Varsity Football Head Coach

Position: Head Varsity Football Coach Department: Athletics Reports To: Athletic Director Position Type: Coaching / Extracurricular Season: Fall Athletics Season, with year-round program responsibilities as assigned Position Summary The Head Varsity Football Coach is responsible for providing leadership, organization, instruction, and direction for the high school football program, including varsity, junior varsity, and modified levels. The Head Coach will develop student-athletes both athletically and academically while promoting sportsmanship, discipline, accountability, teamwork, leadership, and character. The successful candidate will establish a positive, competitive, and developmentally appropriate football program that emphasizes student achievement, player safety, academic success, community involvement, and pride in representing the school district. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Program Leadership and Development Develop and implement a comprehensive vision, philosophy, and long-term plan for the district's football program.Establish clear expectations, standards, and goals for players and coaching staff at all levels.Build a competitive varsity program while emphasizing character, commitment, discipline, accountability, and teamwork.Provide leadership and oversight for the varsity, junior varsity, and modified football programs.Establish consistency in offensive, defensive, special teams, strength and conditioning, and player development philosophies throughout the program.Develop and maintain positive relationships with school administration, the athletic department, players, parents, and community members.Promote continuity, communication, and collaboration among all football coaching staffs.Establish a culture of respect, sportsmanship, accountability, and school pride. 2. Coaching and Player Development Plan, organize, and conduct effective practices, workouts, team meetings, and competitions.Develop offensive, defensive, and special teams strategies.Teach proper football fundamentals, techniques, formations, and game situations.Evaluate player performance and provide constructive feedback.Establish appropriate player positions, responsibilities, and performance expectations.Prepare the varsity team for regular-season and postseason competition.Monitor individual player development and encourage participation at all levels.Incorporate appropriate film review, scouting, and game preparation into the program.Develop student-athletes' leadership skills, football knowledge, and understanding of the game. 3. Student-Athlete Welfare and Academic Expectations Promote academic achievement and responsible behavior among all student-athletes.Monitor academic progress and athletic eligibility in coordination with school personnel.Emphasize character development, leadership, responsibility, respect, and sportsmanship.Serve as a positive role model, mentor, and advocate for student-athletes.Enforce school, district, athletic department, and team policies consistently.Address disciplinary concerns in a professional and appropriate manner.Promote an inclusive, supportive, and respectful environment for all participants. 4. Player Safety and Risk Management Make student-athlete health and safety the highest priority.Ensure proper instruction in tackling, blocking, conditioning, and other football techniques.Follow all district, New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), Section, and applicable football safety guidelines.Maintain all required coaching certifications, CPR/AED, first aid, and concussion management training.Ensure appropriate equipment fitting, inspection, use, and maintenance.Follow established emergency action plans and injury-reporting procedures.Work cooperatively with athletic trainers, school nurses, medical personnel, and school administration.Ensure student-athletes receive appropriate medical clearance before returning to participation following injury or illness.Follow all applicable heat, hydration, lightning, and environmental safety protocols.Maintain appropriate supervision of student-athletes during all team activities. 5. Coaching Staff Supervision and Development Select, organize, and supervise assistant coaches in accordance with district procedures.Delegate responsibilities and establish clear expectations for all coaching staff.Conduct regular coaching staff meetings.Promote professional development and consistent coaching philosophies.Ensure all assistant coaches follow district policies, NYSPHSAA regulations, and professional standards.Foster a collaborative, respectful, and positive coaching environment.Provide guidance and mentorship to coaches at the junior varsity and modified levels. 6. Modified and Junior Varsity Program Oversight Provide overall leadership and direction for the district's entire football program.Establish a consistent developmental progression from modified through varsity football.Work collaboratively with modified and junior varsity coaches to ensure consistency in terminology, systems, techniques, and expectations.Promote age-appropriate instruction and skill development.Monitor player development and assist in identifying athletes prepared to advance to higher levels of competition.Encourage participation, retention, and a positive football experience at all levels.Conduct periodic meetings with all football coaches to evaluate program goals, player development, and areas for improvement. 7. Administrative Responsibilities Coordinate with the Athletic Director regarding schedules, transportation, facilities, equipment, and program needs.Maintain accurate team rosters, participation records, attendance, and other required documentation.Submit requested reports, evaluations, and program information in a timely manner.Assist with equipment inventory, distribution, collection, inspection, and maintenance.Organize offseason conditioning, strength development, and football-related activities within district guidelines.Communicate practice schedules, game information, and team expectations to players and families.Attend required athletic department meetings, coaching meetings, and professional development activities.Assist with budget planning and recommendations for football equipment, supplies, and program needs. 8. Offseason Strength and Conditioning Responsibilities Develop and oversee an organized offseason strength and conditioning program in accordance with district policies and applicable athletic regulations.Emphasize proper lifting techniques, conditioning, flexibility, injury prevention, and overall athletic development.Coordinate offseason activities with the Athletic Director, strength and conditioning personnel, and other coaches.Promote safe and developmentally appropriate training practices.Establish appropriate expectations for offseason participation while following applicable NYSPHSAA and Section rules.Provide opportunities for student-athletes to improve strength, speed, agility, endurance, and overall athletic performance.Maintain appropriate supervision during all district-sponsored offseason activities. 9. NYSPHSAA and Section Compliance Ensure the football program operates in accordance with applicable NYSPHSAA rules and regulations.Maintain knowledge of Section-specific policies, classifications, eligibility requirements, and football competition regulations.Monitor student-athlete eligibility and participation requirements in cooperation with the Athletic Director.Ensure compliance with district policies, New York State Education Department requirements, and applicable state athletic regulations.Follow all applicable rules regarding practice schedules, contact periods, coaching requirements, equipment, and student-athlete participation.Attend required rules interpretation meetings, clinics, and professional development opportunities.Maintain awareness of changes to NYSPHSAA and Section football regulations and communicate relevant information to coaching staff. 10. Community and School Relations Represent the school and district in a professional and positive manner.Promote good sportsmanship among players, coaches, parents, and spectators.Encourage community support and involvement in the football program.Maintain appropriate and professional communication with parents and guardians.Support school activities and athletic department initiatives.Develop positive relationships with youth football organizations and feeder programs.Promote school pride and a positive image of the football program within the community. Qualifications and Requirements Previous high school football coaching experience preferred.Demonstrated knowledge of football fundamentals, strategies, player development, and program administration.Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.Ability to motivate and positively influence high school student-athletes.Ability to work collaboratively with school administration, athletic department personnel, parents, and coaching staff.Possess or be eligible to obtain all coaching certifications and qualifications required by the New York State Education Department and school district.Completion of applicable NYSED coaching coursework and certification requirements, including required sport-specific and general coaching courses, as applicable to the candidate's certification pathway.Current CPR/AED and first aid certification, as required by the district.Completion of required concussion management training.Successful completion of required background checks, fingerprinting, and employment clearances.Commitment to the academic, athletic, social, and emotional development of student-athletes. Performance Expectations and Evaluation The Head Varsity Football Coach will be evaluated based on the following: Quality and effectiveness of overall program leadership.Development and continuity of the varsity, junior varsity, and modified football programs.Student-athlete development and academic expectations.Practice organization and instructional effectiveness.Player safety and compliance with established policies and regulations.Sportsmanship, discipline, accountability, and team culture.Communication with administration, staff, parents, and community.Professionalism, leadership, and accountability.Development and implementation of offseason programming.Competitive performance and progress toward established program goals.Retention, participation, and development of student-athletes throughout the program. Winning and competitive success are important goals; however, the overall success of the program will also be measured by the development of student-athletes, positive team culture, academic achievement, sportsmanship, player safety, and the quality of the overall football experience. Working Conditions and Time Commitment The position requires a significant time commitment throughout the year, including preseason preparation, regular-season practices and games, postseason competition, offseason strength and conditioning, coaching meetings, and program development activities. The position may require evening and weekend availability, travel with athletic teams, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions. The Head Coach must be able to perform the physical, instructional, supervisory, and organizational responsibilities associated with coaching high school football. Equal Opportunity Statement The school district is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. Additional Statement This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the Head Varsity Football Coach. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may be modified by the school district as necessary. All coaching certifications, training, and regulatory requirements shall be consistent with current New York State Education Department, NYSPHSAA, Section, and school district requirements.