Head Football Coach – Middle School

Head Football Coach – Middle School

Reports To: Assistant Athletic Director and School Principal

Position Summary

The Middle School Head Football Coach is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising all aspects of the school's football program. The coach provides leadership that promotes student-athlete development, sportsmanship, academic success, teamwork, discipline, and personal growth while ensuring a safe and positive athletic environment. The Head Coach is expected to conduct the program in accordance with district policies, state athletic association regulations, and school expectations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Program Leadership

• Plan, organize, and direct all phases of the middle school football program.
• Develop and implement practice plans that emphasize skill development, teamwork, conditioning, and player safety.
• Establish team expectations, standards of conduct, and a culture of respect, integrity, and sportsmanship.
• Supervise assistant coaches and provide direction regarding coaching responsibilities and program expectations.

Student-Athlete Development

• Teach fundamental football skills and appropriate techniques.
• Promote academic achievement and monitor student eligibility.
• Foster positive character traits including responsibility, leadership, perseverance, and respect.
• Ensure equal opportunities for student participation and development consistent with team objectives.

Safety and Compliance

• Maintain a safe practice and competition environment.
• Teach and enforce proper equipment usage and safe playing techniques.
• Follow all concussion, heat illness, emergency action, and injury reporting protocols.
• Ensure compliance with district policies, state athletic association rules, and applicable federal and state laws.
• Report injuries, incidents, and concerns promptly to school administration.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate team rosters, equipment inventories, and required documentation.
• Communicate practice schedules, game schedules, transportation information, and program expectations to athletes and parents.
• Attend required coaches' meetings, professional development, and athletic department meetings.
• Assist with equipment distribution, collection, maintenance, and inventory.
• Submit required reports, eligibility documentation, and end-of-season summaries.

Communication and Community Relations

• Maintain positive relationships with students, parents, staff, officials, and community members.
• Communicate effectively with school administration regarding program needs and student concerns.
• Represent the school with professionalism at all athletic events.
• Encourage positive parent involvement while maintaining appropriate coaching authority.

Game Management

• Prepare athletes for competition through organized practices and scouting.
• Supervise student-athletes during practices, games, travel, and other team activities.
• Demonstrate ethical decision-making and good sportsmanship during competition.
• Ensure appropriate supervision until all athletes have been released following practices and contests.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Previous football coaching experience preferred.
• Experience working with middle school-aged students preferred.
• Knowledge of football fundamentals, rules, and coaching techniques.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate and mentor student-athletes.

Required Certifications

• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or ability to obtain before the season begins).
• Completion of all district-required coaching certifications and training.
• Successful completion of required background checks.
• Completion of concussion awareness and heat illness prevention training, as required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to demonstrate athletic techniques and participate in practices.
• Ability to lift and carry athletic equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed after school hours, evenings, weekends, and during school breaks as required by the athletic schedule.
• Frequent travel to away contests.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions and physical activity.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated annually by the Principal and/or Athletic Director in accordance with district policies and established coaching performance standards.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The Sussex County School Board is an equal opportunity employer; as such, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, political affiliation, handicapping condition, or sex in its educational programs or employment. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position or program to which the application has been made.