Rookie HC- what would you do differently now?

I would do about everything differently from when I started. A few main things off the top of my head that I learned to do from year 1 to year 16:
1. Simplify schemes (O,D, specials). If players prove they can handle it- then expand. We had WAY too much my first 2 years.
2. Outline/organize as much as you can (down to what week you want something in, etc.). I have the whole season down to the state championship mapped out... not sure I had an entire week organized back then.
3. Keep parents/community informed. I had no parent handbook when I started... amazing I lasted really.
4. Network with conference/district coaches... find out what they do (not x and o stuff but off-season, practice length, managers, fundraising, etc... all the "stuff" that goes in to a program). When I began, conference coaches were the "enemy". Now, all conf. coaches are my friends who I want to beat all the time.
5. Know all state rules re: coaches contact. I assumed to much and did not take advantage of opportunities.
6. Find things to make it fun. I learned that football was probably more important to me than it was to any of my players. To lead young men (get them to do what I want because they want to) does involve some external motivators (t-shirts, pizza/food in general, team activities not centered around football, etc.)
7. Make an effort to befriend custodial staff/grounds crew. That is probably more important than getting along with the principal/AD... which also is important.
8. Have high expectations- but not so limiting that it backs players (and therefore the coach) in to a corner. I learned it is important to give them a way out of a mistake or two.

I made a ton of mistakes when I began as a HC (I was 23). Most of the mistakes in my career have been how I handled people. Most mistakes I see in our coaches here are in handling people.

I remember John Madden said this in one of his books: (to the effect of) "If things are going well and everyone is telling them how great they are- that is time to get on their butts... but when things are going poorly and everyone outside the program is complaining- that is time to build them up". It is tough to do that... react the opposite to how you are feeling... but that goes a long way. It is something I try to do now and while it does not always happen, it does a lot because I am conscious of it. I have found that to be a very effective approach.

Begin from day one teaching your young kids, 7-9 the way you want things done. Instill the weight room in them so they don't know any different.

A few things I would do in retrospect

1. Never assume anything, especially with parents- I was in the program for four years before taking the reigns. I assumed that since the kids had been around me for four years they and their parents would understand my style, motivation, goals, and rules. Don't assume that. Communicate with parents.

2. Pay more attention to stuff that doesn't seem like coaching- This was my biggest problem. My focus was on the field matters and trying to get the team prepared for our next game. While I did a good job of that, the little crap mounted up and eventually became a problem for me.

3. Don't try to do everything at once- Everyone has a "when I become head coach" list they've built up for years. Don't try to do all of it at once. Ease into the changes and making the program yours. I was too eager to put my stamp on everything and I think that turned alot of people off.

4. Remember this is about the kids and not you or your goals. Downplay your own personal egos. I didn't do it and it cost me. I was too worried about my way and my goals.

5. Have more fun with the kids. I will say it was tough to do with the group I had, but I would've liked to have made it a more enjoyable experience for both them and me.

6. Take a breath and slow down once and a while.

Just a start. I'll post more as I think about them. coachf feel free to chime in with anything since you were in the same position or anything you think we should have done differently.

I agree with midlineQB

I've been at this for 25 years and about four years ago our FB staff (and wives) went to an Eagles concert. This was during 2-a-days.

My staff thought I had gone insane when I brought the idea up. Some of us went, stayed late, were tired as hell at practice the next morning but for whatever reason, we gained some much needed perspective.

We made it to the state playoffs that year even though we had to replace 15 starters from the year before.

I learned that you have to find some outlets during the grind to keep yourself sharp. For about three hours I wasn't thinking FB. The rest of the season, it's all we think about and that cannot be healthy.

Advice? Do it your own way but don't be afraid to put you and your family ahead of your team from time to time. Your team needn't know and you will benefit greatly.