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Post by coachcalande on Jan 13, 2008 12:31:35 GMT -6
? what do you think is the most challenging aspect of the HC job? why? (high school please)
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Post by touchdowng on Jan 13, 2008 12:49:14 GMT -6
Unrealistic, overinvolved parents.
Eliminate the few of these and it would be a perfect job.
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Post by fbdoc on Jan 13, 2008 13:06:22 GMT -6
Parents can definitely be a challenge but I've got to say the hardest thing is being able to see (and control) the big picture. As the HC you are responsible for SO much more than practice and game planning. It is the area I see more coaches stuggle with than any other. Things like finding, keeping, and training good - or any - assistants for the varsity, JV, and MS teams to locker room issues and beyond. It is a very rewarding calling, but you better be ready to work it!
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Post by dacoachmo on Jan 13, 2008 13:15:24 GMT -6
1) clueless administrators/board members
2) clueless parents
3) players...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2008 14:21:33 GMT -6
If I can put another spin on the same question,
What is the best thing about being a head coach that is different than what you get as an assistant?
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Post by coachcalande on Jan 13, 2008 14:36:29 GMT -6
Im just going to guess but Id say control over the schedule and systems installed...seems like those things really drive me wanting to be a HC.
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Post by coachcalande on Jan 13, 2008 14:38:48 GMT -6
Im just going to guess but Id say control over the schedule and systems installed...seems like those things really drive me wanting to be a HC. Id also like to use my own ideas for wt training, motivation, rewards, the pride points system, grade checks, filming practice, depth charts.
I have some imput on those things as an assistant and thats great...but I dont think it is the same as having the final say and control.
I also like calling plays and game planning. I again, do those things...but do I have the final say now? no.
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Post by coachjd on Jan 13, 2008 15:02:35 GMT -6
I am a huge advocate of my assistants coaches being allowed to do their jobs and coach. For example, my DC , he and I will go over the game plans together etc... but he plans all his practices. My DL coach is also in charge of our weightlifting, he has proved that he knows what he is doing, so I allow him to run the weightroom in-season. I don't know if me being a head coach is all about control, but rather putting my staff in situations they can succeed and help our program get better, and take some stress off of me to do everything.
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Post by dblwngr on Jan 13, 2008 15:51:39 GMT -6
This post sounds like a good balanced program. I agree that all ast. coaches need to do their part.
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Post by tim914790 on Jan 13, 2008 15:53:16 GMT -6
The best and worst thign about being a HSHC is the administration you have to work with. If you have a good (supportive and realistic) administration then you just have to coach and manage players and coaches. If you have a bad administration (Let parents be heard and have too much input) then your life will be so stressful you will find yourself asking, is it worth it? Or should I resign or wait out the lack of support.
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Post by ajreaper on Jan 13, 2008 17:58:54 GMT -6
As mentioned above being responsible for the big picture is the most difficult. It's essentially a 24/7 365 day responsibility. If you are running a program vs. coaching a season your busy year around (I attended a meeting of our TD club today, I'll meet with a couple of our middle school coaches Monday afternoon, I'll meet with a player and his parents to help map out his spring and summer in regard to combines and camps he'll attend and to answer questions regarding recruitment, Wednesday I meet with my principle to get started on plans for next year I'd like to implement, Thursday I meet with another group of middle school coaches and Friday myself and my AD will meet with a sports wear manufacture at his facility and then I'll have an 8th grade camp that afternoon- that's a week of my "off season").
The best thing is being able to navigate the ship so to speak. To be the architech if you will of a program.
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Post by touchdowng on Jan 13, 2008 22:59:38 GMT -6
Reap
Unless you're the lead dog, the scenary never changes.
Being a HC has many ups and downs but the sense of pride easily outweighs anything I've felt as an Assistant.
However, I went back to being an assistant for 1 year not too long ago and I rediscovered the truest reason I wanted to coach many years ago. And that was just working with athletes. It's so pure.
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Post by mrfr33z3 on Jan 14, 2008 7:54:51 GMT -6
Well all these things being said are great I enjoy being HC because I became of my Former Highschool along with 3 of my assist. and we're trying to restore the pride and tradition that was once at our school back.
It's of great pride that we do this because for the last few years our team has struggled I think the last time we were over .500 was.......when my little brother was in his senior yr. and that was about 5-6 yrs. ago so it's time for it to change back for the better.
but the things that tick me off are dealing with parents. The parents do more complaining then anything whether it being their kid not playing or why we practice when we do and why does it cost so much for this and that....so days I get tired of hearing that. but the one thing I love the most is to see my guys smile .
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Post by brophy on Jan 14, 2008 8:05:12 GMT -6
Here is an "outsiders" (non-teacher) question, so take it for what its worth. What drives people to be a HEAD coach? What drives them to say "I will not tolerate being an assistant any longer. I HAVE to run my own program?" 1) Is it because they feel that they are the 'complete' package of a head coach and would do things completely different?
2) Is it because they work too hard to not "get their name in the paper"?
3) Is it out of 'pride'/'ego' (not a bad thing) to be your own 'captain' with YOUR stamp on it (for prestige)?
4) Is it because you felt you are more qualified to be a head coach MORE THAN Coach ____, and HE'S a head coach (if HE can be a HC, then I know I can!)
5) Just a bigger teacher stipend.
6) "When I was an assistant, the HC NEVER let me run things my way.", so I should be the BOSS
7) Because you want to be a community leader and organize a good program, but kind of want to get away from the X's & O's aspect of the game.
I am not trying to hijack this thread in the least. I figured that the varying motivations to assume the mantle of head coach would give the bias toward the challenges therein. |
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Post by mrfr33z3 on Jan 14, 2008 8:33:43 GMT -6
well my thing is I'm Head coach because the previous coach stepped down for several reasons... one being he was stressing out with things from the admin. , two his wife, three he wanted to be closer to home so that he could see his son which is now on Playing at the varsity level compete.
so I kinda understand. and He felt that when he brought me in I had great repore with the kids, and that's why I think he wanted me to become the assist. head guy last season, but once he stepped down the A.D knew me from years past from playing here so he thought that it was only fitting that I take over .
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Post by coachcastleman on Jan 14, 2008 8:41:00 GMT -6
The reason I became a head coach is that I felt I could positively impact the lives of more young men at a head coach than I could as an assistant.
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Post by brophy on Jan 14, 2008 8:43:59 GMT -6
The reason I became a head coach is that I felt I could positively impact the lives of more young men at a head coach than I could as an assistant. doing WHAT? (that you couldnt do as a member of the staff as an assistant or coordinator?) |
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Post by gunslinger on Jan 14, 2008 9:31:54 GMT -6
One of the hardest things is having control over your staff. In a lot of states, assistants are hired as teachers first and their coaching assignment goes with the position.
If they're a good teacher but not the best coach you can't always immediately improve your staff like a college/pro coach can by hiring someone else.
Yes, you can work with that person and have them improve but we've all worked with guys that lets say "don't get it."
If you're in a state with tenure or a fair dismissal act, etc., you don't always have complete control of your staff.
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Post by bulldogoption on Jan 14, 2008 9:50:33 GMT -6
I wanted to see if I could do it......I had been an assistant under a few good coaches and had a basic blueprint to follow. A situation presented itself with a move closer to family, good teaching position, head football spot (at a TERRIBLE program, translation: in hindsight, we were a good fit  ). I was naive to all the things that go with it. I'm not sure if there is anybody not just a little naive to all the things involved with being a head coach before they take their first job. In the few years I have been a HC I have 1. Become more efficient 2. Had my feet to the fire for the X/O and technique/fundamentals of our schemes 3. Started to come upon the realization that there is more to this thing than just W/L....the character stuff and how it all ties together 4. Been viewed as a genius or horse's a$$ by many folks (or somewhere in between mostly) NONE of the above four happened before I was a head coach. As an assistant: 1. I ran by the HCs time line 2. ran the HCs schemes 3. thought coaching was easy 4. was able to hide behind or ON the HCs back. So.....to answer calende's queery.......As a HC, EVERYTHING that goes wrong is the HC's fault, whether you did it or allowed it to happen....... to answer brophy's........I wanted the challenge, naively.....and now I like football more than I ever did as an assistant coach |
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Post by coachcastleman on Jan 14, 2008 10:05:11 GMT -6
The reason I became a head coach is that I felt I could positively impact the lives of more young men at a head coach than I could as an assistant. doing WHAT? As an assistant there we those kids who I coach as a position coach who I connected with and was able to work on the those things that I believe will help them with life, such as their character. As a head coach I believe that I can impact a larger number of players than I could as an assistant. I could be wrong, but I believe that one of the greatest roles of a head coach is helping to prepare these young men for the rest of their lives. |
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Post by dhooper on Jan 14, 2008 10:06:39 GMT -6
gunslinger I agree. Its dealing with parents, and trying to get loyal assistants. the best part is making a difference in young men. Its a great feeling when kids give you a call just to say hi, years after there gone. Greatest job in the world.
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Post by lochness on Jan 14, 2008 10:24:23 GMT -6
Between parents, administration, and players...I say:
Parents, Parents, and Parents.
Unfortunately, all problems stem from that one source. The kids are, in themselves, not too difficult to deal with. They generally a good guys and want to do well. I think you run into trouble with players when the parents start telling the kids that the "coaches don't know what they are doing" and stuff like that. It undermines everything.
The administration wouldn't be a factor either, except for how they deal with parent problems...so again it all stems from the parents.
It's sad, but it is very true.
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juice10
Sophomore Member
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Post by juice10 on Jan 14, 2008 10:55:27 GMT -6
I always wanted to be a head coach someday, work my way through the ranks so to speak, spend time as an assistant, then maybe a coordinator, and finally a HC someday. I was in a position where the HC resigned and there was nobody left that wanted the job. I had one year as an asst. coach and took the job as HC.
I think the Most challenging part of the job is keeping up with everything other than X's and O's. This is a 7 day a week job 365 days a year trying to keep kids eligible with grades, and continuing to get them to make right choices, dealing with parents and community. At least where I am at, it seems like I am spending more time dealing with those issues than dealing with football itself.
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Post by ajreaper on Jan 14, 2008 11:06:58 GMT -6
Here is an "outsiders" (non-teacher) question, so take it for what its worth. What drives people to be a HEAD coach? What drives them to say "I will not tolerate being an assistant any longer. I HAVE to run my own program?" I honestly did not have a burning desire to be head coach- I could have remained an assistant or ran the freshman or JV program and been very happy doing so. But our HC left late in the spring and we are not a school folks would view as a destination job- it's been a get myself in the state/valley and then look for the job I really want. We had worked hard getting things turned around and I did not want the kids to go through a revolving door of coaches for the next several years so I applied for and got the job- and I ain't going anywhere. 1) Is it because they feel that they are the 'complete' package of a head coach and would do things completely different?
LOL, No not at all. Good programs have good staffs.
2) Is it because they work too hard to not "get their name in the paper"?
LOL, no not with me or any coach I know well enough to comment on that question.
3) Is it out of 'pride'/'ego' (not a bad thing) to be your own 'captain' with YOUR stamp on it (for prestige)?
It's a challenge and satisfying when things work out and you get the opportunity to fix what's broken in the way you believe is best.
4) Is it because you felt you are more qualified to be a head coach MORE THAN Coach ____, and HE'S a head coach (if HE can be a HC, then I know I can!)
I've seen many I believed I could do a good as job or better then but that was not what drove my decision.
5) Just a bigger teacher stipend.
LOL, anyone who does it for the money is an idiot.
6) "When I was an assistant, the HC NEVER let me run things my way.", so I should be the BOSS
You give and get input then the HC makes a decision- once it's decided everyone must be on board with that regardless of thier personal thoughts.
7) Because you want to be a community leader and organize a good program, but kind of want to get away from the X's & O's aspect of the game.
I'm the HC in a community I've lived and worked in for 23 years- so yes it's a matter of pride for me. This is not just a job, this is not just where I work it's a part of me. I am not trying to hijack this thread in the least. I figured that the varying motivations to assume the mantle of head coach would give the bias toward the challenges therein. |
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Post by toddniklaus on Jan 14, 2008 11:18:48 GMT -6
I would have to say it is the unrealistic parents. I have been a head coach for 8 years and have had some really good parents of players who were not great players. But it is the parents who feel it is my job to make sure their child gets a college scholarship that bug the heck out of me.
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juice10
Sophomore Member
Posts: 200
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Post by juice10 on Jan 14, 2008 11:33:15 GMT -6
Just a quick question for all those veterans of the game. Has the parents changed in the last 15 - 20 years. Did you have the same problems then as you do now? Off on a little tangent again.
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Post by coachbw on Jan 14, 2008 11:35:04 GMT -6
I was drive to go after head coaching jobs because I wanted to work in a program where I agreed with the philosophy (values not schemes). The first school I was an assistant at I was 100% alligned with our head coach. I left there because I needed to go somewhere I could find a teaching job and went to a few different schools where I just did not mesh with the values and priorities of the program. I knew that I had to be in a program where I could work with the values. Since I couldn't find one, I decided I wanted to make one. For what it is worth, jobs have opened up and I am now considering leaving a head coaching job to go back and coach as an assistant with that first head coach again. Also, the best part of being a head coaches is being able to set the vision of a program. The hardest part of being an HC as opposed to an assistant in my opinion is the schedule. Between the season, inventory/ordering, recruiting, clincis, creating and working with the budget, scheduling, hiring, etc. you just don't get extended periods of time away from football. This ads a lot of stress. For example, last summer my wife and I spent a week in Las Vegas. While out there I had to deal with both an issue that had come up regarding the summer camp we run and an elgibility issue with a player. It is a great job, just hard to get away from. Here is an "outsiders" (non-teacher) question, so take it for what its worth. What drives people to be a HEAD coach? What drives them to say "I will not tolerate being an assistant any longer. I HAVE to run my own program?" 1) Is it because they feel that they are the 'complete' package of a head coach and would do things completely different?
2) Is it because they work too hard to not "get their name in the paper"?
3) Is it out of 'pride'/'ego' (not a bad thing) to be your own 'captain' with YOUR stamp on it (for prestige)?
4) Is it because you felt you are more qualified to be a head coach MORE THAN Coach ____, and HE'S a head coach (if HE can be a HC, then I know I can!)
5) Just a bigger teacher stipend.
6) "When I was an assistant, the HC NEVER let me run things my way.", so I should be the BOSS
7) Because you want to be a community leader and organize a good program, but kind of want to get away from the X's & O's aspect of the game.
I am not trying to hijack this thread in the least. I figured that the varying motivations to assume the mantle of head coach would give the bias toward the challenges therein. |
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Post by coachbw on Jan 14, 2008 12:25:58 GMT -6
I delegate a lot to my assistants. I have assistants in charge of designing and running our youth camp, weight program, running the editting system, in-school recruiting program, off-season social events, and several other items. I also give each of my 3 coordinators complete control of the game plan and play calling.
I think what makes it a 24/7 thing for me is that the head coach tends to be the initial contact on almost all issues. Even if I have delegated the youth camp to an assistant, there is a reasonable chance that if a parent has a question or there is an issue scheduling school fields, it will come my way and not to the assistant coach. Another example, last year I had our strength & conditioning coach design and order a t-shirt for our summer program. Since I am the name on the account with the vendor when they had a question it came to me. Even though you can delegate the "work" you still have to be very on top of things organizationally to make sure that lose ends are taken care of. A lot of what I do now is making sure the right information arrives on my assistants desk as opposed to making decisions myself.
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Post by rideanddecide on Jan 14, 2008 12:40:29 GMT -6
I became the head coach because I knew we could do better so I put my money where my mouth is. Now that I'm in it I won't get out of it.
Was it Bear Bryant that said "if you can't live without coaching then don't get into it". Was that the quote?
In response to DCOhio,
Capable assistants are hard to come by in a small school. When you don't have people in the community beating down the door to coach and provide the time necessary you really need to work with those you have. In our situation that puts it all on me and my OC. If I ask too much more of the other assistants they will leave and I will be stuck with a coaching contract that we cannot fill.
I am constantly looking for assistant who are willing to put in as much time as myself, and at that point I can begin to let the others go. But I have to keep everyone around or we will only have 2 coaches for 3 levels of football and that isn't going to fly.
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Post by coachorr on Jan 14, 2008 14:23:18 GMT -6
Be careful. If you are an assistant who is new to the staff. Don't act too much because the HC will resent you. It's like Survivor, better to lose a few competitions and stay in the game.
I would say, "delegation" would be the hardest. Because then you would actually have to trust someone else with your livelihood. If an assistant is not good at what he does or says the wrong things, then that assistant can cost you a lot of problems.
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). I was naive to all the things that go with it. I'm not sure if there is anybody not just a little naive to all the things involved with being a head coach before they take their first job. 
