If you’re an ambitious assistant coach eyeing your next move, understand this: the coordinator opportunity won’t wait for you to be ready—it’ll demand that you already are.
The most successful transitions don’t come from the loudest lobbyists; they come from those who have quietly proven they’re the right person for the job long before the opening appears.
In today’s cutthroat coaching world, being great at your current job isn’t enough. You have to look ahead, tackle your blind spots, and get in sync with the head coach’s vision. Preparing for that coordinator role doesn’t start when the job’s posted—it starts right now, with you.
Master the Art of Alignment
Coordinators aren’t just play-callers—they set the tone for the whole culture. As Coach Greg Holsworth, head coach at Henderson State, put it:
“I think that you’ve got to emulate what the head coach wants in terms of culture… I think that you need to do everything you can to help the program all be in alignment first.” (08:18)
That means truly understanding—and living—the values your head coach champions. Whether it’s toughness, accountability, or family, your actions, words, and leadership style need to reflect those core pillars. When a head coach looks for leadership potential, they’re searching for coaches who already mirror the program’s identity.
Close Your Knowledge Gaps Before They Matter
Being a coordinator means having a wide and deep understanding of the game. Waiting until you get promoted to fill in your gaps is a recipe for struggle. Holsworth shared a lesson from his own path:
“You find out in those moments what you don’t know… it’s hard to be a great coordinator when you’ve got a knowledge gap at a certain spot.” (09:45)
Don’t shy away from the parts of the game that challenge you—lean in. If you coach the front seven, make time to study the secondary. If zone run schemes are your comfort zone, dig into gap schemes. Reach out to other coaches, attend clinics, and break down film. With so many resources at your fingertips, choosing to ignore those gaps is a mistake.
Lead Now, Not Later
Leadership doesn’t come with a job title—it’s something you build every day. Coordinators are expected to lead players and coaches alike. Holsworth said it best:
“You need to be able to lead your side of the ball… not only the players but the coaching staff on that side.” (02:12)
Start stepping into leadership roles today. Mentor younger coaches, speak up in meetings, and take ownership of your group. Build trust by being dependable, communicating clearly, and keeping your cool when things get tough. When the coordinator spot opens up, the head coach will want someone who’s already acting like the leader they need.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Move Starts Today
You don’t need a new title to start preparing for what’s next. Align yourself with the head coach’s vision, keep sharpening your football knowledge, and lead right where you are. When the coordinator job comes around, you won’t have to sell yourself—they’ll already know you’re the right fit.
Related:
Keith Grabowski- Staff Evaluations
Defense with DC (Week 14): Fixing Issues, Zero Coverage, Gap Alignment