept 11, 2020 13:41:43 GMT -6
This may be off topic, but it sounds like your HC...
*Calls offense
*Calls defense
*Doesn’t delegate roles
*Doesn’t give his assistants a voice
Some may disagree with me, but I’d get out now if the season hasn’t already begun.
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