Coaching in Philadelphia area?

There are definitely some high schools that could use an assistant coach to help out for XC, especially the private schools. I don't know if that's what you're looking for though. Also keep in mind that most HS head coaches are teachers at the school where they coach.

I'm looking for something similar in the NYC area.

I was an assistant xc coach for 9 years and the sprint coach for 9 years. Resume is pretty good, lots of state and county titles, school records, all-americans etc...

I gotta think there are a few schools with spots open, but I am having a hard time finding them. That penn track ads page is really the only central listing and it hardly ever gets updated.

Being an official is a great way to meet coaches and learn about different schools--especially the schools and coaches that host meets. There's usually a shortage of officials to work a meet and students are usually asked to volunteer to do the menial tasks like rake LJ pits and retrieve throwing implements. Coaches and meet directors are generally grateful for anyone who helps with a meet they are responsible for staffing. Since coaches are "on the job" during meets, you will likely need to introduce yourself and ask if you can contact them later about being an assistant coach for a future season.

The NCAA has limits on the number of coaches (volunteer even) for all sports, so a college head coach may prioritize those positions for people who work at their schools, want to get into coaching or PE as a full-time profession, or recent grads who want to train for another couple of years to see if they can make the Olympic trials, etc.

Another beauty of being an official is that you can do it as much or as little as you like. Find out who the officials coordinator is for a school meet and contact them a week ahead of time about your availability.

We are over a week into the competition season. Don't think you're going to find much right now short of volunteering somewhere that may need someone. Why not reach out to the local coach(es) at the nearest high school(s) and see if they need any help? As to hiring processes, you need to know of openings through other coaches, staff members in a school, or search the school websites. They are occasionally placed on PTXC but you have to look on the main page as it doesn't look like the Help Wanted link has the most up to date stuff. I recall seeing stuff last month for the Spring.

All of that said, color me surprised that someone with the wealth of experience and success you have had isn't able to get a position/know enough people in the area to find out about openings. I'm assuming you're not originally from the area otherwise red-flags are a-flying.

I have already accepted I won't find a spot this year. I am trying to lay the groundwork for next year.

I am not from this area, I moved here in September, which was admittedly not the best time to move and try and find a coaching position.

No red flags. 8 state championship team titles, 12 county team titles, 22 all-americans etc...I'm not bragging, just responding to your post. All as an assistant, I'll not puff. I could care less about that stuff, I just love coaching and want to continue doing it.

Believe me, this isn't exactly the forum I first chose to help me. I tried everything I could think of outside of becoming an official, or compiling a list of every school within my travel radius and calling the AD's directly.

Cool. Wasn't trying to be a jerk, but I know there's someone in the area who keeps getting laid-off who has asked this question over on PennTrack a few times and he needs to look in the mirror as to why he hasn't been able to hold down a spot for more than 2 years.

Now as a local coach, I can tell you it's hard to get your foot in the door if you're not local, work at a school already, or went to a school and are going back to help. THAT said, if you know of schools around you (and this really depends on where in the 5-county metro area you're living) that you want to work with, see if they need your area of expertise. This area has a TON of good coaches and some know their way around every event, some are great administrators and delegate well, some know one event area only. Don't know what part of the area you want to help out in but city-schools often need the most help but they can be problematic from a coaching perspective as the kids may not always show up, have no background in work-ethics, and may be stuck in the rut of poverty that they can't afford basic training gear. If you're serious about this, let me know and I'll give you my email address.

I know of a HS in the southern central bucks area that will be in need of coaches for XC, indoor and outdoor both boys and girls. All the current coaches are resigning at the end of the school year due to not being able to adequately prepare/train their athletes. You see, there is a movement, that this HS principal has bought into, where an athlete is not allowed to leave campus to train. Good luck training anyone for the 800 and up with that requirement.

I understand, defending your scene. I'd do the same thing.

I live in the city proper, but would be willing to commute within reason. I am obviously in a position to take any help any one would be willing to give me, and would be incredibly grateful.

I heard Archbishop Wood was in need of a coach a year or two back, but i'm not sure how they are doing now. The Philadelphia catholic league seemed like it could've used a few assistant coaches in general also. Look into inner city schools like Cristo Rey (opened recently and I'm not sure they have a team yet). Good luck, I think you will be able to find something.

Hey, wannacoach, please shoot me an email and I can try to direct you to the right person.

-Brett

I coach in the city-proper at a public school, my email is

koscoach@yahoo.com

. Get a hold of me if you'd like.

As to Cristo Rey, they have started to put together a team and have been working out, even running some meets last year in the UAGTCA since they weren't a full varsity squad. Not sure what their status is this year.