hIRING / EVALUATING COACHES

Hiring Coaches
Hiring can be one of the most important things an AD does.  Coaches actually fulfill (or not) the mission of the school and the athletic department.  Good coaches make sports fun and educational for student athletes.  They also elevate the entire program and are part of your legacy. 
Here are important things to consider when hiring coaches:
  • What is the process that your District uses?
  • What is my role/responsibility?  Does my District have an HR department that handles certain aspects of the process?
  • Who do I involve in the process?  Who are the stakeholders?
  • Selection and diverse representation on the interview committee
  • What am I looking for in a coach?  What is the athletic department philosophy?
  • Where do I post the positions?
  
Evaluating Coaches
Now that you have your coaching staff, the education of coaches is just as important.  Evaluations can provide necessary feedback for coaches for the continual education and improvement in their craft.  It can also be a challenge to have some of those difficult conversations with your coaches as a result of the evaluation.
Some things to consider when evaluating coaches:
  • Don’t focus on the outcome; focus on the process!
  • Make sure coaches understand education-based athletics
  • Is your coach an excellent teacher?
  • Does the coach have sufficient knowledge of the sport?
  • Does the coach lead by example?  Is he/she a mentor for your student-athletes?
  • Does the coach have a passion for improvement?  (lifelong learner = lifelong coach)
Resources for Athletic Directors