How to Become a Football Coach
Categories: Sport
How to Become a Football Coach
Pursuing a career as a football coach requires drive, passion and experience. You will need to take full advantage of coaching opportunities at various levels to gain the experience necessary to be successful in this job. In this article, we describe what a football coach is, as well as their job duties, annual salary, skills needed, how to become one, and tips for getting a job as a football coach.
What Is a Football Coach?
A football coach is an expert in the sport of football who leads, trains and supports teams and their players at the professional, collegiate and amateur levels.
As a potential coach, you should consider customizing your education before moving on to experience as an assistant or position coach and eventually as a head coach.
What Degree Do You Need to Become a Football Coach?
The degree requirements to become a coach vary depending on the level you are interested in achieving. At the college level, most schools require at least a bachelor's degree, with many candidates pursuing a master's degree as well to differentiate themselves from other applicants.
A graduate degree program in areas such as exercise science can provide you with experience and knowledge by exposing you to research in the following areas:
Coaching Dynamics
Health-Science
Sports Psychology
Nutrition
Sports Marketing
Sports Sociology
Athletic Injuries
Develop Your Skills
When pursuing a career as a soccer coach, it is important to develop the essential skills that allow you to be successful, including communication, leadership and team-building skills, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of soccer and its rules and regulations.
High School Coaching
High school football coaching positions are often combined with teaching positions. As a result, if you are interested in coaching at the high school level, you may need to pass certain state licensing exams before getting your teaching credential and being allowed to teach and coach high school athletes.