questions you should ask at an interview

[amikell]

what are the 3 top questions you would ask the head coach if you were interviewing for an assistant coaching job?

[coachcalande]

1) what are your expectations (are they in writing?, coaching contract)

2) what can i expect from you as a boss? (in writing?)

3) would you support me in my quest to become a varsity head coach?

4) what is your vision on where this program is headed, can i see your program plan?

[amikell]

that's 4 calande. =) I'll add some to this.
1. What is your philosophy of coaching? or Describe yourself as a coach.
2. What are your offensive and defensive philosophies and why?
3. Do you have a professional development plan for the staff and what is it?

[brophy]

1) Where do you see yourself / direction / vision in 5 years?
2) What is your plan long-term to turn this program around?
3) What is your plan short-term to turn this program around?

[CoachBrink]

Good Ideas

[coachnicholson]

How do you deliver these questions to the head coach without making it seem like you are doing the interviewing?

[coachcalande]

you do have to do some interviewing...it shows that you are serious. I think just smiling and nodding with your smile plastered on and hands folded will only end ugly later...its best to find out now if its a fit...let them know "i want to make sure this is a fit" hes thinking the same thing too...isnt that what coaches do? dont sweet talk or sugar coat...what do you want/need in YOUR LEADER. its nearly impossible to do a great job for someone you dont respect....soooooo, find out if hes worthy of your services...i know, ill take crapola for that...but you have to remember that this person will someday be called and asked about YOU. you dont want a complete dufus in that position. If he is so fragile that he cant handle "will you support my goals to advance" or "what is your vision for this program?' or "what kind of leader are you?, can you give me some examples?" or whatever then you might find yourself wishing youd taken another job. Ever get a bad feeling about a job, but go back adn find out that youre kicking yourself...its like a bad relationship...why do they last? I have asked my new boss for his playbook, practice plans, game film, position manuals, drill videos too...I am not trying to be pushy, just trying to make myself more valuable.

Want to know a really good question...and it will tell you alot//

"how do you evaluate your program?"

see what happens.


"who is more the fool, the fool himself, or his followers?"

[coachcalande]

heres what id share with my PROSPECTIVE ASSISTANTS so they knew up front what they could expect from me...also, i posted my expectations on another thread...

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME
• I will be early for meetings
• You can expect open and honest communication
• You can expect that I will provide playbooks, offensive and defense, and provide a detailed explanation of the philosophies behind our schemes.
• You can expect me to be prepared.
• You can expect me to be positive, enthusiastic and passionate about our mission, vision, purpose and priorities.
• You can expect me to keep my word and be loyal to you
• You can expect that I observe the Code of Chivalry and the Lombardi rules.
• I will only call a meeting if it’s critical to our success. I will not waste your time.
• I will provide you with everything you need to succeed as a coach on this staff. You can expect to gain responsibility with trust.
• I will shield you from parent issues.
• You can expect me to let you know if you are failing the program and where. I will not sugar coat anything. You can expect to be the first to know.
• You can expect me to let you know if you are succeeding and where.
• You can expect me to lead
• You can expect me to remain a student of the game
• You can expect me to respect officials, other teams and their coaches.
• You can expect that I coach to win, but within the rules at all times.
• You can expect me to communicate with you daily.
• You can expect me to return messages via email or phone.
• You can expect me to follow through with plans.
• You can expect that I will deal with all situations honorably.
• You can expect that I run the program in an organized fashion.
• You can expect that I listen to and consider your suggestions.
• You can expect to receive responsibility and authority. I tend to let that happen with trust.
• You can expect that I provide you with work and leadership opportunities. As you come to learn and master the system, your role will grow.
• You can expect that I treat you like a man with dignity and respect.
• You can expect that I be totally concerned for you and your family. Put your family first. You can expect that I will do the same.
• You can expect that I support you in your ambitions, any time of year. I expect my coaches to seek employment at the highest level possible.
• You can expect that I recognize a job well done.
• You can expect that I privately contact you if an issue arrives.
• You can expect to be rewarded for actions above and beyond. I plan to send “The Coach of the Month” to dinner with his wife.
• You can expect that I let you coach within your personality.
• You can expect that I sell you to the players, community and staff. I expect the same courtesy.
• You can expect that I provide you with honest feedback at the conclusion of the season.
• You can expect that I will ask you for your input.
• You can expect me to have the last word if a decision must be made. There can only be one head coach.

[redandwhite]

Coachcalende -- great list. Just like everything else I do, I'm going to steal and adapt to our program. A very thorough list - won't need to change much.

[sls]

How will I be evaluated and by who?

[sls]

What have other assistants that worked for you went on and done.

[coachcalande]

good questions...i like to hear that guys go on to be head coaches...my first alarm for a bad situation is a guy who takes FOREVER to return simple email questions. hey, we are ALL BUSY ...