If you want to climb the coaching ladder in college football, start in the shadows. That’s where careers are built—far from the spotlight, in the grind of a quality control role. These positions rarely get glory, but they’re the blueprint for the next step in a coaching career. If you’re a young coach hungry to grow, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing value.
In this article, we’ll break down a practical QC blueprint—daily habits and mindset strategies—to help you maximize your opportunity and rise in the ranks.
Build Value Through Curiosity and Versatility
To rise in the profession, you must go beyond what’s assigned. Matt Clark, now the Special Teams Coordinator at Stetson University, knows this firsthand. He didn’t limit himself to his playing experience as a wide receiver.
“Go learn the whole game of football. Go to the other side of the ball. Sit down in defensive meetings… Learn special teams” (05:11).
Even as a new QC, Clark dove into learning running back techniques, protections, and the tight end position. His willingness to expand his football IQ made him indispensable—and promotable.
Transitioning into new areas of the game will feel uncomfortable. Clark compares learning “inside the box football” to “learning a whole other language” (03:28). However, those who lean into that challenge position themselves as future coordinators—because they see the full field.
Master the QC Code: Daily Habits that Build Trust
Quality control jobs are not about talent—they’re about trust. You earn it by how you work when no one is watching.
Start with consistency. Always arrive early and stay until the job is done. Clark shared a story that epitomizes this mentality:
“There was a four-day stint when I was at the University of New Mexico where I slept at the facility… I had an air mattress in the GA office” (06:46).
He didn’t leave until the job—a massive playbook overhaul—was finished. That dedication didn’t go unnoticed. His offensive coordinator literally found him sleeping there at 5 a.m.
In addition to effort, efficiency and quality matter. Coaches notice who they don’t have to double-check.
“Not wasting people’s time… being very efficient in the way you do your work and being a great communicator… that’s gonna help you build a lot of trust” (09:09).
Being great at QC means mastering the unseen. Build workflows. Create checklists. Track weekly and monthly responsibilities. Help others, especially your fellow GAs and QCs. Teams win when no job is too small and no coach is too proud.
Learn the Process of Great Coaches
It’s not just the scheme you should study—it’s how your bosses think. Clark credits much of his organizational success to learning from his former OC, now OL coach at Coastal Carolina, Derek Wareheim.
By watching him build systems and delegate responsibilities, Clark built his own framework for operating as a coach. Pay close attention to the habits, systems, and rhythms of elite coaches. That’s where leadership is formed.
Your Opportunity Is What You Make It
If you want to maximize your opportunity and rise in the ranks, understand this: a QC job isn’t a holding pattern—it’s a launch pad. The blueprint is simple, but not easy. Be curious, be consistent, be trusted. Every rep in the shadows prepares you for the moment the lights come on.
Related:
The Effort and Energy to Excel, Featuring Alex Golesh, Head Coach, South Florida
What Gets Measured Gets Managed