college football coach

Question
QUESTION: I'm a 26 year old audio engineer, with an AS in Audio Recording. While I like my like my job, the only thing I ever really want to be is a college football coach.

I went to a smaller high school where I was a starter on both sides of the ball (RB and LB). I always knew what a every potions responsibility was on every play. Many times i would fill in for a line man or a TE even though under sized (5'8" 180lb) because the coach knew he didn't have to tell me what to do, and i had a good back up. I never studied what the other potions, i just knew.

i know that there is a lot more to coaching that just having a sense for football.That's why i just want a chance to learn from someone that has become a good coach.

I been doing some research lately and have a few question on how to get my foot in the door. Do I have to have a BS or Masters? I spent a lot of money becoming an audio engineer and can not afford to return to school (ie Student loans). I live near a very good D1 football school (Florida). How would i go about getting an internship? Is it even possible with out a BS? or even an internship a JC.

Just to let you know I DO NOT want to be a high school football coach. I want to help you men learn life lessons through football by being a leader and a good example.


Thank You
Jacob Pruett
Florida


ANSWER: Dear Jacob Pruett,
Welcome! It is always nice to greet a new football coach. If you want to coach, you are going to have to ask yourself a few questions.

Why do you want to become a football coach?

How long do you think it takes to become a good football coach?

Are you willing to put in the time and work to become a good coach?

Are you willing to learn from others or do you know everything you need to know about football?

Are you willing to start as an assistant football coach?

What position would you like to coach?

Do not take it personal I ask everybody these questions. It is part of the learning process. Get back to me as soon as you can and we can get started on your coaching career.


Your friend, Coach Louis


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Q: Why do you want to become a football coach?
A: I want to help young men learn life lessons through football by being a leader and a good example. I also want to be competitive on the highest level of college football.

Q: How long do you think it takes to become a good football coach?
A: A lifetime. I sure it like any other profession the more u learn the better you get, but when you start thinking your good you stop learning.

Q: Are you willing to put in the time and work to become a good coach?
A: Yes, as long as I can support myself and my future family.

Q: Are you willing to learn from others or do you know everything you need to know about football?
A: I am very willing to learn from others.

Q: Are you willing to start as an assistant football coach?
A: Yes, yes I just want a chance to learn from someone.

Q: What position would you like to coach?
A: RB CB SS FS. My goal is to be an offensive coordinator.  

Answer
Dear Jacob Pruett,
Welcome to the club. Let me start by saying that I am not trying to sell you a book. I make no money what so ever off this book. Nor do I work for anybody that is selling it or anything else. The reason that I said all this is that some people might think that because I mention a book I might be getting something out of it. I can assure you I am not. That being said lets move on.

If you want to be a good coach, you have to know the technique of the position you are coaching or you are not going to be coaching very long.

"Play Football the NFL Way" by Tom Bass

You do not have to read the whole book just the chapter that covers the position you would like to coach.

If I were you I would offer my help to one of the junior college football coaches in my area. If there are no takers, try high school. Yes, I know that you do not want to coach high school football. However, you have to get your foot in the door some how.

Call the nearest High school and ask to talk to the head football coach. Tell him you would like to coach football and that you are willing to do it for free. Most football coaches are happy to have the additional support.

If that high school has no openings, try another high school or try the Pee wee football program. All you have to do is get your foot in the door; this will open all kinds of opportunities for you in the future.

Let me know how things work out for you. And if you need any more help please let me know.

Your friend, Coach Louis