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Post by kurtbryan on Jan 14, 2008 15:28:57 GMT -6
What aspect is the toughest part of being a Head Coach?
It depends upon things that could be rated on a scale of 1 - 10.
Obviously, a "10" would be the Best of the Best, and a rating of "1" would be the worst for that topic, etc.
Some Items That Influence the Amount of Stress on a HFC:
a. Married or not (the time demands away from football change accordingly)
b. The number of assistants you have on each level - relative to how many players need to be coached
c. The experience level of your assistant coaches
d. The Talent Level of the players you have to work with
e. The Level of Competition you must play
f. The overall Support and understanding of your Admin.
g. The Fundraising requirements
h. The amount of parental involvement
* So for these 8 items, the best possible score would be an overall rating of 8 x 10 points = a score of 80.
KB
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Post by ajreaper on Jan 14, 2008 16:04:51 GMT -6
Not to hijack the thread either...as a long time assistant, I find this thread very informative...but: To all the coaches who say it is a 24/7/365 job... Don't you have any assistants who are dependable enough or close enough to be able to handle things in your absence? How much responsibility do you place on your assistants for things like Camps, 7 on 7, weight room, other program things? Do you try to find or develop assistants who are willing to put in as much time as you do as the HC? DC- I have good assistants and they do take on many responsibilities in the off season but many things require the presence of the HC. Several coach other sports and when in season they are busy and do not have the time. A lesson I learned when I was in the Marine Corp is you can delgate your authority to another but you cannot delegate the responsibility- that will always rest with the HC. I also believe strongly if our kids are somewhere do anything football related I need to at least be there- even if I am not running it I need to be seen and I need to be there to encourage them. It's not a matter of not trusting the coach it's just something I feel strongly about.
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Post by touchdowng on Jan 14, 2008 20:34:43 GMT -6
dcohio You bring up a great point. Too many times, we HC's think we have to have our hands in EVERYTHING. I was this way when I first started out.
I believe, if you are hiring the right people, the burden of the workload will and should be shared. I'm in that situation right now and my staff is a huge reason I continue to be a HC. Trust me, the rewards really don't outweigh the burdens at the H.S. level when you truly rationalize it. Let's be honest here. Time away from family, amount of $ made (or not made), headaches, and ongoing stress about being the lead dog. If you disagree with this, you are either in denial or are not being real. I would only share this on an ALL COACHES BOARD but not with parents or players. My wife asks me, "why do you do this?" I always answer, "Because somebody did this for me."
You can have a huge impact on young people as an assistant as much as you can as an HC. No question about it. I had a Veteran of two tours in Iraq walk up to me at a FB clinic last year - He's coaching now - and he recognized me from 25 years ago and re-introduced himself after a quarter of a century. He said I had a big impact on his life as a soldier and as a father (I had NO clue). I was a 22 year old assistant FB coach at his H.S. during my student teaching. I had NO idea I had this type of impact on anybody at that age. He told me that I taught him how not to be a quiter. I remember our talk one day after a tough JV game.
What I've come to realize over the years is that as a HC I can fill my need to conquer challenges. Mt Everest doesn't appeal to me, nor does finding Osama (we have people much more capable). I have a skillset that allows me to communicate with kids and I have some knowledge about a game I care very much for. As a HC I also have influence in bringing solid people into our very important profession. I get to choose who works with our kids and that is huge to me.
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Post by ajreaper on Jan 14, 2008 21:38:32 GMT -6
"OH and I am a supreme buck passer if I am not the right guy for the parent or administration to be mad at, or discussing it with. I forward them straight to the HC. It's one of the few purks of being an assistant." LOL, another thing I strongly believe in is I'm the one who gets to deal with disgruntled parents first. I tell them to forward them straight to me. Then I decide if we need to bring in any other coaches- it's why I make the big bucks
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Post by lsrood on Jan 15, 2008 9:12:12 GMT -6
DC
I also delegate to my assistants and as I have posted before I am very fortunate to have a great group of coaches. Most of the time I don't even have to ask because they have anticipated what we need and have already taken care of it. Part comes from so many of us having coached together for a long time previously and part comes from our coaches taking pride and ownership in the program. I give them responsibility and then stand back and let them coach. I'll chime in if I feel I have to, but I try to keep that to a minimum. Also, I make sure our parents know that they are not to speak to my assistants if they have any complaints or problems. All of that has to come through me--we refer to it as "Sucks to be the head coach" time. But seriously if you are fortunate enough to have a great group of assistants it makes your job as head coach that much easier.
To stay on track with the thread though, the part I dislike the most is dealing with the parents who have a difficult time looking at things realistically. Coach Huey had an excellent picture of the Rose Colored glasses they must all wear in another thread. Other than that I have a good relationship with our Principal & AD, so knock on wood, the major problems come from the parents.
To answer Brophies question why did I want to become a head coach: my alma mater's program (where I also teach and had worked as an assistant for most of my career) was in shambles. I wanted to help rebuild the program and felt I could put together a staff that could do the job, plus being in the building I would be able to better influence the players (the previous 5 years they had no coaches that were teachers).
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Post by coachcalande on Jan 15, 2008 10:10:57 GMT -6
some of you guys that have lame assistants might want to put them on the pride points program too! "ok jones, if you dont have 200 pride points we cant call you coach" "ill give you 10 points every time you show up to our meetings on time and with your clip board and pen" "ill give you 2 more points if you bring food for everyone" "ill give you 2 more points every time you come to weight training" and "two more if you actually interract wiht the kids in a positive manner"..."when you get to 250 points we will give you a whistle, when you get to 300 you get to talk at practice"
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Post by senatorblutarsky on Jan 15, 2008 15:16:46 GMT -6
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.
True.
What aspect is the toughest part of being a Head Coach?
It depends upon things that could be rated on a scale of 1 - 10.
Obviously, a "10" would be the Best of the Best, and a rating of "1" would be the worst for that topic, etc.
Some Items That Influence the Amount of Stress on a HFC:
a. Married or not (the time demands away from football change accordingly)
b. The number of assistants you have on each level - relative to how many players need to be coached
c. The experience level of your assistant coaches
d. The Talent Level of the players you have to work with
e. The Level of Competition you must play
f. The overall Support and understanding of your Admin.
g. The Fundraising requirements
h. The amount of parental involvement
Good list.
Some of the difficulties depend on size of school / program.
Big School issues that were tough: 1. Demands made by other sports to be year round (basketball, baseball and hockey were the main ones). Too many one sport athletes (who would help football a lot).
2. Getting quality assistants / keeping everyone on the same page. I had 15 assistant coaches at the big school. Freshman never practiced with Varsity, JV did at times. I saw freshman games, but did not see practice... a lot of (negative) things happened at practice that were ultimately my responsibility. I had my best football guys/ best coaches on the varsity. I might rethink that if I was in that position now.
3. Keeping good assistants. generally, those who aspire to HC jobs will serve a few years as an assistant in a larger school (better notoriety, more contacts). I lost 3 great AC to HC jobs. While I was happy for them and supported them... they were tough to replace.
4. Unrealistic expectations... the "me" syndrome (parents more than kids). This might have to do with the demographic (upper-middle class), but several parents were upset (with me) that their son didn't get a DI offer (5'10 230# OL... CB with 5.1 speed). An athlete from a big HS is not "better" than an athlete at a small school simply because he was at a big HS. Some parents do not understand that though.
Small school obstacles:
1. For most, they might be the only "football guy" in the building. I am very fortunate here... but most assistants are other HC, guys willing but not overly devoted, etc. At a small school, a HC is sometimes the OC, DC, Specials Coord, Strength Coach, Trainer, field painter... it becomes a long list.
2. Lack of $. A lot of good stuff out there, but frustrating with no real means to get them. Some small schools in our area are fighting to stay open... sports, therefore can not be much of a priority. Poor facilities included here too. Again... we're pretty lucky here.
3. While lack of athletes can be cited as a problem anywhere... at a small school it can have a greater impact. We will have ONE freshman playing football next year. The class has only three boys. At small schools, your backup Guard might be your starting fullback. You have to simplify- because players play both ways and often need to know 2-3 positions on one side of the ball.
Whatever the size of school, having a school and community that values football (and sports/activities in general) as a co-curricular activity is probably the most important aspect that impacts overall stress and job satisfaction.
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Post by optionguy on Jan 15, 2008 17:09:27 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. Well said!
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Post by bluecrazy on Jan 15, 2008 17:13:13 GMT -6
senator, Thank-you. The small school is where I'm at!! I fit the bill totally. Still, the parents are the hardest issue!
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Post by lsrood on Jan 16, 2008 7:25:28 GMT -6
DC
Not Bobby Bowden, we go over what I expect to be covered each day and then I let them cover it. You have to understand where I'm coming from, I was an assistant coach for 23 years before I finally got the chance to be a head coach. I am trying to be the kind of head coach I wanted to work for as an assistant...one who gives me responsibility to coach my position and have real input into the program, but expects accountability for my efforts. I make sure we are all on the same page and doing what needs to be done to be successful, but I listen to my assistants and value their input. Most of the time I will go with them if it fits into what we are trying to, but if it doesn't it gets vetoed.
And as for the weight room and summer conditioning, I haven't missed a session yet. I am there all the time because that is what is expected of the head coach. I just don't micromanage or breathe down the necks of my coaches so they are constantly looking over their shoulders afraid to do anything. Again, this is the type of head coach I would want to work for. It might not be for everyone, including a lot of head coaches out there, but it is working fine for me so far. And my assistants seem to enjoy it, we have had only one leave in this now our 3rd year and that was to take a Head Coaching job at another HS.
As for the vacations with the Mrs., what are those?
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Post by ajreaper on Jan 16, 2008 10:51:43 GMT -6
"As for the vacations with the Mrs., what are those?"
For a coach isn't vacation when you go to team camp every summer? That's what mines been for a good number of years.
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Post by lsrood on Jan 16, 2008 11:21:02 GMT -6
AJ
How true, how true!
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clloyd
Sophomore Member
Posts: 210
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Post by clloyd on Jan 18, 2008 20:25:23 GMT -6
As a new HC can you delegate too much too soon. In my first year as HC I think I might have delegated too much responsibility and it didn't allow for me to put my stamp on some things within the program. I almost think that I acted to early and should have waited a few years??
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Post by coachcalande on Jan 19, 2008 10:04:14 GMT -6
Lots of guys annoyed with assistants that arent carrying their weight...anyone have issues with assistants that are TOO ENERGETIC and want MORE RESPONSIBILITY???
Maybe you have an assistant that is willing to PAY THE PRICE FOR SUCCESS even more than you? has this happened to anyone here?
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Post by coachd5085 on Jan 19, 2008 17:48:05 GMT -6
Steve--I am not a headcoach..but I could see where having someone more "gung ho" could rub the HC (and the staff) the wrong way. Kind of like the "over eager teacher's pet" in the classroom. At some point..the teacher gets a little disenchanted with the kid who wants to do extra credit to bring up his/her 99 avg to a 99.5
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Post by ajreaper on Jan 19, 2008 20:50:36 GMT -6
As long as that energy is directed appropriately thank god you have a guy like that- in fact pray for a couple more.
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Post by lsrood on Jan 22, 2008 11:43:20 GMT -6
DC,
I know you were teasing, I was just trying to explain my philosophy. You are right though, most assistants blossom in this environment. It has to do with the ownership part, that everyone has a stake in the program.
Steve,
I don't have any problems with assistants that are energetic and want reponsibility. I have some young bucks right now that are like that and I give them the responsibility, but I also make sure that they are handling it. So far I have been rewarded with two great young assistants that make my job that much easier and who their players love to play for. The key is knowing when to let them run and knowing when to have them ease back if they get too overboard. If you mentor them properly it is a win win situation for you the HC and the assistants.
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Post by dhooper on Jan 29, 2008 16:29:20 GMT -6
juice10 Yes I believe parents have change. To many parents trying to be there kids friend instead of being a parent. Oh son if its to hard just quit. Not in my day you quit you got whop when you got home.
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newhc
Sophomore Member
Posts: 209
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Post by newhc on Jan 30, 2008 11:43:09 GMT -6
The Hardest part for me is dealing with the parents. The thing that I have had to face is parents having unreal expectations for their son. They say that Johnny is so good, how can it be that he is not playing. Coach must have something against my son. That, to me is a lack of parenting.
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Post by tcm57 on Jan 30, 2008 17:50:01 GMT -6
How many that have posted to this thread have actually been a head coach?
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Post by phantom on Jan 30, 2008 18:34:41 GMT -6
"As for the vacations with the Mrs., what are those?" For a coach isn't vacation when you go to team camp every summer? That's what mines been for a good number of years. That's a mistake, I believe. I believe in hard work and putting in the time and I work as hard and put in as many hours as anybody. You do need some time away, though.
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Post by ajreaper on Jan 30, 2008 20:21:16 GMT -6
"As for the vacations with the Mrs., what are those?" For a coach isn't vacation when you go to team camp every summer? That's what mines been for a good number of years. That's a mistake, I believe. I believe in hard work and putting in the time and I work as hard and put in as many hours as anybody. You do need some time away, though. I know you are right about that- in fact I built in three 1 week breaks in our summer program. As much for the players as for the coaches.
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Post by lsrood on Jan 31, 2008 8:04:50 GMT -6
Phantom,
Agreed, you do need some time off away from the game. We don't start back after the season ends until January and then take off 1 week at the end of the school year and 1 week prior to our official start date in August. The vacations comment was said"tongue in cheek", although since I coach in the fall and my wife plays for a women's full contact team in the spring/summer, it does make it a little more difficult to schedule those getaways.
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Post by bluecrazy on Jan 31, 2008 9:20:27 GMT -6
That brought a tear to my eye.
My wife loves football..but she would never play it unless you could guarantee her hair wouldn't get messed up and her nails would not get broken. ;D LOL
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coach24
Sophomore Member
Posts: 195
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Post by coach24 on Jan 31, 2008 9:22:45 GMT -6
I wanted the challenge of running my own program and doing things my way. Do i do things alot like the former place i was sure but i just wanted the challenge. I think another problem that you may encounter is being in the shadow of the old coach that was fired and was successful. Trying to sell your program to the kids and parents is where i have had the biggest problems.
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Post by lsrood on Jan 31, 2008 9:38:51 GMT -6
DC,
Trust me, these ladies could care less if they break a nail. They just want to play the game of football and at a high level. Last year they were 12-0 and National champions in their league. My wife is one of about 20 that have played all 7 years of the team's existence. They are an extremely dedicated and hard working group.
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Post by wardogs on Jan 31, 2008 10:18:31 GMT -6
Since I coach at both the youth and the HS level I can say:
- Parents at the youth level can be a nightmare. I especially have problems dealing with the ones who played the game and think that has made them master of all football, but yet do not volunteer for any of the positions available. Navigating the board is sometimes a test as well. - At the HS level I have to be honest the only issues I have are academic eligibility and dealing with the sheer number of players to coaches.
I became a Head Coach at the youth level because I thought I could do it better. I stayed at the age I still coach because I felt at my age I could teach but still be competitive with my approach. Unfortunately most of my assistants come and go with their kids so I do not invest too much into them. For me it is definitely a 24/7/365.
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