you are only allowed to coach if you get a degree in coaching.
you are only allowed to coach if you get a degree in coaching.
I can grasp the depth of an actual coaching job. I just need the opening to get my foot in the door somewhere. I'm trying to not go to grad school, I would much rather prefer to land an assistant coaching gig (really anywhere, just not D3).
Good luck with that....if you are not a high level athlete, unlikely since you are not pursuing professional competition (that is not a knock...most of us coaches were not pro athletes) or at the least very well connected getting your foot in the door means GA or voulenteer.
I was unpaid for three years before I got a JUCO job that eventually led to a DI position.
Some guys made it faster than I did for sure, but I know other good coaches still at Cali JUCOs and in the NJCAA that want to move up and have not been given the chance.
Prepare to dig in and if you are serious about the career field accept the position that most likely will open doors to the level you want to be in, that is if the GA position in the Power 5 is offered to you.
Frustratingly enough, lots of volunteer and GA jobs on USTFCCCA.
DecaMulti wrote:
I can grasp the depth of an actual coaching job. I just need the opening to get my foot in the door somewhere. I'm trying to not go to grad school, I would much rather prefer to land an assistant coaching gig (really anywhere, just not D3).
I don't think you realize the depth of the profession. When starting out, you take whatever you can get. Guys like you are a dime a dozen.
WTF makes you special Kid?! Roll up your sleeves and go learn how to teach- nobody owes you a dime.
I never said anyone owed me anything? Im asking for the grunt work... I just want a low level opening so I can prove my worth and gain experience. Don't be so quick to bash someone who is actually willing to work.
Again, I get that. Im willing to take whatever comes my way. Im willing to move where ever the jobs takes. I just stated Im not looking to go to graduate school. It's okay to have some criteria and stipulations when looking for a job.
If you don't want to coach d3 then you probably want to start at a naia school and recruit your tail off. Recruiting is the most important part of the sport. There are many coaches who have average teams, hit their recruiting number every year, don't make a fuss on campus that have been in jobs for 20 or 30 years. But short answer sorry, the AD and coach for whatever school you are applying for determines whats important. And if and when you get that dream job just remember that you are an assistant and to do more than what your head coach tells you to do. You'll be fine.
DecaMulti wrote:
I never said anyone owed me anything? Im asking for the grunt work... I just want a low level opening so I can prove my worth and gain experience. Don't be so quick to bash someone who is actually willing to work.
Well, you said you want an assistant position and not a Grad assistant, and not DIII. Saying you wanted an assistant position also makes me wonder if you aren't considering volunteer postions, which would be a huge mistake. A year or two as a volunteer at a big-time program will take you further than a decade as an assistant at a low level (DI) program.
If I were starting over, I would have applied to any and every grad assistant position at a school that sends people to nationals every year, preferably with an older coach, or one who seems well networked.
Who you know, and your athletic background will determine where you get your first coaching gig. Ask your coach about helping your network between now and graduation. After your first position, and especially if you're looking for a DI position at a decent program, it still won't be about what you know as a coach (though USATF/USTFCCCA certs will help), its about what athletes you can attach your name to, so if you were a GA at a program that sent a couple kids to nationals (not even in your event group), you'll look much better in the hiring process than if you took an assistant position at a lower level program, had legitimate coaching duties (and even did well within them).
It really is one of the most screwed up 'professions' out there.
Just as an FYI, I've spent a year plus already as a volunteer assistant at a top 10 program. I was pretty good as a runner and my coach is well connected and I still am not sure if I will find an assistant position, I may have to volunteer more. Almost everyone who wants to successfully break in has to pay their dues as a volunteer or GA
Some advice wrote:
DecaMulti wrote:I never said anyone owed me anything? Im asking for the grunt work... I just want a low level opening so I can prove my worth and gain experience. Don't be so quick to bash someone who is actually willing to work.
Well, you said you want an assistant position and not a Grad assistant, and not DIII. Saying you wanted an assistant position also makes me wonder if you aren't considering volunteer postions, which would be a huge mistake. A year or two as a volunteer at a big-time program will take you further than a decade as an assistant at a low level (DI) program.
If I were starting over, I would have applied to any and every grad assistant position at a school that sends people to nationals every year, preferably with an older coach, or one who seems well networked.
Who you know, and your athletic background will determine where you get your first coaching gig. Ask your coach about helping your network between now and graduation. After your first position, and especially if you're looking for a DI position at a decent program, it still won't be about what you know as a coach (though USATF/USTFCCCA certs will help), its about what athletes you can attach your name to, so if you were a GA at a program that sent a couple kids to nationals (not even in your event group), you'll look much better in the hiring process than if you took an assistant position at a lower level program, had legitimate coaching duties (and even did well within them).
It really is one of the most screwed up 'professions' out there.
^ This
Spot on. Honestly, for someone of your experience (which is none), if you really want to make it in coaching, you need to start early with networking and you better be willing to sacrifice to make it happen. Most of us worked for free or peanuts to get our start, and I'd strongly reconsider your no-GA and no-D3 stance. There's thousands of kids like you out there, but there's only about 350 DI schools in the US and another 312 D2 - and many of those don't have track or XC. If you aren't willing to work as a GA or volunteer, you better expand your search to NAIA, D3, Juco, and frankly, whatever you can get.
Get your Level I and Level II as soon as possible (usually USATF will waive the 3-year requirement for Level II) and/or your USTFCCCA certifications. Those aren't a guarantee of anything, but it'll help.
if you want to get into college coaching bad enough and you get offered a division 3 job, then take it. You will actually learn how to establish relationships with recruits because you can't just buy them. You have to work a little harder and wear a lot more hats at the d3 level, but it's a great experience.
It is possible to move up from d3 to d1, especially if you have d1 experience as an athlete or a volunteer. It's not easy, but there are a lot of coaches in power 5s that got there start in d3.
Would some of you folks mind giving examples of P5 coaches that got their start, or have coached, at D3 schools? I think it's silly, but to me it has seemed rather established that it's very, very difficult to go from D3 to D1
This thread is for opening positions! (i.e. who is getting fired!)
Not for : "how do I get into coaching?"
did tenn tech ever interview or make their hire?
Amen Brother or Sister! I need to know which jobs are opening up so I can shock and awe them with my resume full of countless All Americans!
Career Advice Seeker wrote:
Would some of you folks mind giving examples of P5 coaches that got their start, or have coached, at D3 schools? I think it's silly, but to me it has seemed rather established that it's very, very difficult to go from D3 to D1
I can think of about 5 throws coaches off the top of my head.
Some rumblings about UCONN? If that really opened up it could set up a chain reaction.