I’ve discussed college coaching opportunities in several other articles. If you’re ready to take that step, how do you go about it? In my opinion, the best method is an in-person introduction. An in-person visit can be a powerful way to make a strong impression on a head coach. If the colleges you are interested in are within driving distance, visit the head coach in the offseason.

Preparation:

• Target your visits: Choose colleges with program needs that align with your coaching experience and expertise. Prioritize institutions where you have established connections or a personal interest.
• Research: Thoroughly research the athletic department, coaching staff, and program history. Be prepared to discuss their strengths, values, and any recent achievements.
• Craft a compelling pitch: Develop a concise and impactful elevator pitch summarizing your qualifications, coaching philosophy, and specific interest in the program. Practice delivering it with enthusiasm and clarity.
• Schedule appointments: Don’t drop in unannounced. Reach out to coaches or athletic department personnel beforehand to schedule meetings or brief introductions. Be flexible and respectful of their busy schedules.
• Dress professionally: Make a positive first impression with professional attire appropriate for the college setting.

During the visit:

• Be confident and proactive: Introduce yourself confidently and clearly state your purpose for the visit. Don’t be afraid to ask relevant questions and demonstrate your knowledge of the program.
• Active listening: Pay close attention to the responses and show genuine interest in the program and its needs. Listen for potential openings or areas where your skills could contribute.
• Highlight your strengths: Briefly showcase your qualifications and coaching experience, but avoid sounding self-promotional. Focus on how your skills can benefit the program and athletes.
• Express enthusiasm and initiative: Convey your passion for coaching and genuine interest in contributing to the college’s athletic success. Share your coaching philosophy and vision for player development.
• Leave a lasting impression: Thank the individuals for their time and express your continued interest in potential opportunities. Follow up with a thank-you email reiterating your key points and contact information.
• Keep it Brief: Be respectful of their time. There really is no such thing as “down time” for a college head coach.
• Leave them with something: Leave them with a brief portfolio or minifolio that includes a summary of your coaching experience and highlights.

If you are unable to make in-person visits, here are some other ways to initiate contact:

• Email: This is generally the most recommended starting point. Craft a personalized email expressing your interest in coaching at the college level. Highlight your relevant experience, qualifications, and coaching philosophy. Research the programs you’re interested in and mention specific aspects that attract you. Keep your email concise and professional, with a clear call to action (e.g., requesting a phone call or asking how you can learn more about potential openings).
• Phone call: Once you’ve established some initial contact via email, a phone call can be a good way to follow up and demonstrate your passion and initiative. Be well-prepared with questions about the program and coaching staff.
• Networking: Attend coaching clinics, conferences, or sports-related events to connect with other coaches and athletic department personnel. These interactions can open doors to potential opportunities and provide valuable insights into the college coaching landscape.

Standing out from the crowd:

• Online presence: Maintain a professional online profile on social media platforms like X and LinkedIn, highlighting your coaching experience and achievements. Consider creating a coaching website or blog to showcase your expertise and philosophy.
• Video highlights: Compile a video showcasing your coaching abilities, including game footage, training sessions, and player testimonials. This can be a powerful tool to visually demonstrate your skills and coaching style.
• Recommendations: Seek letters of recommendation from former colleagues, athletes, or mentors who can vouch for your qualifications and character.
• Prepare a coaching portfolio or minifolio: Prepare a brief portfolio or minifolio that includes a summary of your coaching experience and highlights.

Sample email introduction

Subject: Inquiry Regarding Coaching Opportunities at [College Name]

Hi [College Coach’s Name], I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am the current [assistant/head] coach for the [High School Name] [sport] program.

I’ve been coaching at the high school level for [number] years, and I am really passionate about helping young athletes grow both on and off the field. I’m particularly interested in coaching at the collegiate level and wanted to inquire about potential coaching opportunities within your program.

I have followed the successes of the [College Name] [sport] program, and I am inspired by the culture of excellence and commitment to player development that your program embodies. My experience coaching at the high school level has equipped me with a strong foundation in fostering skill development, cultivating teamwork, and instilling discipline in young athletes.

I have attached my coaching resume and portfolio which provide a comprehensive overview of my coaching experience, achievements, and coaching philosophy. My coaching philosophy emphasizes not only athletic achievement but also the holistic development of student-athletes as individuals both on and off the field.

I would appreciate the opportunity to schedule a meeting or phone call to further discuss how I can contribute to the continued success of your program. I am confident that my passion for the sport and dedication to player development would make a positive impact on the program.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,

[Your Full Name] [Your Coaching Position] [Contact Information] [Attached: Coaching Resume & Portfolio]

If you don’t hear anything back or they don’t have an interest, I would follow up with the following:

Hi [College Coach’s Name], thank you for your reply and consideration. As I mentioned, I hope to pursue a career in coaching at the collegiate level and was hoping that there might be an opportunity to explore potential networking and partnership efforts between our programs.

As we strive to enhance our [sport] program at [High School name], I am particularly interested in opportunities for our athletes to participate in college-level camps. I believe these experiences would not only contribute to their skill development but also expose them to the high standards and collegiate atmosphere that your program embodies.

Additionally, I’m eager to explore any potential networking opportunities that could develop from our connection. Whether it’s me lending a hand at your camps or joining in on some educational clinic sessions, I am confident that our program, and myself as a coach, would gain valuable insight and skills from such a collaboration.

Recognizing the demands on your schedule, I am grateful for your time in considering this. If you are open to discussing this further, I would be more than willing to schedule a call at your convenience.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I am excited about the opportunity to connect our programs and work together to develop and grow the skills of our athletes.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name] [Your Position] [High School Name] [Contact Information]

If you need help with your coaching resume, your portfolio, or the interview process, be sure to sign up for one of our job prep packages at The Coaching Portfolio Guide! We provide services that assist with all aspects of the job search process for coaches. Click here to get started today!

Written By: Bill Vasko – CEO, XO Coach