LOOKING TO BECOME A COACH ...WHERE DO I START? WHO DO I SPEAK WITH.?

[“PANTHER NATION(CODE BLUE)]

So as You All know I'm a FOOTBALL JUNKiEâ—ï¸â—ï¸ I LIVE & BLEED THE GAME.!! And over the past months so many people have been telling me I need to coach there's kids out there that need a coach like me young men out there who need a positive role model like me.

 

And at first I kind of ignored it because i was like maybe they are just saying that because of my love of the game but then more and more people started saying it from my fiancé to strangers who I was just meeting.

 

And some are still checking in asking did I look into yet. But to be honest I don't know where to start or who to talk to. Any advice ??

[DisabledAccount]

Being a alumni of Dillard that probley the place to start the search at bc a lot of programs like to bring in former players to be their coach

[Hwy17]

What's your playing background?  Coach in a youth league a couple of years, then JV a couple of years.  I believe in Florida you have to be a school employee or teach to be a head coach but anyone can be an assistant.  

[Pkrider1]

Take coaching theory to get your coaching certificate from the state of Florida board of education, ask someone at a high school if they can use a dedicated, reliable coach. Probably going to start you out on Freshman or JV and stick with it!!!!!

[Cat_Scratch]

What's your playing background?  Coach in a youth league a couple of years, then JV a couple of years.  I believe in Florida you have to be a school employee or teach to be a head coach but anyone can be an assistant.  

Good advice.

[Cat_Scratch]

Take coaching theory to get your coaching certificate from the state of Florida board of education, ask someone at a high school if they can use a dedicated, reliable coach. Probably going to start you out on Freshman or JV and stick with it!!!!!

Good advice also. 

I coach little league and have though about going up the the High School level as a JV coach but decided that I like little League enough and it has it's challenges. 

My first rule is instill the love of the game in each athlete.

Second rule is teach good sportsmanship.

Third rule, always play to win, If second place is okay to you then your only an assistant.

Always be humble when you beat a bad team.

[peezy28]

What's your playing background?  Coach in a youth league a couple of years, then JV a couple of years.  I believe in Florida you have to be a school employee or teach to be a head coach but anyone can be an assistant.  

 

There are plenty of Head Coaches in Florida that are not teachers. (yes Public Schools too)

[Hwy17]

There are plenty of Head Coaches in Florida that are not teachers. (yes Public Schools too)

 

Maybe its just a school board policy in some counties?  

[SportsNut25]

Just start hitting up squads and asking to volunteer. It is imperative that you stress to the coach that you are more than willing and happy to be a volunteer staffer doing anything. Don't expect to come and begin working with a position group right away at any level. Maybe you will, maybe you won't. Just don't expect it right off the bat. You gotta prove yourself to the coach. If practice is from 3-5, get there at 2:30-2:45 and stay until 5:15-5:30-5:45-6:00 whatever. Pick everyone's brains on the staff. HC, OC, DC, QB, WR, LB, OL -- all of them. Ask them all about various aspects of coaching and soak in all the knowledge they will give you. Ask to sit in on film sessions to just observe and take notes if they didn't already plan on you being in the film sessions. Volunteer to do anything and everything. Coach needs someone to paint the field every game day? Step up to the plate. Coach needs someone to make photo copies? Step up to the plate. Always be asking either the HC or an assistant coach what you can do to help out more than what you already have been assigned to do. Make their lives easier. You'll learn alot. No need to start with a youth league team. Jump in at a high school and get ready to work at any level. Chances are that even if you are a JV staffer that the JV works with the varsity in practices. 

[SportsNut25]

Maybe its just a school board policy in some counties?  

 

Some schools just prefer it if the HC is on campus in some capacity. They know the HC will (generally) always be on time to different things they need to be on time to. Easy way to make the team family and take care of any issues that could arise. 

[“PANTHER NATION(CODE BLUE)]

I don't have a legit paying background which is why I never pursued being a Coach I'm just a Dude who bleeds football who loves he's the game and has a Deep passion for whatever team or sport I put my heart into. As you guys can see with my Dillard panthers.

 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE to Win Hate losing & cant stand a divided team some players just playing for there own personal stats while a few actually want to ring.

 

I want to instill discipline sportsmanship determination grit a don't quit attitude and etc something a lot of public schools in broward are missing.

[SportsNut25]

I don't have a legit paying background which is why I never pursued being a Coach I'm just a Dude who bleeds football who loves he's the game and has a Deep passion for whatever team or sport I put my heart into. As you guys can see with my Dillard panthers.

 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE to Win Hate losing & cant stand a divided team some players just playing for there own personal stats while a few actually want to ring.

 

I want to instill discipline sportsmanship determination grit a don't quit attitude and etc something a lot of public schools in broward are missing.

 

Don't worry about the lack of playing background. Just be passionate and always willing to learn and coaches will over look that. 

 

Also, personal recommendation: I would try to seek employment first with other schools aside from Dillard. Could it maybe be easier to get in the door at Dillard as an alum? Perhaps. But here's why I say start with other schools first: you can learn from so many other coaches first and then apply what you have learned at Dillard and help make them great. Start asking some other schools around you to volunteer. 

[“PANTHER NATION(CODE BLUE)]

Just start hitting up squads and asking to volunteer. It is imperative that you stress to the coach that you are more than willing and happy to be a volunteer staffer doing anything. Don't expect to come and begin working with a position group right away at any level. Maybe you will, maybe you won't. Just don't expect it right off the bat. You gotta prove yourself to the coach. If practice is from 3-5, get there at 2:30-2:45 and stay until 5:15-5:30-5:45-6:00 whatever. Pick everyone's brains on the staff. HC, OC, DC, QB, WR, LB, OL -- all of them. Ask them all about various aspects of coaching and soak in all the knowledge they will give you. Ask to sit in on film sessions to just observe and take notes if they didn't already plan on you being in the film sessions. Volunteer to do anything and everything. Coach needs someone to paint the field every game day? Step up to the plate. Coach needs someone to make photo copies? Step up to the plate. Always be asking either the HC or an assistant coach what you can do to help out more than what you already have been assigned to do. Make their lives easier. You'll learn alot. No need to start with a youth league team. Jump in at a high school and get ready to work at any level. Chances are that even if you are a JV staffer that the JV works with the varsity in practices.

 

AWESOME advice right on point bro. I just don't know what school because me I'm a black man & the black schools round me some of the alumni base wants you to have a collegiate and some sort of NFL career & etc without that they won't even consider you but the coaches with that is not making a lot of noise success wise at these inner city black schools. So not trying to be funny but should I start a coral glades Coral Springs or etc ?

[SportsNut25]

AWESOME advice right on point bro. I just don't know what school because me I'm a black man & the black schools round me some of the alumni base wants you to have a collegiate and some sort of NFL career & etc without that they won't even consider you but the coaches with that is not making a lot of noise success wise at these inner city black schools. So not trying to be funny but should I start a coral glades Coral Springs or etc ?

 

Just start reaching out to various schools --- private, charter and public. If your lack of playing experience could be a potential concern at some schools, then yes cross those off the list and reach out to other schools where you do not think it will be a problem. 99% of programs will gladly welcome a volunteer assistant coach onto their staff. 

[Floridatech]

This is kinda giving me some info

[“PANTHER NATION(CODE BLUE)]

Just start reaching out to various schools --- private, charter and public. If your lack of playing experience could be a potential concern at some schools, then yes cross those off the list and reach out to other schools where you do not think it will be a problem. 99% of programs will gladly welcome a volunteer assistant coach onto their staff.

 

Ok I will but if you come cross some schools that you they are looking inbox me those schools so I can reach out.

[DisabledAccount]

Dillard, is there any particular area you looking at working at or just any South Florida team you can find a spot at?

[SportsNut25]

Ok I will but if you come cross some schools that you they are looking inbox me those schools so I can reach out.

 

For volunteer spots - you basically just need to reach out to the head coaches yourself. They won't advertise these spots. 

 

I wouldn't try to jump right in and start applying for open position group positions since you don't have the experience yet. 

[blackmagic]

My advice is to start volunteering now. Go to workouts and be around the kids. All the way up to spring. Then do the same all summer up to fall. Take your passion with you to the weightroom, and be there everyday they workout if possible. The one thing you have to do is convince the kids and staff you are 100% into what you are doing for them to 100% buy into you. Hey every team needs a "do the little things" coach. If you do this and your trying to be a paid coach then sometimes its just a matter of another coach leaving and a spot opening up and you having that relationship from being around the program. If your a good guy with a positive background most coaches would let you be around just to be a positive influence to the kids. At my school thats all you need anyway to volunteer.

[“PANTHER NATION(CODE BLUE)]

@black I agree it's just all about me finding a school now I'm going to start looking tomorrow.

[Sharkbait]

I would definitely start volunteering to do whatever is needed.  Keep talking to schools until you find one that will give you an opportunity.  Don't try to sell yourself as a coach but rather someone who wants to help the team anyway possible that way nobody will be threatened by you ( the kids will consider you a coach and address you as such).  Your responsibilities will grow as time goes by and after a few years your opportunities should blosssom. 

[mbhs69]

Being part of a losing program is a good start,  there's nowhere to go but up.

Especially in the beginning,  ya gotta tell and show not by saying,  but by doing and setting the example.   And Listen.   Avoid using the word "I" at all costs .... use "We".  Be the most reliable member of the staff,  pay attention to detail especially little details,  correct every mistake you see on the spot.  Demonstrate when needed.  Be the first to the field or the weight room or to the coaches meeting,  the last to leave.  Earn trust, don't expect it to be given to you.   Integrity is bein a man of your word.  Learn about each player,  what they can and can't do,  know about their personal home life without intruding,  know their class work .... helps you figure out when they lose focus on the field.  Find the help they need from the right source, you can't do it all.   Know when you should chew somebody out in private, but always praise in public.  Never show disunity or disagreement between coaching staff members in front of any player.   Step aside to hash out differences.  Address rumors immediately, they're not like wine and don't get better with age.   Never be on your phone in front of anyone.

Make yerself a journal of your core beliefs, techniques, and goals.  Cross off what doesn't work for you,  add new stuff that does.   Patience must be one of your strongest character traits.  Study the game, don't read about it, study it.   Film and video too.  Know and master every paragraph of FHSAA and game rules better than any ref,  especially the most obscure rule that may help you when seconds count.   Know what other staff coaches do, and be ready to step in immediately if they get a kidney stone.   Know and admit when you should have adjusted, but didn't.  Experience is the greatest teacher of all, for it gives the hard test first, followed by the lesson.  So have an appetite for pride-swallowing.   At the end of each day write down what you learned, both positives and negatives,  don't trust it to memory.  

Most of all, be yourself .... you can't sustain bein Vince Lombardi for a whole season if it's not in your character.  Pressure brings out the real you.  Young men can spot counterfeits a mile away.  It's not about you,  it's about them,  and the game.     Be the rock when all others are falling apart.   The head coach is responsible for everything the team as a whole does, or fails to do.

Hating losing and loving winning are nice, but nothing's more important than building character in individual young men.   If you change even one for the better, you've fully succeeded,  even if you never knew it.   In the end,  always do the right thing,  even if it comes with a cost.   I admire your passion.  Best of luck to you.

[SportsNut25]

Also, forgot to mention this fact:

 

Not only should you pick the brains of the coaches on your staff but you should also be picking brains of other coaches on other staffs at coaching clinics. Get in there, listen to the speakers and then talk to them (if possible) and other coaches afterwards and do some networking. 

 

Glazier and Nike clinics take place in Orlando and Tampa and then some colleges host clinics as well. FAU, FIU, UCF, FSU have all hosted in the past and I think perhaps UF and USF have as well. Chances are that the staff you are on will be hitting up at least one clinic as a group and then you can hit more on your own. The college-hosted ones are pretty cheap and you usually get the chance to watch a practice. 

 

---

 

Glazier Orlando: Feb 10-12 (Key Speakers: Dave Christensen, Bill Cubit & some pretty good HS coaches)

Glazier Tampa: Mar 3-5 (Key Speakers: Bill Cubit, Charlie Partridge & some pretty good HS coaches) 

Nike Orlando: Feb 24-26 (Key Speakers: Charlie Strong, Scott Frost, Jimbo Fisher, Tom Herman, Mike MacIntyre, Kirby Smart)

[Cat_Scratch]

Coaching has rewards on and off the field.

Watching that one player get better and better, that needs more help than you believe you can give him is special. 

 

Had a kid, Zack, he was big and heavy and clumsy and slow and hardly any coordination at all. Started playing at 12 because his dad made him. Was the very last player picked for any team. I personally took it upon myself to teach this kid to believe in himself. At the start of the season he only played because the rules said he had to. Easy out and right field player that you hoped the ball wasn't hit to. Practice by practice I worked with Zack on hitting and fielding. Everyday, I would pitch to him. He began to hit the ball more and more in practice but not in the games. He still lacked the confidence. Little by little he began to field better. His depth perception was getting better. 

All this work was slow and painful at times. Very little improvement at times, but we kept at it every practice. Near the end of the season, we were playing the first place team, we were the second place team, and the score was tied. 2 runners on, one out, and Zack was coming up to bat. He hit the first pitch, a grounder, hard straight at the second baseman. The second baseman muffed the grounder allowing the runner on 3rd to get home, but Zack was thrown out at first cause he was a slow runner. We have a 1 point lead in the last inning. Zack is playing right field when a deep fly to right center is hit. No one, including myself gave Zack a chance of catching it, but Zack ran his hardest and something amazing happened, Zack stretched out his body on a full lumbering run and caught the ball. It was an incredible catch. That was the first out of the last inning. The team started chanting "Heavy Z, Heavy Z." and It was called "The Catch" by the team. We beat the first place team by 1 run that day, and that was the day Zack became a member of the team.

 

Zacks dad came up to me at the end of the season and told me I gave him and Zack one of his greatest gifts.

6 weeks before the season, Zacks dad was diagnosed with cancer. 6 months after the season his dad died. He never missed a game except when he was to sick at the end of the season, but he was there when Zack made "The Catch".

 

Coaching is a serious job. You never know who or how you may impact a players life so do the best you can. Never give up on someone that you can help. There is no greater reward for me than to have a player come up to me years down the road and call me coach. I don't see Zack very much anymore because he joined the Army, and god only knows where he is, but I do know one thing. He will always remember "The Catch" and getting his nick name, Heavy Z, for the rest of his life, and when he remembers, he will smile.

[sunshine state baller]

Don't worry about the lack of playing background. Just be passionate and always willing to learn and coaches will over look that. 

 

Also, personal recommendation: I would try to seek employment first with other schools aside from Dillard. Could it maybe be easier to get in the door at Dillard as an alum? Perhaps. But here's why I say start with other schools first: you can learn from so many other coaches first and then apply what you have learned at Dillard and help make them great. Start asking some other schools around you to volunteer. 

I agree.  Become a student of the game and just volunteer at first if you can.  I believe that Bob Weiner at Plant was a tennis player at his High School at Jesuit and may have played a little tennis in college.  When he finished college he came back and taught at Jesuit and started coaching JV as an assistant.  I know for a fact that every conference I attended for football coaches Bob was there taking notes and studying.  I been involved for years and years and I have never been to a conference where I didn't see him doing the same thing.  DEDICATION