Any coaches on this forum?

[mick2]

Hey guys, this is for anyone on this forum that is a football coach.

I have always been interested in coaching football, but i'm not terribly experienced in the x's and o's and gaps, and all of that stuff. I played a little in high school and a local semi pro team. I was a QB/WR so i know routes and proper throwing mechanics. but thats about it. There just seems like there is a lot of information i would need to know before coaching football.

If you wouldn't mind i would like to know how you got into coaching and what would you suggest to someone with as little experience as me do to get into coaching. volunteer in a youth league? try and get in with a highschool staff as an assistant? any books I should get?

Really any info would be great! thanks

 

[phork]

There is a great site out there that for some reason I cannot remember the name of it, with a wealth of information. 3-4, 4-3, gaps, 2 deep, 3deep. Everything you want to know about it. Let me ruminate a bit and see if I can dredge it up.

 

[mick2]

There is a great site out there that for some reason I cannot remember the name of it, with a wealth of information. 3-4, 4-3, gaps, 2 deep, 3deep. Everything you want to know about it. Let me ruminate a bit and see if I can dredge it up.

That would be awesome! let me know

 

[tko]

probably not a ton of coaches around here, but armchair QB's run wild.

 

[Buster Bluth]

I played in high school, primarily as an OG and DE, but started at OC, WR, RB, FB, MLB, OLB throughout my high school career. That really helped me learn a ton about the game. Unlike most coaches, I didn't play in college (I wrecked my neck and elected not to walk-on at Toledo simply to increase my lifespan haha).

I got into coaching on accident, it's a pretty silly and lucky story so I'll share it.

I volunteered to be the film coordinator for my alma mater, but a week before the season the HC was fired and arrested for stealing money from the school (yikes..). The OL coach became the head coach and he turned around and asked me if I'd like to replace him as the OL coach. It was a free $1,000 for me, which can buy a lot of beer for an 18-year old kid. hahah

After the season the school hired a legitimate head coach, and we were thus cut loose. The OC went back to his former school, Toledo Libbey, and asked me to coach the defense on his freshmen team. As a 19-year old kid, the task of coaching against Toleco City League powers like St. John's, St. Francis, Central Catholic, and Whitmer was pretty intimidating, but I took the job because I wanted to see firsthand what inner-city life was like (I was a Poli Sci major). Plus it was a pay raise to $3,400...and that can buy a tonnnn of beer.

If you're from Toledo, you know that Libbey is horrible at football and even worse at the Freshmen level. It's just the inherent conditions (no parental support, ~50% attendance on any given day, >75% never played football before). We scored three touchdowns all season, but my defense did very well and I was offered the same roll on the varsity squad. That year we went 0-9 but lost to Bowsher 0-7, Waite 0-6, Start 0-12, St. John's 0-14 (we had one first down all game..the first play), St. Francis 28-14 (they scored three defensive touchdowns haha). It was pretty cool getting compliments from opposing coaches who were shocked to see a Libbey team keep games so close.

I decided to transfer to Ohio State's architecture school after the year, and Libbey was abruptly closed that May by Toledo Public Schools so I never moved back up to varsity. I miss it almost constantly.

My advice: master the blocking schemes and don't get too cute with stuff. I watched our OC try to install complicated offenses but the execution was horrendous. A simple offense that executes well will almost always beat a complicated offense that doesn't execute well.

I would also strongly suggest that you ignore every fan in the world. I would bet <5% of people who watch football could sit here and list the simple differences between a trap, iso, power, wham, etc. It's really appalling how low of football IQ's the general populace has. I cannot stand watching, or discussing football with clowns who don't know what the f*ck they're talking about.

Sorry to rant. This has been a great was to escape projects for a bit. haha

 

[Sweetness34]

I have been a Varsity High School coach for 10 years. See if you can get into a school(high school or junior high) and volunteer just to get your foot in the door. It all depends on what your ultimate goal is (head high school coach, varsity assistant, college?) Knowledge wise, start off with coaching what you know and developing your skills that way. After that then start learning how to coach your weakness areas. Just get your foot in the door someplace.

 

[IrishInFl]

I'm pretty sure Wabash is a coach.

 

[GEORGIA DOMER]

I coached my sons 7-8 team this past season. 6-6 over all record! i have fielded some calls. passed on the buckeyes job!!

 

[MNIrish]

I began coaching H.S football at a very well known H.S in the minnesota area. I played LB in college at a local D3 school. After graduating I searched all of the top HS football programs in the state, the head coach and emailed them my resume. I interviewed at a few schools and was hired as a JV D coor and varsity LB coach. It has been a great experience, I am very fortunate though to have a "real" job that pays the bills and allows time to coach. HS coaching is very rewarding but is a HUGE time commitment.

As far as a knowledge base, there are a few great clinics out there. Nike coach of the year clinic. My favorite and one I have attended for years and travel to a few locations is the Glazier football clinic. I go to the annual local clinic as well as travel to one other location based on topics. Also There are many colleges that invite HS coaches to visit and learn. I have been able to network and learn the game from some of the nations top college and Pro coaches!

Not sure where this will go, But I have had the honor of coaching a game I love, and making a difference in the lives of the players.

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

I think Beau is a coach too.

 

[ACamp1900]

The local high school football coaches were all either teachers of mine in HS, or my coaches during this time... all came to know I was very knowlegdable when it came to the x's and Os of baseball and football...

some time after I quit playing one of said coaches was looking for an advanced scout and looked me up... it all went from there...

 

[PLACforever]

Dale Doback: I manage a baseball team.
Nancy Huff: Oh, little league?
Dale Doback: Fantasy league.

 

[BGIF]

bigedefense is a HS football coach in Mississippi. He's currently recuperating from a serious back injury. Drop him a PM. He's got time on his hands. I suspect he'd love to hear from any and all of you with an interest in coaching.


Wabash played for Wabash. I don't recall him mentioning being a coach.

 

[MacIrish75]

I'm an 8th grade football coach. Prior, I coached varsity OL and was Special Teams Coordinator. I moved to a new school district for a teaching job and 8th was all they had open.

With playing experience, I'd say you're certainly as qualified to coach Junior High, but I really gained a wealth of knowledge going to different clinics. Books are great, but getting to sit in small group sessions and talk 1:1 with actual coaches (I've had face to face talks with Jim Bollman of OSU and Doug Marrone of Syracuse at past OL clinics) is the best experience I've ever had.

Depending on where you live, I'd be willing to bet that any youth league, most junior highs, and some smaller high schools would be looking for a decently qualified coach. I started coaching varsity at 19, just out of high school, based solely on the fact that I had played OL in a similar offensive system in high school. Good luck, my man.

 

[PatsandBostonfan1975]

5th grade coach right here . I love to be around the game.

 

[hack15]

I started my coaching career a year after graduating high school as a freshman assistant football coach. That first year my jobs were to watch the line of scrimmage and blow my whistle if anyone jumped(yea i was that guy), i also did special teams but that was more organizational than strategic. After that first taste I have coached all levels of football, basketball, baseball and even girl's volleyball until I took my last coaching job at a local Division II college coaching women's softball. Someone above hit it on the head, I believe it was Sweetness when he said to "coach what you know"! I too would suggest contacting a local high school coach after their season is over and volunteer your services, should you hook up with one be prepared to buy a few lunches so you and the head coach can become familiar with one another. I would also learn how to tape an ankle, some schools don't have athletic trainers so coaches have to tape and do most care and prevention during practices and games knowing that will make you a tad more valuable. Good luck hope you find a good situation for you and you have a long career!

 

[BeauBenken]

I think Beau is a coach too.

Nice job remembering! Yep, I coach.

The way I've been able to work my way around is by knowing my former high school's coach. I worked with him during high school and played for him as well. He knows I want to be big time coach so he's set me up with work with the youth league. I'm planning to talk to him about coaching at the high school with him tomorrow. I'm also hoping to continue to get to know coach Pete Lembo at Ball State so he can help me out.

If I could suggest anything, especially since your strong point is not x's and o's, is I would go to coaching clinics. Notre Dame's coaching clinic last spring was great.

 

[HawaiianIrish]

For the last 4 years, I have been coaching at the high school level.

I help run the Defense. Our base is a 4-4 cover 3.

 

[Zibby32]

I played in college, and am now a special teams coordinator at the college level.

There are a bunch of starting points for coaching. Volunteer, email or meet with a head coach. They are always looking for free help.

footballscoop.com, best coaching job board for the collegiate level, that I know anyways.

I started as a video coordination intern. Taping and dubbing practice/games. Your in the office, and you sit in all the meetings. No better way to learn in my opinion.

 

[AllGoldEverything]

Nice job remembering! Yep, I coach.

The way I've been able to work my way around is by knowing my former high school's coach. I worked with him during high school and played for him as well. He knows I want to be big time coach so he's set me up with work with the youth league. I'm planning to talk to him about coaching at the high school with him tomorrow. I'm also hoping to continue to get to know coach Pete Lembo at Ball State so he can help me out.

If I could suggest anything, especially since your strong point is not x's and o's, is I would go to coaching clinics. Notre Dame's coaching clinic last spring was great.

I plan on getting into coaching after I graduate college and would love to go to a coaching clinic at Notre Dame but I was curious, how do you go about being able to go to one of those? who would I have to contact?

 

[BeauBenken]

I plan on getting into coaching after I graduate college and would love to go to a coaching clinic at Notre Dame but I was curious, how do you go about being able to go to one of those? who would I have to contact?

They start selling admission in the spring on UND.com

 

[BGIF]

I plan on getting into coaching after I graduate college and would love to go to a coaching clinic at Notre Dame but I was curious, how do you go about being able to go to one of those? who would I have to contact?

Contact the Athletic Department and ask for a registration package. The numbers should be listed on the UND.com site under football. They probably won't have next year's info up yet but the '11 info should still be around. If not, when you call, they'll direct the call to the right party. They want a full house at those functions.

You do not have to be a coach to attend. We've had a number of people from this board who have attended ND clinics and others. Most programs run them. If you're shy because you have no affliation give them the name of your church, town, or subdivison and tell them you want to start a youth football program and thought a coaching clinic would be a beneficial start. If you try to pass as a coach on a HS football team realize somebody may ask you about prospects, so don't use a real program.

They'll take your check regardless.

 

[AllGoldEverything]

They start selling admission in the spring on UND.com

Contact the Athletic Department and ask for a registration package. The numbers should be listed on the UND.com site under football. They probably won't have next year's info up yet but the '11 info should still be around. If not, when you call, they'll direct the call to the right party. They want a full house at those functions.

You do not have to be a coach to attend. We've had a number of people from this board who have attended ND clinics and others. Most programs run them. If you're shy because you have no affliation give them the name of your church, town, or subdivison and tell them you want to start a youth football program and thought a coaching clinic would be a beneficial start. If you try to pass as a coach on a HS football team realize somebody may ask you about prospects, so don't use a real program.

They'll take your check regardless.

Thanks for the info guys I appreciate it!

 

[UPMich_NDfan]

I coach at the HS freshman level. I have a unique situation because our high school staff is pretty close-I can basically be on the field/in the booth on the phones helping out during varsity games. Being a varsity basketball coach it would be to time consuming doing another varsity sport. But as a former QB I love to scheme, preferably throwing But our school turned to an option school 2 years after I graduated so the varsity doesn't throw a whole lot and I always feel I've got that 'stare' when I start chucking it around during a freshman game! So I am keeping the door open to possibly someday moving up so I can run my own damn show!

Anyway, I'm sure none of you care about that-but what I really wanted to echo was BGIF and Beau's comments regarding the ND coaches clinic. Really great time, I've been to a few and thought ND did it top notch. You get some really great insight in how they are scheming and coaching up ND football. Like both said you do not have to be a football coach to attend. I know some have done fantasy camps or other things to get inside access, close to the program-but I feel you really get a great weekend of inside access to ND football for a really cheap price going the clinic route.

 

[GreatGolson]

im actually the offensive coordinator at notre dame, in my first three years the team has had 2 10-win seasons along with 2 bcs bowl game appearances, i just signed a contract exstension for meeting all of my goals and am now focusing on recruiting a speed running back from ohio. i hope to have my offense ranked in the top 5 of total yds and pts this year and to conpete for a national championship behind the arm of my star player named QB #12

 

[BeauBenken]

im actually the offensive coordinator at notre dame, in my first three years the team has had 2 10-win seasons along with 2 bcs bowl game appearances, i just signed a contract exstension for meeting all of my goals and am now focusing on recruiting a speed running back from ohio. i hope to have my offense ranked in the top 5 of total yds and pts this year and to conpete for a national championship behind the arm of my star player named QB #12

 

[bigedefense]

Hey Mick2. If you are wanting to get into coaching, there are as many was to get into it as there are offensive plays. If you are young & not a family man yet, volunteering is a great way to get your foot in the door. However, if you are like most folks & facing bills each month, that might be tough because it is very time consuming. I would not recommend going the youth league route myself. That's just my opinion, but down here in Mississippi, coaches have more than aces laughs at youth coaches because they act like they are Bill Parcells. You watch a youth league game around here & you will see double reverse passes & trick plays the majority of the time. The kids learn NOTHING. I don't know your situation, but as BGIF mentioned, I have lots of free time right now. PM me & I would be happy to help you come up with a plan to get in. A big thing I see when we have a new coach is most all have no idea how to break a film down. Find a coach & sit in on a film session. Record some games this weekend & break them down at home. Go back later and break it down again. Look and see if your notes are consistent. Since most high school teams season is over, you wouldn't have to devote as much time, so maybe you could hang out & help in the off season strength & conditioning program. Just a couple of things to think about until you get your plan together. I hope to hear from you soon.

 

[BobD]

I've only coached baseball, but I'm a renowned and highly experienced critic of football coaches. I can't give you any meaningful or knowledgable advise, but I can immediately and loudly point out anything you as a coach might have done wrong. : )

 

[Buster Bluth]

I help run the Defense. Our base is a 4-4 cover 3.

Love love love the 4-4 in high school. Sadly I ever only ran the 5-2 and a 4-3 as a player. I ran the 4-4 at Libbey pretty well. It is far superior in my opinion.

 

[bigedefense]

I plan on getting into coaching after I graduate college and would love to go to a coaching clinic at Notre Dame but I was curious, how do you go about being able to go to one of those? who would I have to contact?

That's another great way to get into coaching. I go to 3 or 4 clinics a year. Others have explained how to get info on your question, but I quoted it because it reminded me of the importance of clinics. Usually, I will get a combined idea from listening to multiple speakers. Most clinics have a board out front posting job openings, as well as resumes of coaches looking for a job. They do down here anyways. We have a volunteer on our staff now because he had posted on the board that he was wanting to volunteer & learn about coaching. As luck would have it, he was only about an hour away & we gave him a shot. The best clinic in this part of the country is coming up in the middle of Dec. World's Gulf Coast Coaching Clinic. They will have around 30 speakers over 3 days, ranging from middle school to FBS. All you have to do is contact them, fill out the form & pay your fee. 3 days at the Beau Rivage casino, networking with fellow coaches, listening to speakers, & maybe a little gambling. I don't get much better.
Seriously though, if you, or anyone is serious about getting into this profession, this is a great source. Good luck & PM me if I can help any of you interested in getting into coaching.