What are the responsibilities and job description for the Boys Varsity Head Basketball coach position at Onsted High School?
Title: Boys Varsity Head Basketball Coach
Description: Varsity Basketball – Head Coach
Job Description
Reports To: Athletic Director
Season: Winter (November–March per MHSAA calendar)
Position Summary
The Varsity Basketball Head Coach is responsible for leading, organizing, and sustaining a comprehensive high school basketball program aligned with the mission of Onsted Community Schools and the standards of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).
The Head Coach provides leadership for student-athletes, assistant coaches, and the broader basketball program while promoting academic success, sportsmanship, safety, and community engagement.
The Head Coach will build a sustainable program that develops student-athletes from middle school through varsity competition while maintaining compliance with all district, league, and MHSAA regulations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Experience as a player and/or coach in the sport of basketball.
- Demonstrated knowledge of basketball fundamentals, offensive and defensive systems, and coaching techniques.
- Knowledge of adolescent development, leadership, and team culture building.
- Certification in CPR/AED and First Aid (or willingness to obtain prior to season).
- Completion of required MHSAA coaching education, including:
- Concussion Awareness Training
- Heat Illness Prevention
- MHSAA Rules Meeting
- Ability to positively represent the school district and serve as a role model for student-athletes.
- Ability to work cooperatively with school administration, staff, students, parents, and community members.
Program Leadership Responsibilities
The Varsity Head Coach shall:
- Develop and implement a clear vision for a sustainable basketball program aligned with district values.
- Promote academic success, character development, and leadership among student-athletes.
- Establish a positive team culture emphasizing sportsmanship, discipline, and respect.
- Develop and support a vertical program structure that begins at the elementary level and aligns with middle school and junior varsity programs.
- Recruit and supervise assistant coaches and volunteer staff in coordination with the Athletic Director.
- Provide mentorship, evaluation, and professional guidance to assistant coaches.
- Conduct preseason, in-season, and postseason program evaluations.
Compliance & Eligibility Responsibilities
The Varsity Head Coach shall:
- Follow all MHSAA rules and regulations, league policies, and district athletic guidelines.
- Ensure all student-athletes meet academic eligibility requirements.
- Ensure completion of required athlete documentation, including:
- Physical examination forms
- Parent/athlete consent forms
- Concussion awareness documentation
- Attend all required MHSAA rules meetings and compliance trainings.
- Maintain compliance with practice limitations, off-season conditioning rules, and contact guidelines established by the MHSAA.
- Adhere to the Onsted Interscholastic Athletic Code.
Coaching & Team Management Responsibilities
The Head Coach shall:
- Plan and conduct safe and effective practices that develop individual and team skills.
- Develop offensive and defensive systems appropriate for high school athletes.
- Prepare the team for competition through scouting, film review, and game planning.
- Supervise athletes during practices, contests, travel, and team events.
- Coordinate with the Athletic Director and Principal regarding practice schedules and competition schedules.
- Maintain discipline consistent with school policies and communicate disciplinary matters with administration.
- Provide opportunities for leadership development among players.
- Emphasize skill development in shooting, ball handling, rebounding, defensive positioning, and team concepts.
Athlete Health & Safety Responsibilities
The Head Coach shall:
- Prioritize student-athlete safety at all times.
- Follow district and MHSAA protocols related to:
- Concussions
- Conditioning and hydration
- Injury prevention and return-to-play
- Coordinate with athletic trainers and medical personnel when available.
- Ensure proper equipment use and gym safety procedures.
- Supervise strength and conditioning activities in accordance with safe training practices.
Program Development & Sustainability
The Head Coach shall:
- Build a long-term basketball program pipeline including middle school and youth engagement.
- Promote multi-sport participation and healthy athletic development.
- Organize offseason skill development opportunities within MHSAA guidelines.
- Support youth basketball and community engagement efforts when appropriate.
- Assist in organizing camps, clinics, and youth development opportunities.
- Build continuity in offensive and defensive philosophy across grade levels.
Administrative Responsibilities
The Head Coach shall:
- Submit an alphabetical roster of team members to the Athletic Director for eligibility verification.
- Maintain accurate records for:
- Team rosters
- Equipment inventory
- Awards and recognitions
- Statistics and season records
- Issue and collect school-owned equipment and uniforms.
- Coordinate team communication with parents and athletes.
- Cooperate with the Athletic Director in providing information to the media and community.
- Support athletic department fundraising and program needs when applicable.
- Perform other duties assigned by the Athletic Director.
Community & School Relations
The Head Coach shall:
- Represent Onsted Community Schools with professionalism and integrity.
- Promote positive relationships with parents, students, faculty, and community members.
- Support school events and promote school pride.
- Encourage student-athletes to be positive representatives of the school community.
Evaluation
The Varsity Basketball Head Coach will be evaluated annually by the Athletic Director based on:
- Program leadership and culture
- Compliance with MHSAA and district policies
- Player development and safety
- Academic and behavioral expectations of athletes
- Collaboration with staff and administration