How to Get a Job Coaching Football
Turn your love of football into a career choice as a middle or high school football coach. A background playing high school football and watching the game on television is not enough to compete in the job market. You need at least a bachelor's degree to be marketable. Most public school football coaches are also classroom teachers, so most football coaches have degrees in physical education or another sport's-related degree such as kinesiology, the study of human movement. Having a major or minor in a core subject such as history will make you stand out and help you get a job coaching football.
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Instructions
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Gain teacher certification according to your state's specific credential requirements. Complete all application forms, pay processing fees and submit your college transcripts. Pay the Live Scan fee and perform a Live Scan, which checks your fingerprints with the FBI and your state's Department of Justice. This is necessary when working with children and youth.
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Complete a coaching certification program through the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) or Youth Football USA (YFUSA). These organizations teach prospective coaches ethics and proper teaching techniques.
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Start as an assistant coach to earn experience for a head coaching job. Job listings can be found at your local school board or through websites such as Football and Coaching and Simply Hired.
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Understand your state and district's policies and rules concerning coaching football. Most schools want a football coach that knows all the school district's procedures and safety regulations. Schools want a coach that is concerned with the safety of all of their players.
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Volunteer for a non-profit mentoring program such as Big Brother Big Sisters or GoodGuides Youth Mentoring Program. Experience mentoring youths will give you insight into teaching young football players. It also shows prospective employers that you're dedicated to helping youths.
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Attend local football games and introduce yourself to other football coaches. By participating in your community's football leagues, you gain additional knowledge about coaching and become a member of the football coaching community. These coaches can help you find your own head coaching position.
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Earn a master's degree. Most football coaching jobs require a bachelor's degree and many high school and university positions prefer a master's degree. A master's degree will give you an edge over other applicants.
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Tips & Warnings
College football coaches have more experience than middle and high school coaches. Once you've gained experience and a good reputation, you can apply for college football coaching jobs.
Read up on new coaching methods and techniques. Work with your own team and improve their record on the field. A winning team is a strong reference for being a proven coach.
Play football as often as you can so you understand the game from both point of views.
Adhere to all safety regulations.
References
Resources
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