Certifications vary from state-to-state. Classes include concussion in sports, first aid and safety, as well as general coaching education courses. [1] X Research source The California Interscholastic Federation requires coaches in the district get a general coaching certification, a sports specific concussion certification, a cardiac arrest certification, first aid certification, and CPR training. [2] X Research source Each course will cost anywhere from $30 - $70 depending on which state you live in. [3] X Research source In Pennsylvania, coaches are required to undergo concussion and cardiac arrest training. [4] X Research source

Different states require different clearances. In some states, it’s required you undergo a drug and alcohol screening and employment and credential verification. [6] X Research source

Concentrating on physical education and sports science, while you study in college, will help you get a position as a coach. [7] X Research source

Many lower level teams won’t require the experience that a college or high school would expect from a football coach. Having a firm grasp over physical fitness or working with kids will help you get a coaching position.

There are programs like Pop Warner that have listings for volunteer positions ranging from head coach to equipment manager on their website. [10] X Research source Try to find your local athletic association and contact someone about becoming a volunteer.

You can meet other coaches at clinics or camps that are taking place in your area.

If you can’t get a job in the NFL, try submitting an application to become an intern, then network with paid staff once you are accepted. [12] X Research source Coach prospects tend to be offensive or defensive coordinators on NFL teams. [13] X Research source

Be prepared to wake up early and work late. This may put a strain on social relationships. [14] X Research source

Take notes while you review the film so that you can refer to them later. You can also review coaches film from major NFL games to get a better idea of what professional teams are doing. “All 22” is a type of camera location that allows you to see all 22 players on the field, thus giving you a better vantage point for plays and strategy.

Speaking with the other coaches on your coaching staff may also help you get a better perspective of what areas need to improve on the team. [16] X Research source Your coaching staff should be more reliable in understanding an individual player’s strengths and weaknesses than someone who does not work with them.

If you don’t know how to coach all positions including, receiving, blocking, defending, catching, running, and throwing, you are severely limiting your players’ development. [18] X Research source You don’t have to be good at everything, just make sure that you have an understanding of all positions. Maintain and hire staff who will make up for your weaknesses.

This means taking your staff or player complaints seriously and potentially altering your coaching methods based on them. Become friends with your staff so you can speak candidly and open with them.

Other coaches may know about job openings or may have vacant assistant coach positions on their teams. Always be friendly and try to meet as many people as you can.

Showing that you can develop an effective team will give you expanded opportunities to find a job as a coach at a higher level.

Books that can provide practical coaching knowledge include, “Finding the Winning Edge,” “The Quick Passing Game,” “The Bunch Attack,” “The Winners Manual,” and “Winning Everyday. ” There is more to being a coach than knowing a lot of plays. You must have the mentality to win and charisma to motivate a team.

The NFL provides its rulebook on their website. In the NFL you can challenge a play which will reverse a referee’s decision on a penalty if you are correct. Each coach gets two challenges per game and one more challenge if the first two are correct. Italic text Knowing what the rules are is essential to challenge a play. If you’ve played football in the past, you’ll have a firmer grasp of all the rules.

Offensive, defensive, and special teams configurations are called line setups. [23] X Research source A scheme is a general philosophy that your players follow. The most common football schemes are man-to-man, zone, 3-4, and 4-3. [24] X Research source