What is the best thing about being a football coach? I can’t pinpoint just one thing as the list is infinite, but the one thing I really enjoy about this profession is all the great people who I have met and became friends with over the years. Not only are these guys great football minds that you can bounce ideas off of, but they are a great networking source. I, like many other coaches, have experienced a change at the top that has resulted in me “not being retained”. In other words I was fired. It is almost inevitable. Most coaches say you aren’t in the coaching profession until you have been fired. No one ever likes being fired, however I was fortunate enough to have good friends in the coaching world that helped me land on my feet. Because of that I will always be grateful, and hope someday to return the favor.
As a coach you should always take the opportunity to meet and get to know other coaches. Clinics and camps are great ways to network. Most of these events always have “Socials” where your colleagues like to get together over a couple of “soda pops” and talk football. Who knows where a random conversation might land you. You’re charisma and knowledge of the game could find you moving up the coaching ladder in unexpected ways. If nothing else maybe you will come across a couple of guys you will eventually call your friend’s and friend’s that you can rely on when you need some help.
Do you have a good story about how you found a job? Maybe you were also “not retained”. Let’s hear your thoughts!
