head coach headaches

[Andrew Byrd]

hi all, new member so forgive me if this post is well-worn, but anyway, here it goes...

i am a new head coach having served two years at jv level. i am replacing a head coach of 6 years standing, and inheriting a community coach of also 6 years standing at our varsity level. how do i approach the role of head coach? i obviously want to develop a program, oraganisation, ethos, etc that reflects my views and style of play, but i dont want the community coach to feel like im criticizing him by wanting change, nor just come in and rubber stamp what he is doing because he has the network, information, etc that i am still developing with players parents AD etc. What is the best way to define our roles and smooth the transition?

thanks
andrew

[Jeffrey Geller]

I don't get it. Is the community coach your varsity assistant or taking over the JV position you vacated?

[John Von Klopp]

It's simple (Well, sort of)

You are the new boss. It's what you put in place first. Then let him know that you are glad to hear ideas to make sure you aren't overlooking anything. Make sure it's known that the players come first. The winning matters on the field, but it's second to winning in all the experience a player will get as a varsity level athlete.

You can't pull in two different directions to get to the same place.

Let him speak to see what his opinions are. Add some of his ideas to your plans, and change some of his ideas to match yours.

But set the rules. Get them on paper so they are not forgotten. Go over them. That goes from everything from players playing time, to practice, bus rides, bench rules (such as no open toe shoes, must wear shirts, what ever)

I'm not perfect, but I've gone through lots of headaches in the past, and I experience fewer each year I coach.

JVK

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[Scott Ruggles]

Andrew,

I begin my 20th season as a head high school varsity coach this fall and you are about to begin a fun ride. But only if you have clear lines of communication and standards that are clear.

First off you should make sure that both your players and families understand your expectations/policies and know clearly what they are. Get them on paper, I have had players sign them year in and year out and the families get copies of them as well.

In terms of your assistant, especially one who is experienced, it would be good to sit down over a cup of coffee and find out what his/her role was in the past. Then bring him/her into the fold in terms of your vision and listen to their feedback. Do not be afraid to hold onto something that you feel strongly about. Finally develop a job description and make sure the assistant is invested in the coaching and not just a glorified ball boy. Ask for their opinion, let them take the parts of training they feel most confident doing. As example my current assistant if a great goalie trainer and works with our back line as he was a defender in college and pro level.

Enjoy the ride.