Top 10 Rules To Landing That Elusive Coaching Gig

By: Mike Rejniak, Head Coach SUNY New Paltz

Now that the coaching carousel is in full swing so many basketball coaches are moving on to new positions, going through the interview process or are waiting in the wings to hear back from that certain “dream job”. I thought I would share some of the things that I have learned through my own experiences on my journey to becoming a head men’s basketball coach. The interview process is quite grueling for basketball coaches and can seem like going 12 rounds in boxing match. It is quite similar to some interviews at the top financial firms where there is a full day interviewing with case studies and financial modeling. I truly believe that all the successful coaching candidates, that I have seen, have all had a great grasp on “The 10 Rules.” The whole interview process is not an exact science but I know following these rules have helped me land my current position and will hopefully help you.

#1) Look The Part- You coach collegiate basketball within an athletic department so you must make a great first impression. Little things that help are the obvious ones like dressing professional, being clean-cut and demonstrating manners. First impressions are crucial and are often lasting.

#2) Achieve a Solid Coaching Pedigree/Background- Working for programs that have a winning reputation goes a long way. Sometimes this means you may have to take a pay-cut to get that experience but the value on your resume could be priceless. Winning breeds winning.

#3) Have a Coaching Philosophy You Believe In- Don’t be afraid to say what you believe in and how you would conduct yourself within the basketball program. You want to be hired for who you are versus who you aren’t.

#4) Preparation, Preparation, PREPARATION- Study the basketball program, athletic department, and school like you were revisiting your SAT’s. You have to know the little things because then they will shine through in your responses and how you handle yourself. This is one of the main things I look for when I am on search committees.

#5) Be Well-Seasoned- Chances are if the coaching interview is your first one….YOU WILL NOT GET THE JOB. Their is a lot to be said about interviewing experience and knowing what to expect when you put your name in the ring. Practice with your colleagues/staff members it will help iron out the wrinkles.

#6) Plan For The Future- Know where you want to take the basketball program and the steps that need to occur in order to make this happen. This predictive thinking helps paint the vision you have for the program to the committee and let’s them know your serious about them.

#7) Spin Your Weaknesses With Positive Flair- Being aware of your weaknesses is crucial to the interview process because if you are aware of them then, chances are, the committee is aware of them too. When I was assistant interviewing, I used to always say that my greatest weakness was not having “Head Coaching Experience.” I called it out right in the beginning and spun it positively. It was something that I couldn’t help but it wasn’t due to lack of desire or drive.

#8) Read the “Tells”- This is where you must be a poker player. As you give responses be sure to read the room (this is why phone interviews are so tough but the longer you talk the better off you tend to be). If you need to take a quick detour, don’t be afraid to do so in order to have your point not be misconstrued.

#9) It Is a Two-Way Street- Just like you are trying to sell yourself to the athletic department, the athletic department is trying to sell itself to you. Don’t be afraid to ask the the tough questions to figure out if the school is right fit for you. A school that is invested in you will try to put its best foot forward to you.The interview process is like dating, you don’t want to come on too strong or that can be a turn off.

#10) A Little Appreciation Goes A Looooooonnnngggg Way- Being grateful and humble during the interview comes off well to the entire group. Handwritten notes and emails are great ways to follow-up and keeping your name in the discussion. The more you are talked about the harder you are to forget.

Best of luck to all of you going through the coaching interview process. It is grueling but if you work on honing in on your skills, you will be the successful candidate. Happy July 4th weekend, have fun checking HoopDirt.com and I look forward to coaching against you in the future!