Expert: Vic Winnek - 4/28/2011

Question
This may be a silly question but I thought I would give it a shot.  I emailed a question to this site several years ago about getting into college coaching.  I took the advice and have coached in high school since and getting more and more experience with hopes on becoming a head coach when i get my degree in a couple of years.  My question about coaching in college is based on how most people get into college football i.e. becoming a G.A. and working your way up.  I probably won't have the ability to take that route since I really wouldn't be able to afford to be a G.A. without having an income for my family and I understand that worse case scenario I will have to coach high school ball for the rest of my life which will be okay, however, and i know you may not know the answer to this but here it goes.  Coach Gus Malzahn became an OC right out of High school, which i understand never happens, however, if i were to attempt to go his route into college football I know that one i have to be a successful, very successful, high school coach but what else should i do?  Would trying to build some kind of relationship with D1 colleges in my state help?  I mean is that how he did it, besides being successful in high school?  Should I start that now, even though by the time I am ready to attempt to coach in college there will most likely be a new head coach?  Sorry, i know this is a lot of questions at once but if you can help me i would be so grateful.  Thanks for all your help, this site is amazing.

Answer
David
This is a good question there are no stupid questions.  I'd like to put some more thought in to my answer rather than to give you a quick response.  Give a couple of days to ponder this.   I will say establishing relationships and networking will be key.  I understand the GA route is not a possibility for you and you currently coach high school.  Do you go to coaches clinics?  I will get back to you in a couple of days with some thoughts, in the mean time let me know what steps you are currently taking to advance.

David
In your situation where you did not get your start as a GA, and now that you are coaching at the high school level, I would recommend you start networking.  Begin by finding a mentor at the college level or a mentor who has retired.  Next, start going to coaching camps, conferences and clinics; also if you go to team or player camps make sure you network. Get to know everyone out there in your profession.  Establish friendships and a working relationship where you can bounce off ideas and seek advise.  By learning and networking you avail yourself to those who are working at higher levels or who are advancing.  You need to market yourself constantly.  Also you might want to try coaching at a Jr. College or small college.  You will make contacts this way and meet people who can help you and who you can help.  Don't limit yourself to D1 coaches or D1 coaches in your area.  Make sure you apply for positions.  Coaching is a long tough road with long hours and many moves.  While going through the process make sure you have your priorities in check and in the right order (1. Your faith/religion; 2. your family/spouse/children; 3. your employer/work and then football.#  Remember coaching football is a job. You have to be true to your employer #i.e. school or district) and follow their rules and desires and curriculum once you do that then you are ready to coach football for your employer. This will help you with your longevity and making sure you never run a foul of your boss.
You need to start your net working today.  Create a list of your contacts [phone numbers, addresses and e-mail addresses] and start making contact with them. asking them for advise. Let them know of your desire to coach at the college level. Ask them for their advice and input and in some instances ask if you can use them as a reference.

Remember if you ask for their advice you need to take it and use it.  Give them feed back as to your efforts.

DAVID
Here is a link and some college job listings:
http://ncaamarket.ncaa.org/jobs


Assistant Football Coach
Millikin University- US - IL - Decatur
A Master’s Degree is preferred and previous college coaching is preferred. Millikin University, a NCAA Division III institution, is accepting applications for two Assistant Football Coach.

Assistant Director of Football Operations
Bowling Green State University- US - OH - Bowling Green
Bachelor's Degree required, Master's Degree preferred. Also required one year experience in collegiate football program (graduate assistantship accepted). Must have and maintain a valid driver’s licen...

Assistant Coach - Football Player Personnel
University of South Alabama- US - AL - Mobile
Essential Job Functions: • Reports to the Head Football Coach • Primary liaison to the head coach concerning the academic standing and progress of football student-athletes;

ASSISTANT COACH, FOOTBALL
TENNESSEE TECH UNIVERSITY- US - TN - Cookeville
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Minimum of two years of football coaching experience at a highly competitive level. Education and experience necessary to perform all the functions

Head Football Coach
Florida Institute of Technology- US - FL
The Florida Institute of Technology is currently searching for a Head Football Coach. This is a full-time position. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: responsible for the building

Assistant Football Coach
Allegheny College- US - PA - Meadville
Allegheny College is a Carnegie I national liberal arts college that ranks among the top 7% of all institutions in the production of future Ph.D.’s, business leaders and other professionals.

Assistant Football Coach
Southeast Missouri State University- US - MO - Cape Girardeau
Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree Demonstrated successful football coaching experience Demonstrated experience coaching receivers Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to NCAA reg...

Assistant Football Coach/ Instructor of Health and Physical Education
Dickinson State University- US - ND - Dickinson
Dickinson State University is seeking an energetic and enthusiastic individual to serve as Assistant Football Coach and Instructor of Health and Physical Education. The assistant coach reports direc...

Assistant Football Coach
Western Connecticut State University- US - CT - Danbury
Western Connecticut State University, an NCAA Division III member, competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, invites applications for a part-time football coaching position. The review of appl...
Apr-13-2011- save job- email- more
Research Western Connecticut State University on Google, Bing or Yahoo!View Map of US - CT - DanburyPermanent link to this job
Football Recruiting Specialist
Mississippi State University- US - MS - Mississippi State
Bachelor’s degree required. At least 1 year experience at an NCAA Division I Institution desired. Excellent written and oral communication skills desired. Excellent computer skills preferred. Vali...
Apr-14-2011- save job- email- more
View all Mississippi State University jobsResearch Mississippi State University on Google, Bing or Yahoo!View Map of US - MS - Mississippi StatePermanent link to this job
Graduate Assistant / Football- Offense
Anderson University- US - IN - Anderson
REQUIREMENTS:-Bachelor's degree.-Previous collegiate playing or coaching experience preferred.-Commitment to University mission and Christian lifestyle