Stop Waiting for Your Shot—Start Coaching Like You’ve Already Earned It
In the competitive world of American football coaching, the next opportunity doesn’t go to the loudest voice—it goes to the coach already doing the job in the shadows. If you want to earn a coaching promotion without asking for one, you need to make yourself undeniable through your actions, not your ambition.
Coaches like Ken Merchant, now the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Sacramento State, know this firsthand. On The Next Move presented by Coach Portal, Merchant shared how he climbed the ladder by preparing for the next role long before it had his name on it.
Be Elite in the Role You Already Have
Too often, coaches focus on the next job instead of excelling in the one they hold. That’s a mistake. According to Merchant, the foundation of upward mobility is excellence where you are.
“Be elite in your current role. Do your job—and the next job will come.”
— Ken Merchant, 01:13
Working at a high level does more than impress your current boss—it builds trust with future decision-makers who are quietly watching. Merchant emphasized that coaching is a constant interview. You never know who’s paying attention today that might hire you tomorrow.
Do the Job Before You Get the Title
If you’re serious about the next level, start operating like you already hold that position. Merchant didn’t wait to be named a coordinator before creating weekly call sheets. He studied game situations and built full plans independently—replicating the exact decision-making he’d need in a real OC role.
“Think and act like the position you want to be in before you’re there.”
— Ken Merchant, 02:17
That proactive mindset paid off. When Brennan Marion took the head job at Sacramento State, Merchant didn’t just hope to be promoted—he was already doing the work.
“He set me up to be ready for it. I stayed and did the game plan by myself and called the plays.”
— Ken Merchant, 02:52
By creating value without permission, Merchant proved his readiness and made his promotion a no-brainer.
Build Real Relationships Inside the Building
While your work speaks volumes, who you connect with also matters. Merchant credits much of his success to building genuine relationships with the people around him—coordinators, position coaches, even student assistants.
He didn’t network for status. Instead, he learned from others, asked questions, and found common ground.
“Whether it was finding a way to connect with someone… I would ask some questions about it. I would go in their office, knock on the door, and try to connect.”
— Ken Merchant, 04:45
Coaching promotions don’t happen in a vacuum. They’re often the result of unseen conversations, quiet respect, and trust built over time.
Conclusion: Promote Yourself Through Preparation
To earn a coaching promotion without asking for one, become the coach your staff can’t do without. Handle your current responsibilities at a high level. Take initiative and do the next job in your own time. And build the relationships that help you grow both professionally and personally.
Promotions come to those who prepare, not to those who wait.
Related:
Promotions Aren’t Given, They’re Earned: What Head Coaches Really Watch For– Adam Harvey
From the Bottom Up: Ulysses Hall’s Climb from Middle School Football to the FBS