2026 College Track & Field Open Coaching Positions Discussion

Why do you think the distance coach is horrible????

I’d like to see some opinions on applying to these jobs; we post openings, and we all know that each opening receives typically a lot of applicants. Some are also internal hires just posting for formality, but for those applying to jobs what’s the best approach?

Should you apply on the website like given, and then STILL send an email to the Head Coach / AD about your application and interest? Should you reach out to possible connections and ask if they can put in a word? What are some things you should and shouldn’t do when applying to coaching positions? I’m sure this answer can change depending on the level, the position, and the school but still some general ones from those who have had luck would be great to hear?

Personally, as a Head Coach who’s hiring, I like seeing someone filled out the application properly (no 4 page resume, no clear AI written cover letter) and then they send a short email stating their interest and that they applied.

https://www.higheredjobs.com/search/details.cfm?JobCode=179466765&Title=Assistant%20Track%20%26%20Field%20Coach

Bethal - Horizontal Jumps - good pay for an assistant job, in a nice city, on a good team.

Athletes posted videos on TikTok stating that the director of track and field treated them horrible. mentioned she left a kid at the airport and refused to go to the hospital with 3 athletes on three different dates. Mentioned She’s leaving CSU in a hell hole trying to get the UNC job.

I personally have never emailed a HC or an AD stating I’ve applied, just doesn’t feel like my speed. But I have reached out to people who may know a thing or two about the job to get a feel for what I may be getting myself in to.

I’m not the best networker, so maybe that’s why I don’t like the idea of emailing an AD or HC.

All of vmi's distance runners either got injured or slower (or both) since he arrived. Not to mention the athlete retention issues with athletes just quitting the team and remaining at vmi

Oof, are these videos real?

UNC-Ashville - Assistant Coach

jobs.unca.edu

Assistant Track and Field Coach

The Athletics department at University of North Carolina Asheville is an integral part of the University committed to providing an exemplary NCAA Division I Athletics Program that creates an environment where student-athletes...

Open link

What's the salary for the Gardner-Webb assistant position? I saw that job listed on USTFCCCA.

I will never understand why people come on to this discussion board every year and just bash on coaches. It's flat our defamation and can ruin someone's career. Let's all be here for one another and quit running peoples names through the garbage. Most of you have no clue what each coach has to deal with from a budget, scholarship, Athletic Director, etc. Most colleges do not care if a XC and track team is winning conference titles or killing it on the national level even if you do. That's like the top 10% of all teams in the country. Let's be better bc most of the trash on this board is rumors or heresay. Let's talk about what jobs are open and not really why you think they are open. This negativity does not help our sport one bit! Lift our profession up and quit bashing on coaches bc you think you could do a better job!

Who has heard about any of the following? Anyone had contact or interviews yet?
>Cleveland State Head Coach
>Southwestern Oklahoma University Head Coach
>Otterbein University Head Coach
>UC Davis Head Coach
>UC San Marcos Head Coach
>Hillsdale College Head XC and Assistant Track Coach
>Daytona State College Head Coach

Post of the decade^^^. Thank you!