Do you love football? Enjoy teaching others how to play the game? Have you ever thought about becoming a football coach?
If so, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll talk about the step-by-step process you can take to become a football coach.
What Does a Football Coach Do?
A football coach serves as a leader and trainer on a football team. There are different levels of coaches on most football teams, including the head coach, the assistant coaches, and specialized position coaches.
Football coaches may work with youth, high school, college, or professional teams. A coach's specific job duties may vary depending on the team's level.
Job duties may include:
- teaching players how to play football
- creating plays and strategies
- guiding physical fitness regimens
- leading team meetings
- providing first aid when necessary
Soft Skills
Football coaches must have excellent leadership skills and a love for the game. They must promote teamwork and cooperation among players and coaches.
The best coaches are also trustworthy, respectable, empathetic, and excellent communicators and problem-solvers.
Work Environment
Football coaches may work in a variety of environments often requiring outdoor exposure in a variety of weather conditions.
Travel is often a requirement for being a football coach, especially at the college and professional levels.
Football coaches may work at high schools, colleges, youth athletic associations, and professional football organizations.
They are often required to work on evenings and weekends as well as long hours during the week.
So, do you think you have what it takes to become a football coach? Read on for a detailed guide of the steps you can take to reach this career goal.
Step 1: Develop a Strong Understanding of Football
Preparation for becoming a football coach can begin even before you graduate high school. As much as possible, immerse yourself in the game and learn all you can about it.
Consider joining your varsity team, or spend some time job shadowing the coach. Talk with the coach about what it's like to coach football, and ask any questions you may have.
Study the game, the rules, and how those rules apply during games. Talk with other players, attend camps, and develop your skills.
Be hungry for knowledge, and never be satisfied that you know enough. Always endeavor to keep learning.
Step 2: Earn a High School Diploma
Generally speaking, a high school diploma is a basic prerequisite for most football coaching jobs—even at the youth level.
A high school diploma is also required for pursuing higher education, which you may need to do for higher-level coaching jobs.
So, while you're in school, don't just study football—take your academic education seriously as well.
Do your best to earn good grades and graduate with a respectable GPA. This will help you build self-discipline and improve your chances of getting a coaching job later on.
Step 3: Consider Earning a Degree
Depending on the individual coaching job, you may not have to have a college degree to get hired as a football coach. Those coaching in youth or recreational leagues may only need a high school diploma.
However, if you would like to coach at the high school, college, or professional level, you will have much better chances of reaching this goal if you have a bachelor's degree.
Obtaining a degree shows that you are hard-working and committed, and it can increase your knowledge and skills.
You can major in any field that interests you, but it's best to choose a degree that will prepare you for working in an athletic setting.
Exercise science, sports medicine, and sports management are all excellent degrees to consider.
Step 4: Obtain Required Certifications
As you begin looking for your first job, consider the requirements of each job. For example, most coaching jobs require you to have training in first aid and CPR.
Other jobs may require you to take specific training courses before or after you are hired. Find out about these courses and take any that you can ahead of time, before applying for jobs.
You may also want to receive additional certifications, such as the youth coach certification through USA Football.
These credentials will add to your resume and help you stand out from the crowd in your job search.
Step 5: Apply for Jobs
Finally, it's time to find that first job. If you have a specific organization you would like to work for and have met all the requirements, go ahead and apply for it.
It's usually a good idea to apply for multiple jobs at first. When you are just starting out, you may not get your preferred job right away.
Don't be picky, but do your best to find a coaching job that will be a good fit for you.
As you continue to learn from other coaches and build experience, your resume will continue to expand and increase your chances of ultimately landing your dream job.
Your Path to Becoming a Football Coach
If you want to become a football coach, follow the steps in this guide and you will soon be well on your way to reaching your career goals.
