ADVICE - POSSIBILITY OF HEAD COACH

[coachh]

Coaches, would like your imput. I am a Head Sophomore Coach in one of the best programs in the state, 2nd in state the last 3 years. My head coach will be around a long time. I have the opportunity to go to a school within my district (keep tenure / pay / everything) to hopefully become the head coach within 2 years (HC retiring in 2yrs). The school I will be going to is not even a playoff contender. I would love to become a head coach, yes I know I am not guaranteed anything, but would love some advice. Would it be just like a 1 -2 year interview?? Thanks

[coachpeterson]

If it were me, I would go for it. You never know when another opportunity will come up. And while being at the top is great, I personally think that being a part of a program that is down and building it up is much more satisfying. However, there's some things I'd look into before making any decisions. What is the reason the school hasn't had success? Is it the coaching? Is it the administration? It is because one of the other fall sports has a great program which causes most of the better athletes to go out for that sport instead of football? If the reasons for the lack of success are things that will be out of your control, then it may be not be a good idea. But if the reasons are things that you could change, then I would go for it.

[phantom]

Wait a minute. There are no guarantees here. What will your new job be? If it's a move to varsity then go for it. Otherwise you may have a better shot at the HC job staying put.

[jackedup]

I just have one question... have you spoken to your current HC about your aspirations? I think that if he is not going anywhere and he has been successful there. I would speak with him about the opportunity to move up to the varsity to gain that varsity experience then use your experience with a quality HC to build your resume' and when the right job comes open for you, jump on it. If he says no to moving to varsity, then I would consider the move then... only if you will be on varsity at the new school.

I tell you I've been there though... I moved to a new school because the HC would not consider me for a varsity position. The next year at a worse school, I was fortunate enough to work with some good coaches and gained a lot of experience. Now, I was in the same position this year and realized it is not always about the coaching... think about the school, administration, and kids before jumping to another place. I guess it comes down to this for me, am I improving myself holistically? That means am I improving myself in terms of coaching, teaching, making an impact on kids, etc. If I can not do it where I am, then begin looking. If I can, then stay.

[coachcalande]

Id stay put and work hard to move into a varsity role before jumping to a poor program. I think most poor programs ultimately end up looking outside for new blood. you might have a better shot for that same HC job by staying put and getting a great reference from a quality coach. being a great lower level coach in a bad program doesnt seem to carry alot of weight in some places.

[brophy]

Just my measely $0.02.......

Going to a program where it is a real challenge to win and succeed is where Coaches COACH.

It sounds like the 'new' opportunity would be a chance for you to grow as a teacher / coach. It's easy to coach when everything works (win), you find out what you REALLY DO KNOW when the going gets tough. From the sounds of it, you could really gain A LOT from the move....and it's no slight to your current program - you are doing what you telling the kids to do - "Always strive to get better - remain competitive"

jackedup said:

and realized it is not always about the coaching... think about the school, administration, and kids before jumping to another place. I guess it comes down to this for me, am I improving myself holistically? That means am I improving myself in terms of coaching, teaching, making an impact on kids, etc. If I can not do it where I am, then begin looking. If I can, then stay.

Yeah! that right there!

[coachh]

Thanks for all your advice!!