In football coaching, it’s tempting to think your next job depends on flashy play calls or viral moments. But talk to any head coach, and you’ll hear a different story—one about trust. For assistant coaches trying to move up, reliability carries more weight than flash ever will.
“Everything moves at the speed of trust,” says Indiana State running backs coach Jalen Banks (01:24).
Trust Matters More Than Talent
Knowing the game gets you in the building. Trust keeps you there. Banks worked his way up from an unpaid intern to a full-time college coach by proving he could be counted on. Coaches weren’t just watching what he knew—they watched how he handled the work no one sees.
“You gotta own your responsibility… do it with great detail… like you got to sign off on it at the end of the day.” (01:42)
That’s how trust is built: by nailing the small things. Every scout card, every film cutup—it all matters. And the coaches who move forward are the ones who treat it that way.
Promotions Follow Trust, Not Hype
Flash fades. Trust sticks. Banks showed up every day as a volunteer intern. No paycheck. No spotlight. Just relentless consistency. He made himself useful in any way possible—spinning music at practice, planning recruiting calls, hauling equipment.
“I tried to be the best practice DJ that existed… I loaded and unloaded EQ trucks like I was trying to be an All-American at it.” (04:15)
That mindset told everyone around him, You can count on me. And in coaching, that’s what moves you up.
How to Stand Out Without Shouting
When things get hectic, head coaches don’t look for flash—they look for someone they trust. Banks tells young assistants to take initiative, see the next step before it’s said, and solve problems without being asked. Every day is a chance to prove you’re ready for more.
Your habits become your résumé. Show up. Stay sharp. Do the job like it matters—because it does.
Be the one who’s present, prepared, and dependable, even when the task feels minor. Add value when you speak. Bring energy and pride to everything you do.
Banks keeps it simple: “Be consistent. Be prepared. Be the coach others count on when it matters most.”
Related:
The Coach’s Playbook for Career Advancement: Build Relationships That Open Doors- Brad Wilson