High School Football Coach Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of athletics, the role of high school football coaches has never been more pivotal.

With evolving strategies, techniques, and training methods, the demand for skilled individuals who can shape, inspire, and fortify our future athletes grows.

But let’s break it down: What’s truly expected from a high school football coach?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of high school football coaching,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we unveil a customizable high school football coach job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or school career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

High School Football Coach Duties and Responsibilities

High School Football Coaches play a vital role in the physical development, mental discipline, and leadership abilities of student athletes.

They are responsible for training, guiding, and promoting sportsmanship among their team members.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Planning, organizing, and conducting practices for the football team
• Developing and implementing game strategies and techniques
• Teaching players the rules, strategies, and skills required in football
• Monitoring the academic performance and eligibility of student athletes
• Maintaining discipline among team members
• Communicating regularly with parents, school administrators, and other coaches
• Assessing players’ skills and abilities and deciding team positions
• Coordinating and conducting physical fitness training programs to prepare athletes for the season
• Managing equipment inventory and requesting necessary supplies
• Scouting and recruiting promising athletes
• Providing guidance and mentorship to student athletes
• Organizing and participating in community and fundraising events

 

High School Football Coach Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced High School Football Coach to help our team achieve their goals.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of football techniques, tactics, and rules, with a passion for teaching and mentoring young athletes.

The Football Coach will be responsible for training players, developing game plans, and encouraging good sportsmanship.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement practice and game plans
• Train and mentor players in football techniques and strategies
• Identify individual and team performance goals and devise strategies to achieve them
• Monitor players’ skills development and provide feedback for improvement
• Uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, cooperation, and ethical behavior
• Coordinate with school staff and administrators on scheduling games and practices
• Participate in school and community events
• Ensure the health and safety of all players
• Communicate effectively with players, parents, school staff, and community members

 

Qualifications

• Previous coaching experience or equivalent playing experience
• Strong knowledge of football tactics, strategies, and rules
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to work with young athletes and foster a team environment
• CPR and First Aid certification
• A bachelor’s degree in physical education, sports science, or a related field is desirable

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to school facilities for personal use

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: High School Football Coach
• Work Environment: School setting with extensive time spent outdoors. Evening and weekend work will be required during the football season.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Athletic Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Seasonal/Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a High School Football Coach Do?

High School Football Coaches are responsible for training student-athletes in the game of football.

They work in both public and private high schools, and their primary job is to prepare the football team for competitive matches against other schools.

They design and implement training programs to improve the physical strength, agility, and stamina of the athletes.

They also teach the fundamentals of football, such as passing, receiving, tackling, and special teams play.

Moreover, they create game plans and strategies and instruct the players on them.

They also have the responsibility of selecting the starting players for each game based on their performance in training.

Aside from on-field duties, High School Football Coaches often serve as mentors to their players, providing advice and guidance in academic and personal matters.

They also monitor the academic performance of the students and ensure they maintain the required grades to stay on the team.

In addition, they are responsible for maintaining the safety of their players during practice and games, including ensuring all equipment is safe to use and that players follow safety guidelines.

Finally, High School Football Coaches also often work with school administrators and parents, discussing the progress and behavior of the student-athletes, and addressing any issues or concerns that might arise.

 

High School Football Coach Qualifications and Skills

A proficient high school football coach should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the demands and responsibilities of the role, including:

• Strong knowledge of football, including the technical aspects, rules and regulations of the game.
• Effective leadership skills to guide, motivate and manage a team of high school players.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with players, parents, and school administration.
• The ability to teach and develop football skills in players of varying abilities and experience levels.
• Problem-solving abilities to identify and address issues related to team dynamics, individual player performance, and game strategies.
• Strong organisational skills for planning and executing training sessions, strategies and schedules.
• Possession of a degree in sports science, physical education or a related field, or significant experience in coaching football.
• First aid and CPR certifications, as well as a coaching certification, may also be required.
• A commitment to promoting good sportsmanship, a positive team culture, and maintaining the academic eligibility of student-athletes.
• Physical fitness and stamina to demonstrate game techniques and manage on-field training.

 

High School Football Coach Experience Requirements

High School Football Coaches generally need to have a solid experience in the sport, often through playing or coaching at a college or professional level.

This provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the game, tactics, and player development.

Entry-level candidates might have experience of 1 to 3 years, often gained through assistant coaching roles, volunteering, or working in community sports programs.

This experience helps in learning the basics of coaching, team management, and understanding of the sport’s nuances.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of coaching experience are usually preferred for high school football coaching roles as they have developed their skills in player development, game planning, and team management.

They also often have experience with the administrative side of sports, including scheduling, budgeting, and equipment management.

Those with more than 5 years of coaching experience often have a track record of successful seasons and may have led teams to championships.

These coaches have honed their leadership, strategic planning, and communication skills.

Their experience might also include scouting and recruiting players, developing advanced game strategies, and dealing with the media.

They are often considered for head coach positions or coaching roles in larger, more competitive high schools.

Regardless of the years of experience, all high school football coaches are expected to have relevant certifications, such as a state teaching certification or a certification from a recognized coaching education program.

 

High School Football Coach Education and Training Requirements

High School Football Coaches usually have a bachelor’s degree in physical education, sports science, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in sports management or a similar discipline.

They must also have a deep understanding of the game of football, including the rules, strategies, and physical conditioning techniques.

This knowledge is usually gained through playing experience at the high school, college, or professional level, or through extensive study of the sport.

Most high school football coaches are also required to have a teaching certification, as many coaches also work as teachers in the school system.

This typically involves completing a teacher preparation program and passing a state certification exam.

In addition to these educational requirements, high school football coaches must also be CPR and First Aid certified.

Many coaches also pursue certification from professional organizations like the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Finally, high school football coaches must demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, as they are responsible for managing a team of players, coordinating with other coaches and school officials, and mentoring young athletes.

 

High School Football Coach Salary Expectations

A High School Football Coach earns an average salary of $49,000 (USD) per year.

The salary can vary depending on the level of coaching experience, the success of the program, and the geographic location of the school.

 

High School Football Coach Job Description FAQs

What skills does a High School Football Coach need?

High School Football Coaches should possess strong leadership and communication skills to effectively lead a team and inspire individual players.

They should be tactically knowledgeable about the sport, including play-calling and game strategy.

Additionally, they should also demonstrate interpersonal skills, patience, motivational skills, and the ability to teach and mentor young athletes.

 

Do High School Football Coaches need a degree?

While a degree isn’t always necessary, most schools prefer hiring Football Coaches who have at least a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Sports Science, or a related field.

Some schools may require their coaches to have a teaching certification as well, as many coaches double as teachers.

 

What should you look for in a High School Football Coach’s resume?

Look for experience in coaching football at a similar level, ideally high school.

Certifications in first aid and CPR are highly valued as they are responsible for the safety of the players.

They may also have a teaching certification if they are expected to teach classes in the school.

Additionally, a strong candidate should have a track record of success, including records of previous seasons, improvement of players under their leadership, and any championships won.

 

What qualities make a good High School Football Coach?

A good High School Football Coach should be passionate about the sport and dedicated to their team.

They should possess strong leadership skills, the ability to motivate and inspire players, and have a comprehensive understanding of football strategies and tactics.

They should also be patient, adaptable, and capable of teaching and developing young athletes’ skills.

 

Is it difficult to hire a High School Football Coach?

The difficulty in hiring a High School Football Coach can vary greatly depending on the school’s location, reputation, and resources.

A school with a strong sports program and history of success may attract high-quality candidates more easily than a school with a less successful program.

Offering competitive compensation, a supportive community, and a well-equipped facility can also make a position more attractive to potential candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an inside look into the life of a high school football coach.

And guess what?

It’s not just about teaching the sport.

It’s about shaping young minds and molding the future, one game at a time.

With our comprehensive high school football coach job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your ticket to creating detailed job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every game, every strategy is a piece of a much larger puzzle.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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