How can I become a coach?

Question
I'm interested in learning about the history of football. Like how the single wing, Notre Dames Box, and the A formation worked. I figure its kind of like why you take history class. You have to learn about the past so you dont make mistakes in the future. If you could tell me of any web sites that explain how offenses, and defenses back then worked it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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I'm in High School right now and I want to be a coach when I get older. What are some of the things I should do to prepare to be a coach? So far I have been just asking any question possible to my coaches right now so I can learn. I have also researched different styles offense (mostly so I can be a better LB). And could you help me with any question that I could have in the Future. Thank you in advance.
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Brett -

Thanks for writing.  Well, the first thing is to do what it seems like you are already doing.  Playing football is by far the first and best way to get started in coaching.  It is the only sport in my opinion which almost requires a coach to have played, due to all of the intimate details you can only learn on the field.  Yeah, it seems easy to learn some things, but unless you have actually experienced them, coaching is very tough.  While you are playing, become a true student of the game.  Dont just learn a play, or scheme at face value.  That means, if your coach explains a certain way of running a play, dont just memorize it.  Ask and find out WHY it is run that way.  Ask what about the play makes it a good choice versus the defense being run at it.  All of that is important, and will come in handy later on as you get into coaching.  Also, start doing as much research into the game as you can.  Offenses, defenses, specific positions, theories, rules, etc.  Learn anything that is out there to be learned.
Football has an endless amount of terminology that must be somewhat mastered before a person can even think about coaching.  Start on that right now.  

Once you have finished with your playing days, it will be time to look into coaching. Most coaches get started by doing some sort of "internship" with a team they are in some way affiliated with.  Maybe it will be your high school team.  You will spend a year or so most likely as a non-paid volunteer, shadowing the coaches, learning first hand what it takes.  After that, it will be time to go out and get a job as a position coach.  It goes from there.

The one thing I ALWAYS mention to people who want to coach is the time factor. Few realize how much time and effort it takes to be a football coach.  A college or NFL coach probably averages 16 hours a day working officially.  That doesnt include whatever they are doing on their personal time.  It is something you need to consider NOW, because your choice in career will greatly effect this decision.  You will need to have a job that allows for you to attend 2-a-days in the summer for a month during normal work hours.  Then everyday practices after school around 3pm.  Friday night or Saturday afternoon games or practices.  Most jobs will not allow for this, so that is a real issue for thought.  That is a main reason that teachers are usually coaches.  It is one of the only jobs that fits this schedule.

AS you go along, feel free to write with any specific questions you may have about the process.  I would be glad to help you with as much as I possibly can.

Best wishes

Coach Perl

Answer
Brett -

For what you would like to know, honestly, there are two ways to go about your search.  First is obviously , the net.  Most of these new search engines can probably dig up every piece of information on the particulars youd like to know.  Just start researching by typing in your key words, like Notre Dame Box Offense, or Single Wing Football Offense.  You should get a lot back. Also online, there are a ton of books on football, both the history of and coaching.  You can find a lot on the net in books for sale.

Second is a book store.  Youd be suprised how many books a good store would have on what youd like to know. Take your time and check that out. Libraries as well if youd rather just rent the books, not buy them.

I bet that by using those 2 resources, you could put together a nice little reference manual of info for yourself.  AS with anything else is football, like studying an opponents game fims, it just takes a little time and patience.  You will get the info you want, just stay on track.

Best wishes and good luck.

Coach Perl