The Texas high school football coaching profession is booming, and there are plenty of jobs to be had. From assistant coaches to head coaches, there are a lot of opportunities for those who are interested in the game. But when it comes to getting a job as a high school football coach, you need to be prepared for a lot of different things. You need to have experience with the game, have a good command of English, and have experience working with students.
Texas is one of the most football-rich states in the country. So if you’re looking for a job as a high school football coach, there’s definitely a place for you. Here are some of the best places to find high school football coaches in Texas.
High school football coach jobs in Texas
Here are five high schools and districts in Texas that offer football coaching positions:
1. IDEA Public Schools
IDEA Public Schools serves K-12 students through their tuition-free charter school system. Founded in 2000, they started as a single school in the Rio Grande Valley but have now expanded to open schools across Texas and Louisiana. This school system emphasizes college readiness and focuses on preparing its students for college enrollment after graduation. Many schools within the IDEA Public Schools systems offer sports programs for students, including football. Football coaches at this school may not need a higher education degree, but these schools may prefer to hire coaches with previous experience.
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2. Dallas Independent School District
The Dallas Independent School District serves students in the Dallas area. Some cities that have schools with this district include Carrollton, Seagoville, Wilmer Mesquite, Addison, Irving and Farmers Branch. Founded in 1867, this is one of the largest school districts in the state and offers many career opportunities for educators, administrators, athletic program specialists and other support specialists. Football coaches who work for schools in this district may also need to hold a teaching or administrator role. Coaches may need to hold a valid teaching license in Texas to qualify for a position in this school system.
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3. Texas School for the Deaf
Texas School for the Deaf is a special education school located in Austin. Founded in 1857, it’s a public school that offers services for primary and secondary school students with hearing loss. The school also provides boarding services for students through its residential program. Students at this school follow a curriculum developed specifically to support the needs of Deaf students, such as language enrichment programs in American Sign Language (ASL) and English. Coaches looking to work for this school need a high school diploma or its equivalent and proficiency in ASL. This school may also prefer candidates with coaching experience.
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4. Leander Independent School District
Leander Independent School District includes 44 schools in the Austin area. They serve the cities of Leander, Cedar Park, Jonestown, Round Rock and Georgetown. Founded in 1970, this school offers educational services to elementary, middle and high school students. Coaches looking to work for this school district may need to work as teachers or administrators. Having a valid teaching license in Texas can qualify coaches who also wish to work as educators within the district. Additionally, this school district may prefer to hire coaches with previous experience.
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5. Methodist Children’s home
Methodist Children’s Home is a non-profit organization that provides family and child services throughout Texas and New Mexico. This organization provides group homes for youths separated from their families, foster care services and educational opportunities, including an on-campus high school for residents. It also offers sports programs for residents, including a football team. Football coaches may work part time for this organization. This organization may prefer to hire coaches with a college degree and some coaching experience. Additionally, coaches for this organization may emphasize therapeutic activities and role model expected behaviors like teamwork, communication and self-control for participating athletes.
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Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.
Tips for getting a high school football coach job
Here are some tips for getting a job as a high school football coach:
Gain practical experience
Many high school football coach positions prefer candidates who have experience coaching sports or participating in the sport they coach. For example, if you played football in high school, college or even at the professional level, you may have more employment opportunities than a candidate with less experience playing the sport. Even if you don’t have experience with playing football, having experience as a sports coach, youth coach or high school teacher can also help you start your coaching career. Knowing how to work well with high school students is important in this position.
To help you gain experience, consider participating in a recreational league, coaching a youth team or volunteering with adolescents in your community. These can be great ways to get involved in the sport you love, learn coaching techniques and gain skills for working with high schoolers. It also helps you meet others who are passionate about football and supporting adolescents as they transition into adulthood.
Earn a relevant degree or certification
Having a degree or certification in a relevant subject may help your application stand out when searching for a job. Although many high school football coaches also work as school teachers, counselors and administrators, having additional credentials in a subject related to athletic training, coaching or fitness can improve your application. For example, consider getting a degree in physical education or a health and fitness certification. These credentials can help you learn skills related to fitness training, human anatomy and physical development. You may also consider earning a first aid or CPR certificate to gain emergency medical skills.
Consider your career goals
When thinking about starting a career as a high school football coach, also consider your more general career goals. Although some schools hire coaches strictly for coaching positions, others require coaches to work in full-time positions as teachers, administrators or other types of educational support professionals. If you’re looking to work as a full-time football coach, you may have more limited options. Account for your career goals and whether you wish to work full-time or part-time as a football coach and decide whether you wish to work in another position at your high school.
Be a positive role model
Show that you’re a positive role model for high school athletes. If you show your investment in the local community and your dedication to demonstrating healthy behaviors, it can show your commitment to the role. For example, listing youth volunteer experiences on your resume can show that you have experience working with children and adolescents and that you’re dedicated to supporting their success. Additionally, having a positive attitude, showing good interpersonal skills and demonstrating active listening skills during a job interview can show the hiring manager that you’re a positive role model for working with teenagers.
FAQs about being a high school football coach
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about this position:
How much do high school football coaches make?
The average salary for football coaches in Texas is $32,978 per year. This salary average can vary depending on your geographic location, setting of employment, years of experience, level of education and whether you coach full-time or part-time. Coaches who work in certain regions may earn a higher average salary than others. For example, those working in major cities may earn a higher salary than those working in rural areas. Additionally, coaches working for a private school may earn more than those working for public schools.
What is the career outlook for high school football coaches?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 26% increase in the job outlook for coaches and scouts from 2020 to 2030. This figure reflects an increase in high school enrollment and a rising interest in participating in college sports. College sports represent a significant industry, and many high school athletes hope to play sports at the college level either to earn scholarships or so they can advance into a professional athlete career. With more students participating in sports, there may be a higher demand for qualified coaches to run athletics programs and train student athletes.
What skills do high school football coaches need?
High school football coaches need a combination of interpersonal and technical skills. Here are some important skills for coaches:
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Communication: High school football coaches need good communication skills to express their expectations to their students and help them understand exercises, strategies and football techniques.
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Leadership: Coaches lead their teams by setting positive examples and guiding their students through challenges while supporting them in developing their decision-making skills.
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Patience: It’s important for coaches to demonstrate patience with their students so they can exhibit self-control skills, manage disruptive behaviors and role-model expectations.
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Physical ability: Although coaches may not participate in playing football, they may need the physical ability to demonstrate exercises and attend practices and games, which are typically held outdoors.
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Critical thinking: Coaches use their critical thinking skills to assess their team’s needs and develop strategies that help them win games. Their critical thinking skills help them solve problems and direct their team to reach a high level of performance.
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Knowledge of human anatomy and development: As athletic trainers, coaches need to understand human anatomy and how exercises can impact adolescent development. They use this knowledge to create effective workouts that help their team achieve their fitness goals.