What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Football Coach, Defensive Line and Assistant Strength Coach position at Wesleyan University?
The Wesleyan Athletic Department, located in the Freeman Athletic Center, a state-of-the art-facility, is a member of the prestigious New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). They sponsor 30 varsity sports and believe athletics plays an integral part in a Wesleyan scholar–athlete’s liberal arts education. Highly trained and dedicated faculty coaches, administrators and staff work collaboratively and tirelessly to assist student-athletes in reaching their academic and athletic goals.
Reporting to the Head Football Coach, the Assistant Football Coach, Defensive Line and Assistant Strength Coach is responsible for assisting in the management of a varsity intercollegiate sports program and team. Specific responsibilities include coaching the defensive line position and implementing a strength and conditioning program for the team.
Responsibilities Include
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of college coaching or high school coaching experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
A strength and conditioning certification through a credited program or the ability to obtain one.
Proven ability to successfully and efficiently manage positional meetings.
Experience with organizing and implementing recruiting events.
Experience coaching a special teams unit.
Demonstrated ability to recruit and coach collegiate football players.
Demonstrated ability to mentor students in an academic environment and ensure that they are meeting milestones required for graduation.
Proven commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.
Ability to work effectively within a football coaching staff environment, including, seeking input, collaborating, and respecting different viewpoints and ideas.
Demonstrated ability to promote sportsmanship and responsible behavior both during and outside of athletic competition.
Knowledge of best practices pertaining to the defensive line position.
Proven ability to successfully design and implement a strength and conditioning program.
Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays and travel as needed.
Valid driver’s license or ability to get one.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in a sports related field.
Demonstrated successful coaching ability at the collegiate level.
Defensive Line experience.
Experience with managing frontrush recruiting database and DV Sport video editing software.
Demonstrated ability to work and maintain good judgement in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment.
First aid, CPR, and AED Certifications.
Division III and or/NESCAC Experience.
Additional Applicant Instructions
Applicants must upload a cover letter and resume.
First review of applications will begin on April 21, 2026.
Compensation: $52,400.00 - $61,300.00
Work Location: On Campus
All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.
Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.
Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University’s Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html.
Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html
Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.
Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.
Reporting to the Head Football Coach, the Assistant Football Coach, Defensive Line and Assistant Strength Coach is responsible for assisting in the management of a varsity intercollegiate sports program and team. Specific responsibilities include coaching the defensive line position and implementing a strength and conditioning program for the team.
Responsibilities Include
- Serve as the assistant strength coach and defensive line coach.
- Manage all aspects of the defensive line plan and schemes as delegated by the defensive coordinator.
- Assist with game and practice video analysis.
- Organize and conduct positional meetings with the defensive line.
- Coach a special teams unit as determined by the head coach.
- Coordinate practice planning and game preparation for the defensive line.
- Assist with recruitment of qualified student-athletes.
- Assist with coordinating on-campus recruiting visits for prospective student-athletes.
- Assist with organizing and implementing on-campus recruiting prospect clinics.
- Assist with community out-reach and the overall development of student-athletes.
- Participate in and contribute effectively to football coaching staff roundtable discussions.
- Mentor and provide leadership to student-athletes and other support staff.
- Assist the head strength and conditioning coach in the development and implementation of workout programs for 30 varsity teams.
- Oversee in-season, out-of-season, and summer workout programs for the football team.
- Organize and conduct speed and agility workouts during the academic year.
- Attend professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date and current in football trends and best practices.
- Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of college coaching or high school coaching experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
A strength and conditioning certification through a credited program or the ability to obtain one.
Proven ability to successfully and efficiently manage positional meetings.
Experience with organizing and implementing recruiting events.
Experience coaching a special teams unit.
Demonstrated ability to recruit and coach collegiate football players.
Demonstrated ability to mentor students in an academic environment and ensure that they are meeting milestones required for graduation.
Proven commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.
Ability to work effectively within a football coaching staff environment, including, seeking input, collaborating, and respecting different viewpoints and ideas.
Demonstrated ability to promote sportsmanship and responsible behavior both during and outside of athletic competition.
Knowledge of best practices pertaining to the defensive line position.
Proven ability to successfully design and implement a strength and conditioning program.
Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays and travel as needed.
Valid driver’s license or ability to get one.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in a sports related field.
Demonstrated successful coaching ability at the collegiate level.
Defensive Line experience.
Experience with managing frontrush recruiting database and DV Sport video editing software.
Demonstrated ability to work and maintain good judgement in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment.
First aid, CPR, and AED Certifications.
Division III and or/NESCAC Experience.
Additional Applicant Instructions
Applicants must upload a cover letter and resume.
First review of applications will begin on April 21, 2026.
Compensation: $52,400.00 - $61,300.00
Work Location: On Campus
All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.
Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.
Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University’s Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html.
Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html
Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.
Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.
Salary : $52,400 - $61,300