The Program

"Am I a control freak? No. Do I believe in organization? You bet. In discipline? In

being on time and making sure everything at the hotel is ready and right? Definitely.
I don't control players. I control the environment around the players so that they
can flourish." -- Pat Riley
The players must feel that the program is bigger than they are. That they are a part of an
awesome thing, where the expectations are high. This comes from atmosphere,
involvement, and communication. The team, parents, faculty and community all have a
role. They are invested. Everything is done for the benefit of the mass. Success can only
come when all are headed in the same direction.
Mission Statement
To develop and cultivate growth of all our student-athletes academically, athletically and
spiritually. To foster the ideals of perseverance, commitment and selflessness. We want to
serve as a positive, powerful, productive force for the school's alumni, administration,
staff, student-athletes and community.
How to be a Champion
A total commitment is needed. A commitment to personal excellence, through
hard work and sacrifice. A total commitment will cost you. You are required to put
your scholastic work and football above all other social activities. Attendance is
mandatory both for classes and practices and activities. You know if you are
committed based on the decisions that you make while away from school. You
can not put your selfish wants before the team. The rewards of commitment are
not felt right away. It takes time, effort, pain, sweat and disappointment. However,
the rewards of your total commitment will last a lifetime.
"Most battles are won before they are fought." -- Sun Tzu 450 B.C.
Team Dynamics
Teamwork is achieved when individuals make personal sacrifices to work together for the
success of the group. In team sports, teams are successful because of you, despite you and
will be successful and no one will know about you. A great portion of teamwork is
accomplished on the practice field. Know the importance of scout teams and respect
them.
Know and accept your role on this team unconditionally. Not everyone can be a starter on
a football team. It is up to you to accept your role that the coaches assign you. If you
cannot accept the role, you should not be a part of this football team. If you do not have a
starting position it is up to you to work your way into a starting position.
The following five criteria will be used to select starters:
1. Knowledge of assignment
2. Hustle and effort
3. Mental and Physical toughness
4. Attendance
5. Talent
 Academics

One thing can be said: “You can take football from me, but you can never take my
education away”.

The talk of getting an education will always take precedence over athletics. I believe that
athletics and academics can and should work hand in hand. There is no reason that we
should not strive to be champions in the classroom, as well as champions on the playing
field. Discipline in the classroom means discipline on the playing field.

In order to ensure that our student athletes understand our belief in academics, we will
adhere to the following policies:

1. Academics shall and will be made a priority, discipline and winning starts in the
classroom. As the head coach I will make this evident to players and coaching
staff. The coaching staff will assume responsibility of motivating their respective
players and monitoring their success, as an example making use of 3-week
progress reports.

2. We will continually monitor the academic progress of our athletes to ensure that
they are striving for the best possible education that they can get presently but
also in the future.

3. We will work in conjunction with the school faculty and administration to provide
study hall, tutoring and an open line of communication with parents and all those
directly and indirectly involved with the football program..

It is very important to see athletics as a part of the total educational program. It should
both compliment and contribute to the overall educational process. For many students it
is the most effective climate for learning the invaluable lessons of personal integrity,
determination, self-confidence, and proper mental attitude. Individual and group
responsibilities along with the desire to achieve high goals should be basic objectives of
any sound educational system.

Balancing Academics and Athletics: What Is Truly Important

As the head football coach, extra-curricular athletics must always be viewed as a

supportive activity to the primary mission of any educational institution. The primary
mission of any educational institution must be academic and personal development of its
students. In public education, the integrity of the academic mission can never be
compromised, the future of our students and out society as a whole demands that the
molding of the intellectual capacity of all students and is central to personal student
success. The role of extra-curricular athletics involves providing opportunities for
extended character development through structured athletic competition.
This philosophy is supported by a study conducted by the University of Washington.
This study projected the likelihood of a high school varsity athlete receiving an athletic
scholarship to a higher educational institution and later moving on to the professional
ranks. This study illustrated the following statistics.

1. 59% of all high school varsity football and basketball players have the belief that
they will receive a college scholarship upon graduation.

2. In actuality, 98 out of 100 varsity high school athletes involved in all sports will
never play in the college ranks.

3. Also, only 1 out of 12,000 college student athletes will ever have the opportunity
to become a professional athlete in any sport.

4. For the sport of football only 1 in every 5,200 college players will have the
opportunity to become a professional in their sport.

5. At present, 67% of all players in the National Football League (NFL) do not
possess a college degree.

6. Currently the average playing career in the NFL last only 3.5 years.

The message from these results are clear. The academic mission is of greatest importance
to all students regardless of their god given athletic talents and playing field
accomplishments. Additionally, of all “Top 10” ranked academic students at the high
school level, 98% of both boys and girls are involved in 2 or more extra-curricular school
activities, annually this points to the importance of extra-curricular activities being in
support of positive academic success.

From a personal perspective, I can honestly say that we as coaches need to be committed
to the academic success of our student athletes and feel fortunate to have the opportunity
to work with them. Whether it be team study halls, peer tutoring, academic release time
from practice and competition, the future success of the individual student-athlete and the
team rests with the academic integrity of the program.

To quote one of my former coaches who inspired me:

“When you are 40 years old it will not matter how many yards you’ve gained or passes
completed. What will matter is what you can provide for yourself, your family and your
community as a productive member of society.”
 The Lombardi Rules
Teaching, Coaching, and Learning

Be Authentic
Act your integrity. Be predictable. Make amends when you foul up.

Earn Trust Through Investment

Use your authority to build the organization’s trust in you.

Use Your Mission

Define the goal. Pursue the goal.

Create A Shared Vision

“We can do better” is a good place to start.

Align Your Values

Bring exposed values into congruence with practices

Know Your Stuff

When the time comes, show that you know it.

Generate Confidence
Set the stage psychologically, and give people the tools they need.

Chase Perfection
Settle for excellence along the way.

Live What You Teach

And live what you coach. Sell what you teach and coach.

Strike The Balance

Be as close as you can be-and as far away as you have to be.

Build Team Spirit

This means common goals, complementary skills and mutual respect and accountability.

Be Proud To Be Humble
Strike the balance. Flex your ego, but share the credit.
 Program Organization
Coaching Philosophy For Developing A Successful Football Program:
I believe, irrespective of the time element involved, an athletic program has little chance
of succeeding unless the following “Musts” are adhered to:

1. As a head football coach we must have a definite plan in which we believe in,
with no compromise on our part.

2. The head football coach must have the cooperation and support of the
administration, who must believe in the head coach, his staff, and his plan.

3. The coach must be mentally tough and dedicated to football but at the same time
understand the feelings of others.

4. If applicable the head coach must be able to select and coordinate coaches at the
intermediate levels such as the freshman and Jr. Varsity programs and see that the
head coach at each level adheres to the philosophy of the varsity head coach. The
future of any program lies in the success of the lower level programs.
“Winning Breeds Winning” at any level.

5. The head coach must organize the football program to operate at maximum
efficiency.

How To Win Football Games:

1. Don’t get out worked.

2. Don’t get out hit.
3. Don’t get out hustled.
4. Eliminate the turnover.
5. Eliminate the long run and long pass.
6. Eliminate missed assignments.
7. Eliminate foolish penalties.
8. Have a great kicking game.
9. Win the battles on the goal line.
10. Always believe that it can get done.
11. Make half time adjustments.

Morale is the catalyst that turns offense, defense, kicking game and goal line into victory.
It is not something you can buy; it is something that comes from enjoying success,
success breed’s success. There must be a need on a player’s part to desire success and
wish to work for it. This is where coaches play an important role in determining whether
pride will grow and flourish.
 What A Head Coach Should Expect From His Coaches

• To be the very best classroom teacher and on the field coach that you can be.

• Never use profanity and never allow our players to.

• Never use tobacco around school at anytime.

• Don’t worry about what your fellow coaches are doing. Just do your job and do it
well. Don’t keep score.

• To be on time for all staff meetings and practices.

• To be a positive role model.

• To sell and defend the program.

• To do everything you can do to develop a winning attitude.

• To study and work hard to make yourself a great coach. Educational growth is a must
for any coach in order to maintain, sustain and develop new innovative ways of
coaching, new teaching techniques, and better ways to improve teaching.

• To be professional in attitude, responses, work and personal appearance.

• Never involve your spouse in the coaching situation in a negative manner.

• To be sincerely interested in the success of our players and other members of the
coaching staff.

• Never give up on a player. He can always change and likely will if given the chance
by you.

• To be positive and never doubt that we will be successful.

• To be loyal.

• To be creative and have the ability to think on your own and apply gained knowledge
of the game.

• To be on the same page with each other when taking the practice or game field.
Never take your disagreements to practice.
• Don’t get complacent as the season goes on. Don’t let the little things slide in the
discipline of our players. These will lead to bad habits.

• Have a plan for everything. Be organized.

• Do not choose favorites. Work with every player on the squad.

• Always be optimistic. The glass is half full.

What You Can Expect From The Head Coach

• To be accountable for all actions.

• To deal with all situations with honor and integrity.

• To run an organized program so that we will be able to function efficiently.

• To maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to work.

• To listen to your suggestions.

• To give you responsibility and authority.

• To work and provide leadership to win.

• To treat you like a man with dignity and respect.

• To be totally concerned about you and your family, regardless of what problems
confront you.

• To be very loyal to you and do everything a head coach can do to help you grow
professionally.

• To sell you to our players, the community and other coaches.

• To let you coach on the field within your personality.

• To let you know privately when you have been derelict of duties.

What You Should Expect From Our Athletes

• To give their very best effort towards receiving a quality education.

• Do right.
• Always give their best effort for the team, teammates, and themselves.

• Treat others the way you want to be treated.

• To be prompt.

• To hustle, give the best effort possible.

• To know their assignments, be students of the game.

• Abide by team and school rules.

• Sacrifice for the team, each individual is only as good as the team.

• Be the best person that they can be, be a role model for others.

• To play with Character – “Play as well as you can for as long as you can.”

• To play with Pride – “Know that you won’t quit when it gets tough.”

• To be Mentally Tough – “Accept discomfort and live with it.”

Football Staff Office Hours

The basic rule is to work long enough, to get the job done. Should not get caught up in
busy work, coaches need time to themselves during the season and off-season. A coach
needs to be flexible, but understand that this is not an 8 to 5 job, but a profession. Do
what it takes to get the job down; don’t shortchange the other coaches and or our players.

An Approach To Successful Coaching

When taking the field know where you belong, be waiting for your players.

Utilize time before and after practice. As a rule of thumb I use the “15 minute rule” if I
arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled meeting time then I’m on time; if I arrive 10
minutes early I’m 5 minutes late; if I arrive 5 minutes early then I’m 10 minutes late; and
if I arrive on the scheduled time then my players are waiting for me.

Have something to say after each effort. Remember, this is coaching and “don’t coach
out of frustration.” Don’t just tell an athlete what he is doing wrong, show him how to
correct it; this builds credibility.

Stay alert for players with injuries or heat problems. Refer to trainer.

Strive to make your group the best on the field, take pride in your work.
Do not experiment with drills during practice, have your work thought out, and make sure
it fits the scheme.

Never lose your poise or confidence, coach those things that you know how to fix.

As a position coach expect to be talked to if something avoidable goes wrong.

Our practices must be organized; talk in meetings not on the field, repetition is the most
important key, repetition instills learning. Don’t hold clinics on the field.
Players must perform on the practice field with extreme quickness, hustle is the key
ingredient.

Pay strict attention to the scheduled time segments.

Don’t relax during any segment. All segments are very important, or they would not be
included.

Breed confidence into your team.

Gain the respect from your players, don’t demand respect, you must earn it.

Coach our players all year long, “talk football”. Encourage them to “hang around”, to
work on a position specialty skill, and to work in the weight room.

Talk the importance of classroom demeanor, doing well in class, staying current on all
classroom assignments and homework.

If you get tired pray for strength, because as a staff we are only as strong as our weakest
link.

Approach To Establishing Your Football Drills Both

In-season and Off-season

“A good coach makes better players out of border line athletes and often makes good
players out of mediocre ones. A good coach emphasizes their abilities – enables them to
make the most of the latent talents – gives them the best chance for success by putting the
right player in the right place.”
Robert Zuppke

As a coach we make our greatest contribution in the construction, planning and

administering of drills. More important than what system of offense and defense we run,
its how we teach our style of football.

We must be very selective in the drills that we use. They should:

 1. Cover considerable ground in a short period of time.
2. Be well planned and administered.
3. Be known by name to the players so that they do not require re-explanation
after the first two or three times the drill has been run.

Most drills should have a secondary movement. Almost all actions in football are based
on carrying out a secondary movement, after an initial one.

Do not make drills too elaborate; keep them short, snappy, crisp, and positive.
The preparation for drills must be made in full detail before hitting the practice field. The
coach conducting the drill should see that his drills are prepared in advance, including
any necessary teaching aids, such as balls, cones, practice bags, etc. Be certain managers
are informed in advance of what equipment is needed, and if we have no managers, then
you as the coach conducting the drill must get to practice early to have your stations set
and ready to go.

Basically There Are Five Types Of Drills:

1. Fundamental Drills – these are to teach all the skills of tackling, blocking, stance,
etc.

2. Reaction Drills – primarily for developing quickness, balance, and agility. These
should be included briefly in almost every practice.

3. Conditioning Drills – once the season has begun these will be almost entirely
running drills.

4. Toughening Drills – the primary purpose here is to develop and encourage the
desire and ability to utilize the physical contact aspect of the game of football.
These drills should be used only to the extent so as not to dull the desire for
further contact.

5. Fun Drills – used to lighten the practice load late in the season or as a morale
booster.

Practice And Drill Development Considerations

The following information is basic practice and drill development considerations each
coach should remember when installing and developing his position players and for
developing general points for establishing a practice plan.

1. Give each player a chance to succeed and be positive. We’re only as good as the
last guy; so how good will that player be? How important will you make him
feel?
2. Push players to their full maximum efforts.
3. Make your “Drill Atmosphere” full speed.
 4. Teach at the top position skill level, don’t coach down.
5. Correct all techniques and assignment and assignment errors “Immediately.”
6. Maintain positive discipline – control action – stress execution.
7. Teach high percentage repetitions with low percentage group discussion, develop
position skills.
8. Skills are perfected by “Repetition” – move players fast through drills.
9. Begin new practice segments as fast as possible – predict effort.
10. We as coaches must continuously teach blocking and tackling, proper pursuit and
contain. Emphasis first key reactions.
11. Teach the easiest way to complete the assignment – learn from repetition.
12. As a position coach stress basic skill techniques, the game is secondary.
13. Instill a practice work ethic – force your players to “Practice Hard.”
14. Be persistent in demanding that techniques are performed correctly.
15. Coach at near game like player reaction.
16. Plan and only use position drills that relate to specific position assignments.
17. End practice segments on the whistle – start new drill as soon as possible.
18. Always bring practice schedule with you to practice.
19. When working with other groups (example OL vs. DL) get your group ready
quickly – do not wait for the other group – reps most important thing.
20. Be sure to set your equipment up prior to practice this helps from wasting time.
21. Recognize fatigue and be ready to adjust your drills.
22. The most important point to remember is; your coaching image can change the
football life of your position players.

Approach To Practice Sessions

Nothing is more important to success than the time we spend on the practice field. The
important thing is how we utilize this time. The time we spend preparing for practice is
as important as the actual time you spend on the field. The only way we can determine
whether our practices are organized or not is by what we accomplish on the field during
our allotted time. We’ll win during the week on the practice field, in other words we’ll
play like we practice. “Must Practice Like Champions.”

During two-a-day practices, we must get our team fundamentally sound. We must
attempt to prepare our self’s to play a game the week prior to the opening season.
Compile a “must list” and make certain every situation is covered on it. Conduct a game
like scrimmage and do not conclude it until every situation that might arise during the
season is covered.

Practice Philosophy and Guidelines For Coaches

The 150% Factor

Utilization of practice time is of utmost importance. We must have practice segments

organized to the minute. Each segment should last approximately 5 minutes but not
longer than 10 minutes in duration. Each segment should be coached to its fullest
potential and once the period is over then you must proceed to the next period, no
exceptions. By sticking to this routine, it forces us to coach hard and to near game like
situation.

Coaches are to get as much “talking” done as possible before going onto the field. We
do not want to slow down the tempo of practice. Enthusiasm is a vital role in a good
practice. By standing around and “talking” to our players will sometimes slow down
their intensity. Players need to know that when they step onto the grass they must be a
150% player as well as the coach being a 150% coach to his players. Our practices
should be sharp, enthusiastic, with lots of hustle. This can only be possible if we have
“A Unified Coaching Staff” demanding the same style of play. Be Positive … Coach up
and make our players the best that they can be, each player should be made to feel
important to the overall success of the program.

As a staff we must stress to your players the importance of a great work ethic. If your
opponent runs 10 – 100 yard sprints then we must run 12. It is my belief that if we are
going to change the attitude of our players then we must change the attitude for what it
takes to win. The little Things Make The Difference, Never Compromise Your Beliefs,
and The Way You Practice, Is The Way You Will Play On Game day. If we are to win on
Friday night, then we must prepare Monday through Thursday as players; and Monday
through Sunday as coaches. We must want to practice the basic fundamentals of football
everyday. You must want to be fundamentally sound, physically and mentally tough.

Developing Our Intermediate and Lower Level Programs

Lower Level Teams: The backbone of our program. We will want to spend the majority
of our time working on the fundamentals of football and the basic program core elements
of play. As coaches we will want to teach technique, toughness and discipline. Prepare
them to be varsity players. This means keep them in the program, keep them out for
football, Keep them eligible firm but fair (keep the game fun).

The lower level program, which includes the freshman and Jr. Varsity programs if
applicable, should expect the following from the Head Coach as well as all those
involved in the football program at the High School.

1. Workout suggestions for off-season training including lifting routines.

2. Offensive and Defensive drills that fit the philosophy of the varsity program.
3. Techniques for specific positions.
4. Complete playbooks with installation procedures for offense, defense, and
kicking game.
5. Program rules and regulations.
6. Any literature that might helps promote educational growth and knowledge of
the game of football.
7. Standing invitation to all in house clinics.
8. Study hall suggestions for those students needing assistance.
9. Attendance at Intermediate school pep rally’s, etc.
 Expectations From Our Coaching Staff

1. Coaches are expected to be dressed and in the locker room before players
report.

2. Get drills ready – cones, dummies, etc.

3. Work with every player that comes on the field. Don’t allow players to go
unnoticed.

4. Be properly dressed; look professional, look like a coach.

5. Do not use foul language, grab or argue with a player, if he is unbearable, send
him to the head coach.

6. If you jump on a player hard verbally, be sure that before he leaves after
practice you have talked with him.

7. After practice make sure you go through the locker room and say something,
if not acknowledge each of your position players or any player you felt good
about that day.

8. Don’t allow anything to lie around the athletic area, which includes the locker
room.

9. Don’t run off right after practice, pitch in there’s always something to do.

10. Don’t expect anything less than perfection in every aspect of the football
program.

11. As a program we control our own destiny. Whether we win or lose should be
determined by us, not by your opponents. We must spend a great deal of time
with fundamentals. We must get better everyday by working very hard on
blocking and tackling. We should try and cover every situation that might
arise in a game and instill in your players the proper way to react with poise
and confidence.

12. One of the most important ingredients necessary to win is to associate our
self’s with coaches and players who love football and can’t live with losing.
If we have players who don’t like football, we will constantly find ourselves
compromising our beliefs in order to keep them from quitting.
13. It is the athlete’s responsibility to please the coach and not the coaches place
to please the players. Our job as coaches is to run a top-flight program that
will eventually lead to continued success. As coaches we have an obligation
to run a disciplined program that will be successful in the long run. To do
anything else is unfair to the athletes who want to win.

14. We as coaches have an obligation to place our athletes in a first class

environment and to improve on our facilities each year.

15. In coaching, you at some point will be faced with adversity; you must be
prepared for it. Don’t sit and wallow in self-pity, face it head on.

16. I believe its better to have great coaches than great athletes. You can’t win
without athletes, but you can lose with them and this is where coaching
becomes a factor.

17. You shouldn’t care what a good coach is paid; it isn’t enough. Anything a
poor coach gets paid is too much.

18. Enthusiasm is nothing more than being positive. It is impossible to be

negative and be enthusiastic.

19. Everyone associated with the football program needs to feel that they are
important to the success of the program, which includes administrative staff,
parents, teachers, players, coaches and community.

20. Players like discipline. They do not like harassment. Discipline breeds
success. Harassment breeds contempt.

21. Championships are decided on the little things. Thus, meticulous attention
must be paid to the seemingly “Little” aspects of the program.

22. Simplicity should be one of the greatest guides in helping your selection when
it comes to the technical aspects of the game.

What Constitutes A Good Coach

1. He has thorough knowledge of all fundamental techniques employed

concerning offense, defense, and kicking game.

2. A good coach makes a thorough preparation for carrying out his

responsibilities at each and every practice session, off-season and in season
event. He personally assumes the responsibility for preparing any necessary
charts and drill situations to accomplish smoothly and efficiently the teaching
expected of him on and off the field.
 3. A good coach is constantly probing his own thinking in order to assure that he
is covering effectively all phases of the game for those players over whom he
has direct teaching responsibility. Check lists and related forms are essential
to carry this out.

4. A good coach comes to the practice field in a great frame of mind, which
indicates he really enjoys coaching. This means an attitude, which reflects
cheerfulness, and an attitude of patience toward the correction of mistakes
made by his players.

5. A good coach will constantly seek to improve his own teaching methods.

6. A good coach is willing to devote his time tirelessly to all phases of the
program, with the realization that winning football results when these items
are controlled. A coach realizes that to gain that extra amount of excellence,
much time and effort is required, but that herein lays the difference between
the champion and second best.

7. A good coach is willing to personally assume responsibility for thinking out

an assignment, and for creatively attacking problems in all phases of the
program. The average coach acts only on a direct assignment, waits for an
exact spelling out of the assignment and functions only to the extent that an
assignment is literally spelled out.

8. A good coach is intensely loyal, honest, and sincere.

Once again, the integrity of our coaching staff will be built around the following criteria.
Is he trustworthy?
Is he a dedicated coach?
Is he dependable?
Is he energetic?
Does he care deeply about the finished product?
Does he have a good sense of direction?
Does he have a good sense of humor?

General Coaching Axioms

Each and every coach in our program has an obligation to push his athletes in order to
achieve things they never thought possible. An athlete and or coach can become
whatever he thinks he can be, but he must be willing to pay the price with effort and
dedication.

Not everyone can be a coach and or player. One must pay the price to be apart of a
successful football program. Any organization that is easy to be a member of generally
isn’t worth being apart of.
 Dress For Success During The Season
And The Off - Season.

Dress neatly at all times, especially when meeting parents, administrators, attending
professional clinic (coaching school) etc. It’s my belief that this is where some programs
fall short, I know that not all programs can afford coaching attire but through fundraisers,
etc. this should be a priority. Two possible scenarios exist here, with one being that if
you can’t afford to pay what you consider adequate stipends then provide good coaching
attire make coaches feel good about whom they represent. Secondly, Look the part and
act the part of a professional coach. Assistant coaches usually will feel grateful and feel
as though they are important to the program and to the head coach.

Chain Of Command

One should not be impressed with the title of head coach, but grateful to have the
opportunity. Everyone on his staff should be made to feel that his voice and opinion
matters. However, someone has to have the final say. A head coach should take all
blame for lack of success, but willing to make the necessary changes to insure future
success. If the football program develops a problem and you, as the position coach can’t
solve it, bring it to the head coach and give him your recommendations for a positive
solution. A head coach should expect his assistants to look for problems before they
become big one’s, lets eliminate them, if possible.

Hard Work

While the head coach’s time is not more valuable than yours, neither is yours more
valuable then his. Be prompt in completing all your assigned duties and be prepared to
discuss duties performed. Be a self-starter and make a personal commitment to
excellence. Get the job done regardless of the hours involved. If you love your job, you
will never count the hours. Accept responsibilities, accept duties, make personal
sacrifices, improve your knowledge of football, and constantly strive to exhibit to your
players your commitment to the program and to them.

Loyalty

Be loyal to the school, administration, squad, head football coach, and fellow coaches.
This means you must openly and freely be able to discuss all differences of opinion in
regard to theory, ideas, and team policies in staff meetings only. You must be willing to
listen and change if the staff is going to be successful. You must defend and hold each
other up at all times. Never discuss anything but good qualities about the staff and the
program. Because loyalty is a two way street, it should be pointed out that if the head
coach is to be loyal to you, then you need to be loyal to him.
 Unity

Our staff can’t be split between offense and defensive staffs. No-second guessing. It
must be understood that we will win together and or lose together. All disagreements and
problems should be handled in private. Don’t take your disagreements into the
community and or onto the field; parents and kids pick up on this fast.

Staff Relationships

1. There is only one Head Coach.

2. Be prompt for all meetings and practice sessions, follow the fifteen-minute
rule.

3. Techniques of offense and defense must conform to the head coach’s

philosophy.

4. The head coach should approve or reject all game plans.

5. The head coach should control the substitution of players if need be, but
should trust his assistant’s professional judgment in this matter.

6. Assistant coaches should be held accountable for their positions players and
coaching styles. Each coach should be held responsible for the offense,
defense, and kicking game; if you don’t understand something specific to your
position and duties ask. A staff is only as good as each other.

HEAD COACH RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhere to the position responsibilities outlined in the Coaches Handbook.

• Oversee the entire program from 7th grade to varsity.
• Will coordinate all practice plans from camp and 2-a-days through the end of the
season. This will be done with the help and input of all varsity assistants.
• Will develop offensive and defensive game plans with assistant coaches each week.
• Will break down game films each week.
• Will relay to all assistant coaches what is expected of them during practice, games,
coaches meetings, player supervision, and other responsibilities.
• Will organize, schedule and oversee in-season and off-season strength and
conditioning program.
• Will organize and carry out fundraisers in order to supplement football budget. (if
applicable).
• Will develop and maintain good relationship between football program and all other
 athletic programs.
• Will develop and maintain good relationship between football program and local
businesses, booster clubs, and any important community organizations, etc.
• Will maintain a complete and accurate record of all items of equipment in storage.
• Will organize locker room responsibilities.
• Will organize weight room responsibilities.
• Will help with taping and training responsibilities.
• Will attend junior-varsity games.
• Will attend as many Pee Wee practices/games as possible.

VARSITY ASSISTANTS RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhere to the position responsibilities outlined in the Coaches Handbook.

• Will oversee players in their charge (position) on the varsity level, as well as helping
the junior-varsity coaches as needed.
• Will help coordinate all practice plans with Head Coach.
• Will help develop offensive and defensive game plans each week.
• Will help break down film in order to find opponents strengths and weaknesses.
• Will help with equipment issue/check-in at beginning and end of season.
• Will help in taking inventory of equipment and suggest equipment purchase.
• Will evaluate players in their charge as to their strengths and weaknesses before,
during and after the season.
• Will have locker room responsibilities.
• Will have weight room responsibilities.
• Will have taping and training responsibilities.
• Will attend all scheduled coaches meetings.
• Will attend all junior-varsity games.
• Will try to attend at least one Pee Wee practice or game.

JUNIOR-VARSITY HEAD COACH

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhere to the position responsibilities outlined in the Coaches Handbook.

• Will coordinate all practice plans from camp and 2-a-days through the end of the
season.
• Will develop offensive and defensive game plans with assistant coaches for each
weeks game. He will be required to stay within the basic framework of the varsity
system.
• Will relay to all assistant coaches what is expected of them during practices, games,
coaches meetings, player supervision, and other responsibilities.
• Will attend all scheduled coaches meetings.
• Will help with equipment issue/check-in at beginning and end of season.
• Will have locker room responsibilities.
• Will have weight room responsibilities.
• Will help in taping and training responsibilities.
• Will have specific Varsity Game responsibilities.
• Will try to attend at least one Pee Wee practice or game.

JUNIOR-VARSITY ASSISTANTS
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhere to the position responsibilities outlined in the Coaches Handbook.

• Will oversee players in their charge (position) on the Sophomore/Freshman level.
• Will help coordinate all practices with JV Head Coach.
• Will help develop offensive and defensive game plans each week.
• Will help with equipment issue/check-in at beginning and end of season.
• Will help in taking equipment inventory.
• Will have locker room responsibilities.
• Will have weight room responsibilities.
• Will have taping and training responsibilities.
• Will attend all scheduled coaches meetings.
• Will try to attend at least one Pee Wee practice or game.
• Will have scouting responsibilities.

Staff Meetings

It is always important to remind all coaches to be at scheduled meetings on time, if

there’s going to be a problem let someone know.

As a kick-off to each scheduled coaches meeting I will ask each coach on a rotating bases
to give a motivational message to the rest of the staff during the season. This should be a
time where each coach can share with the rest of the staff those things that might be on
his mind and should be keep in a positive light. Each presentation should be no longer
than 5 minutes in length. Head coach can set the order of presentations.

Weekend Preparations

Saturday

1. Exchange Tape with weeks opponent

2. Grade film
3. Prepare game awards for players, helmet stickers, etc.
4. Injured players to trainer if applicable by 8:30.
5. Break down opponent’s video.

Sunday
1. Coaches report for staff meeting.
2. Develop Personnel, offensive, defensive, and kicking game plans.
3. Prepare all scouting reports.
4. Bulletin boards and motivational information done.
5. Discuss Monday practice schedule.
6. Scouting reports must be ready to hand out Monday morning.

Weekend Duties

1. Film cut-ups done.

2. Opponents Bulletin board done.
3. All goal boards completed.
4. Game statistics done.
5. Tackle charts done and updated.
6. Scout teams; offense, defense and kicking game cards completed.
7. Defensive Data Input for computer printouts done.
8. Offensive Data both self-scout and opponent input completed.
9. Scouting reports all coaches.
10. Grade Friday night film – all varsity positions.
11. Freshman coaches assist JV and Varsity coaches in film breakdown.

Gameday Responsibility Check List

1. Pre-game meals (collect money).

2. Transportation.
3. Issue Uniforms and equipment.
4. Clean visitor’s dressing room.
5. Ice down drinks.
6. Film exchange.
7. Equipment kit for repairs.
8. Clean referees locker room, cokes.
9. Practice balls for game.
10. Game balls for officials.
11. Official game time.
12. Field organization, coaches designated field positions for individual warm-up.
13. Kicking tees and net.
14. Head sets.
15. Video equipment.
16. Ball boys.
17. Clean towels.
18. Towels for wet balls.
19. Player supervision – all coaches.
20. Call sheets.
21. Express any trick or unusual plays with officials.
 Half Time Organization

Things that must take place during half time:

1. Players must be given time to rest.

2. All injury and equipment problems taken care of.
3. Staff must analyze the first half and make plans for the second half.
4. Players must be re-motivated to play the final and most important part of the
game.

Halftime divided into four periods:

1. First period (four minutes).

a. Staff meetings.
b. Team rest.
c. Injury and equipment care.

2. Second period (four minutes).

a. Offense and Defensive position coaches meet with assigned groups.

3. Third period Offense and defensive Coordinators meet with their entire
offense or defensive squads. (Four minutes).

4. Fourth period (four minutes)

a. Head coach meets with both offense and defense as a team.
b. Return to field for warm-up.

In order to stay on schedule you might want to assign a staff member or parent to
keep meeting times on schedule. One coach or manager should be responsible for
keeping the time as well as letting the head coach know how much time is left before
the start of the second half.

Period One – Half Time Organization

The first period is a critical one for the staff. At this time you should be involved in
an analysis of what has taken place during the first half and deciding what your plan
of attack will be for the second half. The information that you should consider
includes:

1. Offensively
a. Fronts by down and distance.
b. Secondary by down, distance, and formation.
c. Short yardage and goal line defenses – stunts.
 d. Your play selection by success and failure.
2. Defensively
a. Plays by formation.
b. Plays by down and distance.
c. Pass routes.
d. Your defensive calls by down and distance.
3. Kicking Game
a. Has there been any assignment breakdown in any phase of the kicking
game.
b. Is the fake punt possible?
c. How is the kick-off coverage and punt coverage?
d. Should you punt, block or return, etc.
4. General
a. Personnel adjustments because of injuries or other reasons.
b. Any possible playing conditions such as wind, rain, and so on,
affecting the play.

From all points listed above, your staff should arrive at a second-half philosophy. This
philosophy will be based on how your opponent is attacking you both offensively and
defensively and how you feel they will adjust to you during the second half. All blocking
adjustments, route changes and theory of attack is decided offensively. Also, any front
adjustments, coverage, or force adjustments are made to stop the opponent defensively.

While your staff is actively involved in second half strategy, your players should be
getting ready physically for the second half. All incidental injuries and equipment
problems are taken care of in their designated assigned areas of the locker room. Liquids,
towels and other needs are brought to the players. This allows them to rest and prevents a
lot of moving around. You should try and keep this initial period to approximately 4 to 5
minutes.

Period Two – Half Time Organization

The second period of your halftime is for each coach to meet with the players of his
position. During this period, you hope to do two things. First, you quiz your players as
to what is happening to them on the field. Your staff should be made to feel that it is
extremely important to have open communication with their players. Many times you
will find that one of your players will come up with information that turns out to be very
helpful the second half. Also, the coach needs to know, for instance, if a receiver can
beat a corner on an out route or a streak, or if an offensive lineman can reach a down
defender on outside plays.

Period Three – Half Time Organization

As soon as each position coach has met with his players, both the offense and defense
meet with their coordinators to tie the schemes together. You should allow 4 to 5 minutes
for this period.
Period Four – Half Time Organization

With about 8 minutes remaining the person in charge of keeping time will give a 5-
minute warning. At this time your coaches with press box responsibilities and your team
captains should leave the locker room for the field. The head coach will take control at
this point and the offense and defense join together for final instructions. It is the job of
the head coach to finalize all strategy and goals and to motivate the squad for the second
half. This time period lasts usually not more than 3 to 4 minutes. The team then departs
for the second half.
Off-Season

Main objectives of an off-season program should be built around the following examples:

1. Mental Toughness – this can be developed and expected.

a. Learn to deal with pain and to never except defeat. Do all the little things
right all the time.
b. Defeat all negative thoughts. “When your body says no – your heart says
go!”

2. Physical Strength and Quickness

a. Weight Room – Benefits, this is where Championships are Won.

b. Agility and Mat Drills.

3. Intensity – Must teach the 150% attitude

a. Everything is done with a high level of enthusiasm and competitiveness –

Push each other.
b. Never be satisfied.
c. All out effort – All the time – 150% effort every minute, accept nothing
less.
d. Expect more from yourself as coaches and players.

4. Unity – Only as good as the last coach or last player with the least role in the
program.

a. Always talk “Us” and “We”, not “I” and “Me”. Make being on the team
the greatest experience of their life’s.
b. Hard work together equals Unity of Team. Encourage each other to work
harder – the harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.
 5. The Difference Between Them and Us.

a. We do work harder, 150% effort all the time – Outwork the 110%
opponent.
b. Discipline – must live with it, must expect it, must do right 150% of the
time.
c. If a 150% effort equals hard work then we can accomplish it.
d. As a team we will sweat the small stuff. The little things we do will make
us Champions.
e. Our Success – Our Attitude – Our Work Habits are things we can control,
choose to be in control of our destiny. Never allow our opponent to
dictate our destiny.

DISCIPLINE

Discipline is what you do for someone, not to someone. My belief towards coaching
parallels the old parental creed of raising a child: you give them love, you give them
knowledge and you give them discipline.

Clear and consistent discipline goes a long way in establishing a good relationship
between a player and coach. Players must be responsible for their actions on and off the
field. In turn, all coaches need to be consistent with their discipline policies and follow
through or their credibility will be lost.

As coaches we will have high expectations of the athletes in our charge. At the same time
we must provide each athlete with the tools necessary to achieve our expectations.

The following will be our basic guidelines for discipline on and off the field:

• Compliance with all school rules and policies.

• Display respect for all teachers, coaches, and teammates at all times.
• Behave with CLASS and SPORTSMANSHIP at all times.
• Never do anything that would embarrass your Family, School, Team or Yourself.
• Must be Academically Eligible.
• No use of Alcohol or Drugs.
• Be on time for all team functions.
• Is responsible for care and return of all uniforms and equipment.
• Is responsible for care and upkeep of locker room.

We feel that by staying fair and consistent we will allow our players to have the best
chance to succeed on and off the field. “What You Tolerate You Encourage.”
 Dealing with the Player
Attendance
1. Off-season -- Attendance records will be kept during this time period. Coaches
will not seek you out. This is a time period that we find out who wants to play!
Who will sacrifice, who are our program guys. We will be most loyal to those
who are most loyal to us.
2. Spring -- Attendance records will be kept. It is the time to incorporate new ideas
to the team, and begin the most important techniques of football, blocking and
tackling. This is mandatory.
3. Summer -- attendance records are kept. Summer practice will continue to add
upon what we learned in spring. The object of summer is to continue to learn and
develop our offense and defense. Try to plan vacation time in the August dead
period. If that is not possible inform the head coach immediately. Eight unexcused
absences will result in removal from the team.
4. Fall Camp -- Unexcused absences will not be tolerated. You must be at practice,
to watch and learn if you can not participate. When school starts if you will be
late, inform the head coach or another on-campus assistant. Test make-up or
tutoring are the only excuses. Missed practices will result in loss of playing time.
Habitual absenteeism will result in a loss of a roster position. Tardiness will be
dealt with immediately. We are all here to work and if it is work worth doing lets
do it hard and the right way.
Code of Conduct
The code of conduct is a character builder. It is an important aspect of our team. To
participate in harmful activities is detrimental to the team.
1. Be responsible for making the right social choices
a. stay away from persons or places where there are drugs or alcohol.
b. abstain from sexual immorality
c. abstain from fighting
d. abstain from profanity
2. Be responsible for your education
a. go to class, seek tutoring, study
b. be a gentleman in class
c. be honest - there is no integrity in silence

Last but not least, the success of any program is ones ability to communicate; and realize
that in order to run a top-notch program requires the input off all those involved and the
willingness to share in the success and failures, the ups and downs of those who sacrifice
the time, and provide the internal commitment to the future of this country, our young
people
 Dealing With Parents

Developing constructive relationships will more than pay off the time it takes. When
dealing with parents and developing close relationships with them, don’t let the
friendship compromise fairness to your players or coaching objectivity. Never play a boy
because his parent is a friend, must discuss with them their sons role on the team. The
following are several guidelines that many coaches use in building consistency in their
football program.

1. A parent with a complaint would usually rather talk on the phone than in person.
The best approach to an irate parent is to talk to that person face to face. Do not
make and “enemy”. Turn them into a friend of the program.

2. Do not hesitate to refer parents to the head coach, but first inform the head coach
fully of the situation.

3. Never comment negatively about another squad member in front of a parent or

visitor.
Role of the Parent
1. Be positive with your student-athlete. Let them know you are proud they are part
of the team.
2. Allow your student-athlete to perform and progress at a level consistent with his
ability. Athletes mature at different ages.
3. Always support the coaching staff when controversial decisions are made. The
coaches need your support to keep good morale on the team.
4. Support their willingness and sacrifice to be a student-athlete. Numerous studies
indicate extracurricular involvement helps enhance academic performance.
5. Promote having fun and being a team player. Very few high school athletes
receive scholarships. Concentrate on what is best for the team. Preoccupation with
statistics can be very distracting.
6. An athlete's self-confidence and self-image will be improved by support at home.
Comparison to other athletes is discouraged.
7. Athletes must attend all practices and games. Stress the necessity to make a
commitment to the team. Practice is important.
8. Find the time to be an avid booster of school activities.
Ways to Get Involved
The true success of our program lies in the people that help keep it great.
There are many ways you can get involved.
Game day meals JV and Varsity (10 meals, there is a lot involved)
Chain Gang
Banquet Planning
Game Day Program
FundRaising
 Offensive, Defensive and Kicking Game Philosophies

The following information shall be the guide for hanging our hats on.

Offensive Philosophy:

“OFFENSE WINS GAMES” The basic offensive philosophy is based around

spreading the defense and using formations and motion to control the box and
coverage’s. We will live by the pass. We will also use our gun option to set the
passing game, which in turn will allow the offense to our zone blocking schemes.

We must be able to challenge not only our own learning curve as coaches, but
challenge our athletes to play at the next level, the 150% effort or that space out in the
area of the unknown. We as coaches will want to teach to near game like situations at
practice; repetition is the key.

Defensive Philosophy:

“DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS” our defensive philosophy will be built

around an attacking multiple 8-man fronts. A defense must be flexible enough to
accommodate all the different offensive schemes that we will face throughout the
season with a basic understanding of adjustments and alignments. A defense should
bend but never break. Pressure defenses should be the norm, pressure offenses into
mistakes, think turnovers, and get the ball back into the hands of our offense.

Kicking Game Philosophy:

The kicking game preparation philosophy will be one of game breaker, momentum
change, field position, and scoring opportunistic approach. Do things when our
opponent least expects it, think turnovers. The kicking game is 1/3 of the game and
thus, will receive that type of time priority in its installation weekly. Make things
happen.
HEAD COACH ORGANIZATIONAL TIMELINE

OFF SEASON (November - May):

• Communication with Athletic Director

• Copies of correspondence to A.D.
• Conference Meeting - All Conference / All State
• Equipment Check In
• Post Season Team Meeting
• Post Season Banquet
• Thank You Letters/Correspondence Mailed
• College Recruiting - Film cutups, Information, Correspondence
Prepare form letter, Copy Transcripts, SAT-ACT scores, Stats, Copy of game
program picture, Maintain log of all colleges sent info to for each senior with
college ball aspirations
• Coaches Evaluations
- On Staff Coaches
- Out of System Applicants
- Volunteers
- Coaching Assignments
- Solidify Coaching Staff
• Player Evaluations
• Off-Season Conditioning Program
• Strength & Conditioning Testing
• Competition & Conditioning (Multi-Sport Athletes)
• Season Review with Coaches
• Playbook and Scheme Review
• Equipment Inventory, Maintenance & Ordering
• Coaches Clinics
• Fund Raisers and Promotional Planning
• Newsletters to Parents and Players
• Design Staff Practice / Game Night Attire
• Work with Athletic Director in Purchasing Equipment, Supplies, Uniforms
• Work with Athletic Director on Budget Issues
• Solicit Boosters/Businesses for Funds (Athletic Dept. Approval)
• Player Relations / Interviews
• Recruiting - In School Meetings - Basketball, Wrestling, Track, Baseball
• Recruiting - Middle School Visits
• Recruiting - Middle School Basketball, Wrestling, Track Meets
• Recruiting - Youth - Basketball, Little Leagues
• Coaches Meetings
• Academics - Grade Checks during Conditioning
• Attend Winter/Spring sports events
• Spring Team Meeting

SUMMER (June - August):

• Communication with Athletic Director

• Copies of correspondence to A.D.
• Summer Conditioning Program
• Strength & Conditioning Testing
• Newsletter to Parents & Players
• Calendars to Parents & Players
• Playbook and Scheme in print
• Pre-Season schedules
• Coaching Clinic for Feeder Program Coaches
- Program Philosophy
- Offense/Defense/Special Teams
* Fundamentals Demonstrations
* Technique Demonstrations
* Scheme Handouts/Chalk/Tape
- Shirts/Hats
- Lunch
- Playbooks
- Game Pass (?)
• Post Information During Strength Training
- Camps / Captains Practices
- Physicals
- Forms
- Equipment
- Meetings
• Captains Practices
• Lift Off / Rail Combine Competitions
• Fund Raiser Lift-A-Thon
• Summer School Grade Checks
• Equipment Organization
- New Equipment
- Order Status Follow Up Phone Calls
- Practice Equipment
• Football Camps Organization
- Commercial Camps for Players
 - Lincoln Future Rails - Mailings/$
- Lincoln Jr. Rails - Mailings/$
• Individual Position Meetings
• Game Filming / Statistician Assignment
• Managers/Support Staff Recruitment & Assignment
• Coaches Meetings / Correspondence
• Fund Raising and Promotions
• Team Meeting
• Spirit Packs
• Future Rails Football Camp (4th & 5th Graders) - Add grades (?)

PRE SEASON (August):

• Communication with Athletic Director

• Itinerary/Calendar/Correspondence to A.D.
• Final Summer Letter / Newsletter to Parents & Players
• Coaches Meeting
- Program Overview
- Handbooks
- Calendars
- Playbooks
- Game Day Assignments
- Scouting Assignments
- Volunteer Assignments
- Recruiting Assignments
- Practice Equipment & Field Logistics
• Summer Strength & Conditioning to In-Season
• Confirm Game Filming & Statistician Assignment
• Confirm Managers/Support Staff
• Jr. Rails Football Camp (6th, 7th & 8th Graders)
• Team Locker Room Organization
- Locker & Padlock Issue
- Motivational Signs
- Bulletin Board / Academic Recognition Board
• Equipment Issue
• Spirit Packs
• Submit Transportation Requirements
• Pre-Season Testing
• Pre-Season Practice: Camp / 2-a-day practices
• 2-a-day Wrap Up - (Watermelon, Gatorade, etc.)
• Parents Meeting
 - Invite A.D. / Principal
- Invite Team Trainer (if available)
- Program philosophy
- Rules
- Player/Team expectations
- Coaches Responsibilities
- Academics
- Eligibility
- Questions
• Team Shirts / Hats to Building & Grounds Crew
• Pre-Season Weekly practices
• In Season Weight Lifting Program Begins
• Fund Raisers
• Promotional (Calendars, Posters, Schedules, T-Shirts/Hats/Sweats, etc.)
• Chicken Bowl Scrimmage
• Game Week

IN SEASON:

• Communication with Athletic Director

• Communication with Team Trainer
• Head Coach Letter to Faculty
• Pep Assemblies (?)
• Band Logistics
• Communication with Band Director
• Communication with School Support People
- Building / Maintenance Personnel
- Grounds Crew
- Campus Monitors
• Academic Progress Forms
• Teacher/Grades Feedback on Players
• Teacher of the Week Program
• In Season Weight Lifting
• Homecoming Logistics
• Organize Game Cut-ups for Seniors/Recruiting
• Attendance at Sub-Varsity Games
• Attendance at 8th Grade Practices/Games
• Attendance at Little All-American Practices/Games
• School Issues
• Parent Issues
• Player Issues
• Media Issues
• Game Issues