College Coaching Path...

I am not an expert on obtaining coaching jobs but do know a few people who went on to coach at various levels.  You are going to need to start at the very bottom and work your way up.  That means that you are going to need to find a job coaching with a college for no money and start working your way up.  When I was in college I ran track, every year the coach would hire 2 or 3 "kids" who were still in school but used up their eligibility as GAs.  They did pay them but it was very very minimal.  They gained the experience and got to travel and still be part of the team but it wasn't for the money.

 

Finding a GA position is going to be tough as I am guessing that almost all programs bring aged out players back to fill the GA positions.  Your best bet may be to stick close to home and work as a GA in the program you are currently playing in.  If that does not work start contacting other college programs in the area and see if they will take you on as a volunteer coach. 

 

If you want a good perspective on what it takes to make it to the top level of coaching, read Sean Payton's book.  I know its not about baseball but it will give you a good perspective on how it takes a combination of skill, political ability and luck to get a job coaching at the higher levels.  He coached in college for years making no money.  Hooked up with a couple of coaches that moved on to the pros.  They brought him along with them but he still was making next to nothing.  It wasn't until he was coaching in Dallas that he actually was given a contract that paid a living wage.  You need to be prepared to really pay your dues if you want to succeed as a college coach.

J,

At my son's college program, they usually hire former players from the program to be assistant coaches.  The head coach knows them and the current players are familiar with them since they were the team leaders.  You may want to contact the coach at the school you are going to and inquire about helping out.

 

Another option is working with a local high school.  I used to be on the board that raised funds for our local school's baseball program.  This board would help run the administrative side of the summer, fall, and winter seasons.  The high school head coach is always struggling to find good quality assistant coaches; I am pretty sure this situation is not unique so there are openings.  Currently, our two local high school programs are using former players (that played four years in college) as assistant coaches.  The assistant coaches instantly have credibility with the high school athletes (being from the school and played college ball).  The only problem with this route is the pay.  During the summer season, our program usually had current college players (they could play their season, use our facility, and make a little bit of money).

 

Reach out to your former coaches to help you.  Coaches talk to each other and could point you in the right direction.  

 

I was on the hiring board for the last head coach (large high school in a metro area school district).  I believe your assessment is correct, you need experience before someone is going to hire you as a head coach (based on the candidates I interviewed).

 

Additional things you can do to prove you are truly interested in the job you are applying for are:

1. Know the program.  Do your homework on the facilities, players, etc.

2. Come in with a plan and be able to articulate it.

3. Show real passion.

4. Look professional.

 

good luck

Contact infielddad and/or Prepster on this board.  Both of their sons entered the college coaching ranks in the past 5 years and are doing well.

A couple things I can think of; 1. Go directly to the coach of whatever 4 year school you choose to attend. Tell him you would simply like to volunteer your time with the program. You need to learn how to hit fungo and throw good BP. I learned a long time ago that majority of program will not turn down "free" help. 

 

2. Talk to that coach about becoming a GA.'

 

3. Onc you receive your degree, in a couple years, move back to SA and jump in with your old school. You will probably have to find a paying job at that time, but volunteering would be a great way to get your career going. The experience alone is invaluable.

Great advice. Ask yourself some hard questions. Am I willing to work 50 60 hours a week for basically nothing in monetary pay in order to stay in the game? Am I willing to be that guy? The guy who stays after practice and washes the uniforms? The guy who stays after games and works on the field and washes laundry? The guy that runs to Subway to get the paid coaches lunch and or dinner? The guy that spends his weekends taking recruits around campus? The guy that has to do all the stuff the paid coaches don't have time to do or don't want to do? Are you willing to do this for years and work yourself up the ladder?

Do you have such a passion for the game that you will do whatever it takes to stay in the game? If you do then there are opportunities for you. GA at your current school. Approach the current staff and tell them its what you want. Prove to them while your playing your that guy. Reach out to the local HS programs. Work camps in the summer and make contacts. Be that guy those coaches want to be around.

I know 24 25 26 27 year old men who coach at the college level for a meal ticket, housing just to have the opportunity to some day earn a paid position at any college level. It's tough. It's demanding. It's stressful. But if its truly your passion you can do it. But you have to truly want it and be willing to pay your dues. Some catch breaks early. Some don't. But the type of person you are will be more valuable than your ability to actually coach starting out.

I would ask the coach I have now but the team that he is coaching that I am on is only a "club" baseball team. San Antonio College doesn't offer "Grad Asst." positions.

He has already told me that I need to become a Baseball Coach. He just never really has time to guide me outside of baseball season because he is a Scout for the Diamondbacks Organization.

 

I had Tommy John my Senior year of high school [2010] and my partial offer to UT Arlington was revoked so I rehabbed and nobody wanted me anymore since they knew that I was previously injured.

I ended up moving to San Antonio from Houston and Aransas Pass to find a place I could play.

 

And when it comes to "wanting it" or needing to realize the expectations to be the bottom guy for a while... Well that's me. I have the drive to overlook things like that. I'm a 5'7" second baseman that has had to work three times as hard as any other prospect to get recognized and I take that drive with me to coaching!!

I can't wait to start someday.

 

Should I ask to be a Volunteer Coach at a college WHILE I'm in college pursuing my Bachelor's or AFTER I graduate?

 

And who do I email to ask about volunteer and or grad positions? More importantly, WHAT DO I SAY in the email??

 

Thank you everyone for your responses.

 

-- J.

 

 

Once you find out what 4 year you are going to attend (UTSA has a nice NCAA D1 program), contact the HC. I simply emailed a D1 HC and told him I was moving to the city they were in, and planned on attending the University for grad school. I asked if he were in need for an aspiring college coach. I told him I would be available as a GA or volunteer and told him I could hit fungo, throw BP or anything else the program needed for the greater good for their success. He responded very quickly and told me to come in and talk to him as soon as I got into town. Like I said earlier, most programs will not turn down "free" help. Even though you may not get paid initially, the value of knowledge you gain is invaluable. If you plan on staying in SA, I would try and start out with your current school. Even though it's a club team, it could still open doors in the future.

See, I could see myself doing that but would they allow that if I was still pursuing my Bachelor's???

I definitely understand them doing it for a Graduate Student going to Grad school to obtain a Master's...

SAC_Baseball22, don't get caught up with the Graduate title.  The guys they hired when I was in college were still undergrads though they called them GA's.  Your going to need to prove to the HC that you are mature enough to help out around players that are in your peer group.

SAC_Baseball,

I have been going through some of the same things you have. I'm going to be a junior at an NAIA school with a growing baseball reputation and I am a student assistant. I had the opportunity of thing in the program as a player first but there are still possibilities at schools to coach as a student working n their bachelors. the opportunity may be for no pay, but the way I look at it now is I'm getting paid in experience and that is the only way further get closer to my dream.