Taking over a program can be one of the best times in a coach's career, or one of the worst bumps in the road. It’s a large undertaking that you must be prepared for.

On this episode Kenny and Daniel are joined by Coach Beau Collins to talk about making the jump, problems you may find along the way, and what to do to be prepared your first day on the job.

What position is the hardest in football, other than the Head Coach?

• The DC position has to be the hardest position outside of the HC. Rules of the game are moving to help Offenses be successful, limiting what a Defense can do to manipulate the outcome.
• Anyone who is opposite the Head Coach, even if that means being the OC, as there’s a lot of pressure to keep your HC in a job.

What are the biggest challenges in making the transition from Coordinator to Head Coach?

• The administrative side can often be a hidden task with Head Coaching. 
• Being in charge of other grown men can become burdensome, especially if they’re not pulling their weight
• Money problems fall directly on you! How to earn it, how to spend it wisely, and finding where to order things from.
• Dealing with parents.

How do you know when you’re ready?

• When you’re 100% solid on a scheme on at least 1 side of the ball, with a general understanding on the other side.
• Confidence and competence go a long way, and if you lack either you probably aren’t ready.
• Can you stand your ground when the pressure is turned up?
• Do you know enough people to build a staff?

Why do some coaches thrive in this change and others struggle?

• Coaches may have problems defining success for their situation, and then struggle again to sell that definition to those doing the hiring.
• Most HCs aren’t developing their subordinates to take a HC job
• As a Coordinator/Position coach, you are mostly thinking scheme, and less about development, making decisions, problem solving outside of the grid iron.

How do coaches prepare themselves for the change?

• Talk to your HC about your wants
• Take on the things that the HC does

What is the worst part of being a HC  vs an Asst?

• Taking blame for everything under your umbrella of influence
• Everyone questions your calls, regardless of the outcome
• Pressure and stress can quickly multiply

What are some tips for coaches thinking about making the change?

• Get your coaching packet ready NOW! It needs to be ready when the jobs come open.
  • Should include a full plan for program success
  • Make sure it tailored to the school you’re applying to
  • Know what’s in the packet, don’t just take your buddy’s and change names
• Prepare to handle conflict
• Make contacts and network as much as possible, it’s who you know, not what you know, that’ll get you jobs
• Don’t take a bad job just because it’s available
• Admin must be an asset, not a burden

What are some possible pitfalls?

• Know when to ask for help. If you aren’t good at delegation you

Daniel Chamberlain:

@CoachChamboOK

[email protected]

chamberlainfootballconsulting.com

Kenny Simpson:

@FBCoachSimpson

[email protected]

FBCoachSimpson.com