Even though I am a head softball coach at the college level now, I started off as a college football and baseball coach. I get a lot of questions from coaches who are looking to get into coaching at the college level, especially in football, but this blog is applicable to anyone interested in getting into college coaching.
The best advice I have is you've got to network, because it's all about who you know, especially at the higher divisions. I'm sure we have all heard that a number of times. But networking doesn't just involving ******* up to well-known coaches. Networking is busting your *** wherever you currently are, and then tooting your own horn when you've done something good. It's called self-promotion. I know that there a lot of head coaches looking to hire guys who are ***-kissers and "yessir" kind of guys. I guarantee that those head coaches won't be the coaches of the most successful programs. You want to work for a coach who appreciates a guy who works long hours and pays close attention to the little details. So when you're looking for a job, be prepared to show them that you're that kind of coach.
My biggest downfall in the past was that I didn't network very well and I burned a lot of bridges. I've never kissed anyone's ***. I have always tried to work my way up all on my own, which is a good thing. But early on, I did not do a good job of staying in touch with the people that I had worked for or with. Those are the people who are going to help get you your next job, so stay in touch! I'm not saying you HAVE to kiss ***, but you MUST be loyal, stay in constant contact with people who can help you, and don't burn bridges.
The lower levels of college--D3, D2, NAIA--are the easiest to get into because those schools don't have a lot of money for coaching salaries. Therefore, they are always looking for coaches who are willing to work for little or no pay. I was a student assistant football coach at Ohio State which helped me land my first job at a D3 school. All of my football coaching experience has been at the D3 level. The money sucks! My first job, I worked for free undergrad tution toward a second degree and I worked at Walmart in the winter to actually make some money. At one point, I was on food stamps and had to pay my bills with a credit card. My next few jobs weren't much better. A lot of schools that don't have GA positions have what is called restricted earnings positions. Basically, they take one coaching contract and split it up among 3 or 4 young guys. So, a position that may pay $30,000, now pays 3 guys $10,000 each. It's a tough way to make a living.
And coaching at the college level does not make it easy to have a second job. If you are on contract, you are expected to be there full-time. During the season in football for example, this includes, 8am-8pm weekdays preparing game plans and practice plans, and breaking down film. You have game days on Saturdays, and Sundays you are there all day breaking down your game film and the films of the next opponent. During the offseason, you spend a lot of time with the strength and conditioning, since most programs still don't have a S&C who will do everything. You also spend a lot of time recruiting--hosting kids on campus, making recruiting trips to schools, and calling recruits for 2 hours every evening.
Now, a lot of schools will hire volunteer coaches who come and help out around their primary job. I have done this and it's a good way to get into coaching or to stay involved, but it doesn't exactly satisfy the jones' that a lot of us coaches get when we want to be totally immersed in our sport. But it is definitely a way to get your foot in the door and still actually have a salary from your regular job.
There are a lot of small colleges with athletic programs. That is the easiest way to get started--they are always looking for good, cheap help. And it doesn't matter how good or bad the program is--it's college experience. Most college head coaches at that level won't be around for long anyway. They'll either be fired, find another career or they'll try to move up the ladder themselves. And maybe they'll take you with them (up the ladder that is, though I've been on a staff that was fired). My advice is to get on at a nearby college at whatever level you can, make good contacts, network yourself, go to clinics and camps and talk to everyone, and apply for lots of jobs.
Though most of my experience was at the D3 level, I had opportunities to coach at D2 schools but it would have been a parallel move moneywise. I sort of regret it now, but I've enjoyed the places I've been. I also interviewed for D1 and D1AA jobs early on, but they told me I needed more experience. I don't think I would have enjoyed coaching at that level--it is so time consuming and stress filled. D3 was great because the kids were there to play the sport because they loved it!
If I can be of further help, please send me a message. Good luck!
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