From Resume to Championship a Step by Step process

Justin Rowand

As a head coach you set the tone for what you want your football program to look like. I once heard a saying "what you permit, you promote". This means whatever you allow to happen and don't address it the athletes/assistant coaches will think it's okay to do and do it again. This is why it is so imperative that a head coach permits things he finds acceptable. Organizing a 4 phase/365 day football program can seem difficult at first but once you have your program created it can become easier to keep it organized and follow through with it. Assistant coaches should embody good fruit of the spirit as well as being prepared for each practice, being on time and coaching with passion. Loyalty to the head coach and the football program is necessary for the program to run smoothly. On offense our philosophy is to exploit what the defense gives us. We use our strengths to attack their weaknesses. On defense our philosophy is to do your job. Focus on your responsibility and set the tone. I like to be aggressive with blitzes but show restraint based on game script and player ability. The kicking game is a huge phase of the game. Being able to practice and make field goals and extra points can be huge for an offense. Strong kicking and punting games can also help you win the field position battle. In season we focus on the season responsibilities. We prepare for our opponent, practice and perfect game plans. Athletes lock in for the season and make sure they are getting proper nutrition and hydration. Athletes will attend our leadership academy twice every month on Wednesdays, from January to May. During this time the athletes will learn about what it takes to be a leader and how they can become better young men. Once a month the coaches and athletes will complete a community service project to better our community. In the off-season we focus on getting stronger and faster for the next season. This is when equipment is inventoried and sent away for repairs. During this time recruitment of new athletes is completed and rapport is built with incoming athletes. During the summer season we have many different program to help better the athletes. We attend 7on7 and lineman drills with local schools. We host a Little Eagles Football Camp. We have our mini camp and we go to team camp.



Overall, this class has taught me so much about the responsibilities of being a head coach and has given me resources to better myself as a head coach!




Jonathan,



I like how you listed your approach about athletes being disciplined in the classroom and on the field. In high school students are student-athletes, being a student is a big part of that. Emphasizing teamwork, accountability and always improving are great Pilars to stand on. I love your offensive and defensive philosophies and they match up with mine very closely. Creating leaders through the process of offseason and summer workouts can provide heart to a football program. It is evident that you have a culture that athletes can grow and learn together!






Charles,



I couldn't agree more that a football program is a safe haven for student athletes. I love how you listed different team bonding activities that can help foster a sense of belonging with your team. Creating these opportunities will leave a lifelong impact on your players.



Excellent post,



-Justin