Activities that demand the attention of the Head Coach

The activities that demand the direction and attention of a head football throughout the course of a calendar year are both essential and constant. The many aspects of running a positive and productive football program require constant management and organization. When one considers the additional duties including retaining a capable staff, dealing with budget and fundraising concerns, adherence to laws, rules, and regulations and maintaining positive public relations with administration, faculty, parents, alumni associations, community, and the media it can at times seem overwhelming. I feel that breaking up the essential elements of running a year-round football program into four phases is an effective way to balance the many areas that require a head coach’s direction, and in turn allow him to also regulate the many other areas that demand his attention. In breaking up the activities involved in the organization of a year-round football program a head coach must consider the following essential components.



Phase 1: Program Identity, Direction & Player Development

1. Vision & Purpose

- Player Development (Personal, Academic, Physical)

- Staff Attributes & Responsibilities (Outline)

- Tradition

2. Offensive Philosophy & Strategies

3. Defensive Philosophy & Strategies

4. Kicking Game Philosophy & Strategies

5. Recruiting Procedures for current 12 graders (Leadership Assessment)

6. Establish Academic Cohort for current 9-11 graders (Leadership Assessment)

7. Community Outreach (Leadership Assessment)

8. Refinement of Yearly Calendar

Phase 2: Leadership Council

1. Character & Leadership Academy

- including Academic Achievement

- including Goal-Setting

- including Assessments

2. Unit Council

Phase 3: Off-Season & Pre-Season Physical Development

1. Vision & Purpose (Performance Pyramid)

2. Testing Cycles, Schedules, Forms

3. Strength Development

- Off-Season Strength Program

- Pre-Season Strength Program

- In-Season Strength Program

4. Speed Development

- Off-Season and Pre-Season Programs

- In-Season Program

5. Agility Development

- Off-Season and Pre-Season Programs

- In-Season Program

6. Nutritional Instruction

Phase 4: In-Season Protocols

1. Coaching Manual

- Expectations

- Responsibilities

- Scouting Procedures

- Meeting Schedules

2. Player Handbook

- The Student-Athlete

- Character & Class

- Practice Procedures

- Game Day Procedures

3. Fall Parent Meeting Agenda

4. “Theme of the Week” Program

5. In-Season Weekly Schedule

6. In-Season Daily Practice Schedules

7. In-Season Coaching Responsibilities

8. In-Season Game Planning Procedures

9. Game Day Call Sheet (Offense)

10. Game Day Call Sheet (Defense)