What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Football Coach position at Eastern Oregon University?
Eastern Oregon University (EOU) is seeking an inspiring and visionary leader to guide our football program and oversee athletic facilities as the Head Football Coach. This position serves as a cornerstone of EOU’s commitment to academic excellence, competitive success, and a supportive, student-centered athletic environment.
As the head of one of EOU’s flagship programs, the Head Football Coach will mentor student-athletes, build a culture of high performance and integrity, and elevate the visibility and competitiveness of EOU Football. This leader will be deeply engaged in recruiting, player development, academic support, community engagement, and long-term program success.
EOU is located in the beautiful Grande Ronde Valley in La Grande, Oregon—an area known for its outdoor recreation, welcoming community, and exceptional quality of life. As Oregon’s Rural University, EOU offers a close‑knit campus culture, a strong commitment to student success, and a mission-driven environment that values innovation, equity, and community engagement. The surrounding region provides unparalleled access to hiking, skiing, biking, and year-round outdoor recreation, making it an exceptional place to live and work.
EOU Athletics is a respected member of the NAIA and Frontier Conference, known for competitive excellence and a culture centered on student-athlete growth. Coaches and staff benefit from strong departmental collaboration, a holistic approach to supporting student-athletes academically and athletically, and a deep commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character values. The department embraces community partnerships and fosters an environment where coaches can build meaningful, lasting impact within the university and the region.
Why Lead EOU Football?
The Mountaineer Football Program has a strong tradition of competitiveness, student-athlete achievement, and loyal alumni engagement. As the head coach, you will have the opportunity to:
EOU is located in the beautiful Grande Ronde Valley in La Grande, Oregon—an area known for its outdoor recreation, welcoming community, and exceptional quality of life. As Oregon’s Rural University, EOU offers a close‑knit campus culture, a strong commitment to student success, and a mission-driven environment that values innovation, equity, and community engagement. The surrounding region provides unparalleled access to hiking, skiing, biking, and year-round outdoor recreation, making it an exceptional place to live and work.
EOU Athletics is a respected member of the NAIA and Frontier Conference, known for competitive excellence and a culture centered on student-athlete growth. Coaches and staff benefit from strong departmental collaboration, a holistic approach to supporting student-athletes academically and athletically, and a deep commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character values. The department embraces community partnerships and fosters an environment where coaches can build meaningful, lasting impact within the university and the region.
Why Lead EOU Football?
The Mountaineer Football Program has a strong tradition of competitiveness, student-athlete achievement, and loyal alumni engagement. As the head coach, you will have the opportunity to:
- Build and lead a large, highly committed roster of student-athletes
- Shape a culture of toughness, integrity, and academic excellence
- Expand community and alumni support around a high‑visibility program
- Compete at a high level within a respected conference
- Make a lasting impact on the lives of young men and the broader campus community
The ideal candidate will exemplify integrity, professionalism, and a strong work ethic, demonstrating accountability in all aspects of leadership. They will approach coaching and facility oversight with a servant-leadership mindset, prioritizing mentorship and the holistic development of student-athletes. Deeply committed to EOU’s mission, values, and the Champions of Character principles, this individual will foster an environment of respect, inclusion, and personal growth. Their ability to inspire, motivate, and build meaningful connections will be central to their success within the football program, the athletics department, and the broader campus community.
Football Program Leadership
- Lead all phases of a nationally competitive NAIA football program
- Recruit and retain 105 student-athletes while ensuring academic success
- Oversee training, practice, and game strategy development
- Supervise and evaluate assistant coaches and support staff
- Monitor academic progress and ensure compliance with university and NAIA eligibility standards
- Promote character development, sportsmanship, and community engagement
- Manage team budget, equipment needs, and scheduling
- Lead fundraising efforts, alumni relations, and public relations activities
- Bachelor’s degree in Coaching, Athletic Administration, Business, Education, Communications, or related field
- 3–5 years of successful collegiate coaching experience (head coach or coordinator level)
- First Aid/CPR certification
- Mental Health First Aid training or ability to obtain
- Valid driver’s license
- Completion of NAIA Champions of Character Coaching Course
- Strong knowledge of NAIA rules and regulations
- Excellent written/verbal communication and organizational skills
- Must satisfactorily complete EOU criminal and credential background check. Having a criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment.
- In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Eastern Oregon University will not sponsor applicants for employment visas.
- Master’s degree in a related field
- Experience within the NAIA and Frontier Conference
Applicant must provide:
- Letter of application (which should include why this position is attractive to the applicant, how it meets the applicant’s professional goals, and what attracts the applicant to EOU);
- Complete curriculum vitae (resume);
Candidates are encouraged to review the values and principles of Eastern Oregon University https://www.eou.edu/institutional-effectiveness/values-and-principles/.
Only complete files of qualified applicants will be reviewed.
Eastern Oregon University – Oregon’s Rural University! – is a respected public, higher education institution of academic excellence. Outstanding faculty and staff thrive and together fulfill their career ambitions to serve students from all walks of life.
The Eastern Oregon University main campus is on a beautiful, quaint campus nestled in a remarkably scenic, high elevation valley populated by wonderful, community-minded citizens that have balanced work-life flexibility. Take a virtual tour of Eastern Oregon University https://www.eou.edu/visitor/.
EOU offers a very attractive package of State of Oregon public employee benefits including:
- Paid holidays (10 days/year)
- Paid sick time-off (12 days/year)
- Paid vacation (22 days/year)
- Individual and Family Healthcare Insurance (95% employer-paid medical, dental, vision)
- Oregon Paid Leave benefits (up to 12 paid weeks)
- Federal FMLA and State of Oregon Family Leave (OFLA) benefits (up to 12 weeks paid/unpaid)
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Relocation assistance
- Discounted tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents
- For more details, see Prospective Employees https://www.eou.edu/hr/prospective-employees
Eastern Oregon University is an EEO Employer and welcomes applications from women, members of historically underrepresented minority groups, US Veterans, and persons with disabilities. EOU is committed to providing equal opportunity in its recruitment, admissions, educational programs, activities, and employment without illegal discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any status as protected by state or federal law.
Salary $82,500-$95,000 DOQSalary : $82,500 - $95,000