2026-27 HS Head Football Coach

GASTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
OPENING FOR HEAD HS FOOTBALL COACH - 2026/2027

*THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED*

POSITION SUMMARY:

Gaston School District is seeking a qualified and dedicated individual to serve as the Head Football Coach for the high school football program. The Head Coach will support the district’s athletic program and uphold the Athletic Code of Conduct while fostering a positive, educational, and competitive environment for student-athletes.

The Head Football Coach is responsible for providing instruction in the skills and strategies necessary for student-athletes to achieve success in the sport. This position organizes and oversees all aspects of the football program, ensuring that activities align with the educational goals of the school district and meet the developmental needs of students.

The coach will plan and conduct practices, supervise competitions, and perform coaching duties for designated teams within the football program. The Head Coach will also establish and communicate performance and eligibility expectations for participation in interscholastic athletics and encourage all participants to maintain high standards as students, citizens, and athletes.

Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support the athletic program and school district. 

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Previous experience strongly desired.
2. Minimum age 21 years and a High School diploma or a General Education Diploma (GED).
3. Complete Fingerprint/Background and Criminal History Clearance.
4. Hold a current First Aid/CPR Certification, complete NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching, Oregon State Component Certification, plus other trainings/certifications as required by District and/or OSAA.
5. Possess required knowledge of sport and the ability to demonstrate/teach appropriate skills and techniques for the sport involved.
6. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relations with student athletes, district employees, parents, and the general public.
7. Ability to help student athletes achieve a high level of athletic skill, an appreciation for the value of discipline, and an increased level of self-esteem.
8. Work with the Athletic Director to ensure all student athletes are eligible, insured, have paid their fees and are in good physical condition from the beginning to the end of the season. 
9. Enforce District discipline policies, emphasize sportsmanship, and a healthy lifestyle. 
10. Maintain integrity of confidential information relating to students, staff, or district patrons. 
11. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the board may find appropriate and acceptable.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. The head coach is expected to exhibit exceptional integrity and character at all times. 
2. Develop, plan and implement a comprehensive football program aligned with the school's mission and athletic code of conduct that demands respect between all participants.
3. Demonstrate proper active supervision during all scheduled activities of student athletes including, but not limited to, locker rooms, practices, games, and transportation. This includes travel to and from activities on team bus. 
4. Actively recruit students within the school to participate in the program. 
5. Collaborate with and follow direction of the HS Principal and Athletic Director.
6. Organize the specific athletic program so that it is consistent with the District and Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) goals and objectives for students/athletes. 
7. Support the academic achievement of student athletes.
8. Handle administrative tasks, including scheduling, equipment management, and maintaining records.
9. Oversee the assistant coaches that contribute in the athletic program. 
10. Meet with the players and parents prior to or at the beginning of the season to cover all participation expectations. 
11. Coaches may be personally responsible for any fines levied against Gaston School District as a result of his/her actions.
12. Attend work regularly and be punctual. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demand described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.  The employee is frequently required to walk, run, jump, stretch, stand, sit, use hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must regularly list and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.  The employee may occasionally climb stairs, ropes or ladders.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus and peripheral vision.  The employee must have the ability to demonstrate proper techniques and skills needed for athletic participation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment is a standard gymnasium and/or other athletic practice and event settings.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but occasionally high depending upon student population and activities.  The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid outdoor weather conditions.  The employee may be exposed to bodily fluids and/or blood borne pathogens.

APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUIRED:
• Complete the online application
• Two references listed with knowledge of applicant's skill in position.  Letters of recommendation preferred.

**The contract for 26-27 school year is currently under review.  Exact pay for this position is yet to be determined.

Gaston School District is an equal opportunity employer. 

For more information, please contact Linda Smith - smithl@gastonk12.org