About this role
Title: Head Coach DBM Classification: N/A
Department: Athletics Salary Range: $5,972
Employee Group: Temporary/Seasonal Prepared Date: September 2026
Reports to: Athletics Director FTE/ FLSA Status: Stipend Position
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES A Head Coach is responsible for leading and managing a team by developing strategies, overseeing training, and ensuring the overall success of the program. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership, player development, and administrative responsibilities. The Head Coach plays a crucial role in fostering a positive and competitive team environment while ensuring athletes reach their full potential.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Establish clear goals, both short-term and long-term, for the team and program.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and disciplined environment that promotes teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship.
• Lead by example, instill confidence in players, and foster a competitive yet supportive team atmosphere.
• Act as a mentor and role model, guiding players on and off the field, helping them grow personally and athletically.
• Design comprehensive training sessions that focus on both individual player development and team performance.
• Provide technical coaching on sport-specific skills, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning.
• Monitor individual and team performance and make adjustments to training methods as needed.
• Offer constructive feedback and work with players on areas of improvement.
• Create strategic game plans based on the strengths and weaknesses of the team and opponents.
• Study opponent teams and individual players through scouting reports, film review, and data analysis.
• Make quick decisions during games regarding player rotations, substitutions, and tactical changes to adapt to game situations.
• Manage team performance during games, ensuring players follow the strategy, while maintaining high motivation and focus.
• Monitor the coaching staff, delegate roles and responsibilities, and ensure alignment of coaching methods.
• Ensure that players follow team rules and code of conduct, handling any disciplinary issues.
• Maintain open lines of communication with athletes, coaches, administrative staff, and other stakeholders.
• Build a strong, cohesive team environment through team-building activities and promoting a culture of mutual respect.
• Plan and organize practices, games, travel, and other team-related events.
• Be in charge of the team's financial resources, including budgeting for travel, equipment, and other operational needs.
• Make sure that the team follows league rules, eligibility standards, and safety regulations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Deep understanding of the rules, strategies, techniques, and tactics of the sport. Ability to assess opponents, design effective game plans, and identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Knowledge of how to develop players' technical skills, mental toughness, and physical conditioning. Ability to design training programs that foster improvement.
• Understanding of group behavior, team chemistry, and how to motivate individuals within a team environment.
• Familiarity with strength and conditioning principles, injury prevention methods, and recovery strategies. Knowledge of proper warm-up, cool-down, and rehabilitation techniques.
• Analyze opponents, evaluate players' performances, and use data to inform strategic decisions.
• Knowledge of regulations, policies, and eligibility requirements for competition.
• Understanding of ethical coaching practices and how to uphold integrity and good sportsmanship both in and out of competition.
• Able to lead, inspire, and motivate a diverse group of athletes. Make quick, effective decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Strong ability to teach, demonstrate, and reinforce techniques and strategies. Ability to break down complex skills into manageable steps for athletes at all skill levels.
• Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills to clearly explain drills, strategies, and feedback. Ability to listen and respond effectively to athletes and staff.
• Expertise in creating game plans, making real-time adjustments, and managing in-game tactics. Assesses and analyzes in-game situations for optimal decision-making.
• Ability to manage a coaching staff, delegate tasks, and ensure effective collaboration among team members.
• Balances multiple responsibilities, including practice schedules, game preparation, and administrative tasks.
• Manages and resolves conflicts within the team, whether between players or staff, and fosters a cohesive, positive atmosphere.
• Able to stay calm, focused, and maintain a positive attitude during challenging situations, both during games and in day-to-day operations.
• Understanding and managing personal emotions as well as recognizing and responding to the emotions of players and staff.
• Motivates athletes to perform at their best, particularly when facing challenges or setbacks.
• Willingness and ability to adjust strategies, approaches, and schedules to meet evolving team needs and unexpected challenges.
• Upholding high ethical standards, maintaining professionalism in all interactions, and being a role model for athletes.
• Strong mentoring abilities, offering guidance to athletes not only in their athletic endeavors but also in personal growth and character development.
• Build trust and strong relationships with athletes, assistant coaches, staff, and the community.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
• Depending on the sport, the Head Coach may be required to demonstrate techniques or participate in drills. This requires a moderate level of fitness and endurance to physically engage with athletes during training sessions.
• Coaching involves standing for extended periods, walking across practice fields or gymnasiums, and sometimes running to provide demonstrations or interact with players.
• Head Coaches must be able to move quickly between different areas of a practice or game, making constant adjustments and observations. This may involve sprinting to different parts of the field or court during training or games.
• Is often required to travel for away games, tournaments, or recruiting events, which may involve long hours of sitting, walking, or carrying equipment.
• Oversee multiple training venues, team activities, and events that require traveling between different locations, resulting in extended periods of physical activity.
• May be involved in setting up or breaking down training equipment, such as cones, balls, or other sport-specific apparatus.
• Oversee the condition and transportation of equipment, which can involve lifting or carrying gear.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
• For outdoor sports, Assistant Coaches may be exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as heat, cold, rain, or wind.
• Coaching often takes place in loud stadiums, gyms, or fields with high noise levels.
• Head Coaches may work in training rooms, locker rooms, offices, and team meeting rooms for team strategy sessions, video reviews, and administrative tasks.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
• Head Coaches must have experience in leadership, team management, and conflict resolution. Strong organizational skills are necessary to plan practices, manage staff, and handle day-to-day operations of a team.
• A strong understanding of game strategy and the ability to make in-the-moment decisions during competition is vital. This knowledge is often developed over years of experience both as a player and as a coach.
• Experience in managing stressful situations, such as close games, team dynamics, and media attention, is essential for success in the role.
BENEFIT INFORMATION This position is classified as Temporary/Seasonal and is not eligible for benefits.