Post by Coach Campbell on Mar 17, 2024 1:43:34 GMT
Expectations of an Assistant Coach & the Importance of Loyalty
As the head high school football coach, I outline the following expectations of my assistant coaches regardless of level (HS or MS) or title on staff…
1. Be the champion for your position!
1. This is probably the number 1 thing I demand from my assistants. I want them to be the biggest advocate for all the players in their position group. I want them to build professional, positive relationships with their players. They are working to build up (confidence, skills, behavior, etc) the athletes in their charge. Let me, as the head coach, be the “bad cop”, they are always to be the “good cop.”
2. No “Yes Men” wanted but must be a good teammate!
1. I tell all of my assistants that I intentionally hire people with different personalities, beliefs, and skills for a reason. I want and expect them to see things differently than me. I want fresh, new, exciting ideas. I want different views on problems and many ideas on how to solve them. To me this is the biggest area where an assistant coach adds their value to the staff. However, only 1 decision can be made and once it is made “we” as a staff made it. Everyone supports it, buys into, and owns the results that come from it. Undermining, blaming others, or “passing the buck” will not be tolerated.
3. Be Present!
1. I ask my assistant coaches to be present as much as possible. Make an effort to be at off-season workouts, often this were the foundation of player-coach relationships start. There is less pressure and demand on the athlete and the coaches, which allows for a more natural relationship to form. I ask them to go see their players in other activities as well. Go to a wrestling match, basketball game, or track meet. Your presence shows our players that you are invested in their success as a person, more than just their performance on the football field. In season, you are present at everything (practices, meetings, games, etc) and giving your best to the players in your charge (being their champion and coaching your tail off).
4. One Voice, One Message!
1. Finally, all coaches must be on board with the vision and mission of the football program set forth by the head coach. All coaches must be teaching the principles and values that allow players to build habits that lead to success in all areas of their life. These messages are the same from the youth program to the middle school program, and finally cemented at the high school level. All coaches must know the core values of the program and consistently deliver the same messages every time.
5. Be a Servant!
1. We as coaches are here to serve our players and help serve one another. Don’t ignore potential problems with your athletes. Address potential problems early, don’t let things fester. You also serve your athletes by giving them your best every day. Be here on time, be prepared, and constantly give feedback. You must also look for ways to serve each other. If you see a job that needs done, do it. Don’t wait to be asked, take the initiative.
6. Be Passionate!
1. Coach with passion! Let your love of football and your players come through in your coaching. You should als be a football junky! You should let your passion drive your knowledge by gaining new ideas, new drills, or new techniques.
7. Loyalty Is Vital!
1. Nothing deteriorates trust between two people than a breach of loyalty. This is the same between any relationship on this team (player-coach, assistant coach-assistant coach, assistant coach-head coach). As a team it is important we stand together in everything we do. We win together, we lose together. Loyalty is also the key element to allow the flow of open, honest communication and collaboration. Finally, loyalty does not mean a lack of accountability. Problems and negative behaviors will not be overlooked or dismissed using loyalty as a scapegoat.
As the head high school football coach, I outline the following expectations of my assistant coaches regardless of level (HS or MS) or title on staff…
1. Be the champion for your position!
1. This is probably the number 1 thing I demand from my assistants. I want them to be the biggest advocate for all the players in their position group. I want them to build professional, positive relationships with their players. They are working to build up (confidence, skills, behavior, etc) the athletes in their charge. Let me, as the head coach, be the “bad cop”, they are always to be the “good cop.”
2. No “Yes Men” wanted but must be a good teammate!
1. I tell all of my assistants that I intentionally hire people with different personalities, beliefs, and skills for a reason. I want and expect them to see things differently than me. I want fresh, new, exciting ideas. I want different views on problems and many ideas on how to solve them. To me this is the biggest area where an assistant coach adds their value to the staff. However, only 1 decision can be made and once it is made “we” as a staff made it. Everyone supports it, buys into, and owns the results that come from it. Undermining, blaming others, or “passing the buck” will not be tolerated.
3. Be Present!
1. I ask my assistant coaches to be present as much as possible. Make an effort to be at off-season workouts, often this were the foundation of player-coach relationships start. There is less pressure and demand on the athlete and the coaches, which allows for a more natural relationship to form. I ask them to go see their players in other activities as well. Go to a wrestling match, basketball game, or track meet. Your presence shows our players that you are invested in their success as a person, more than just their performance on the football field. In season, you are present at everything (practices, meetings, games, etc) and giving your best to the players in your charge (being their champion and coaching your tail off).
4. One Voice, One Message!
1. Finally, all coaches must be on board with the vision and mission of the football program set forth by the head coach. All coaches must be teaching the principles and values that allow players to build habits that lead to success in all areas of their life. These messages are the same from the youth program to the middle school program, and finally cemented at the high school level. All coaches must know the core values of the program and consistently deliver the same messages every time.
5. Be a Servant!
1. We as coaches are here to serve our players and help serve one another. Don’t ignore potential problems with your athletes. Address potential problems early, don’t let things fester. You also serve your athletes by giving them your best every day. Be here on time, be prepared, and constantly give feedback. You must also look for ways to serve each other. If you see a job that needs done, do it. Don’t wait to be asked, take the initiative.
6. Be Passionate!
1. Coach with passion! Let your love of football and your players come through in your coaching. You should als be a football junky! You should let your passion drive your knowledge by gaining new ideas, new drills, or new techniques.
7. Loyalty Is Vital!
1. Nothing deteriorates trust between two people than a breach of loyalty. This is the same between any relationship on this team (player-coach, assistant coach-assistant coach, assistant coach-head coach). As a team it is important we stand together in everything we do. We win together, we lose together. Loyalty is also the key element to allow the flow of open, honest communication and collaboration. Finally, loyalty does not mean a lack of accountability. Problems and negative behaviors will not be overlooked or dismissed using loyalty as a scapegoat.