What is the best way for young college graduate to break into coaching at the college level?
Posted by admin on 24 Mar 2008 12:27 pm. Filed under Football (American).
Peyote56 asked:
My son graduated from a small Division III college in 2005. Post graduate, he has been an assistant coach for both football and track. He would like to coach at either the high school or college level on a full time basis. What is the best way to “get a foot in the door”? My son is thinking of working as a graduate assistant while getting a master’s in Education, but his undergraduate degree was not in Education, so he will need to go through the student teaching and certification process. Is there a faster, less expensive way to his goal of coaching?
My son graduated from a small Division III college in 2005. Post graduate, he has been an assistant coach for both football and track. He would like to coach at either the high school or college level on a full time basis. What is the best way to “get a foot in the door”? My son is thinking of working as a graduate assistant while getting a master’s in Education, but his undergraduate degree was not in Education, so he will need to go through the student teaching and certification process. Is there a faster, less expensive way to his goal of coaching?
On March 25th, 2008 at 5:25 am
Generally high schools like to fill coaching positions with teachers. My suggestion would be to get a teaching job first, but look at schools where they need coaches.
On March 28th, 2008 at 12:21 am
Seriously, I think he is on the right path. Although, every D3 coach I know went to law school, which would not necessitate going through Student teaching, etc. But, if he assists and GA’s for a few years, his foot is in. He needs to then wait for an opening. Also, at the D3 level, many of the Coaches are expected to part time teach a Phys Ed class or something like that, getting a Master’s in a subject he would like to be a Prof. of may be helpful.
On March 28th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
He’s doing it exactly right.
The fastest way is to stay at the school and continue to coach.
As a graduate assistant he could look into a “fellowship” which pays for his tuition and sometimes housing.
At a collegiate level, this graduate assistant position keeps him from having to find a new team if there is a staffing change. The longer he takes with school…like three years instead of two…the more experience he gets.
My undergraduate degree was not in education…with a Masters degree in education…he can teach whatever his undergrad major was. OR all general ed type classes. Add those few years of college coaching…and every high school will want him on board. And if he’s not careful, he may end up the principal…AND coach.
Best of luck to him…he’s doing it right.
On March 30th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Unless you know someone it’s difficult. Your best bet is to start at the high school level and pay your dues. Those college positions are hard to come by without a resume.