HEAD VARSITY FOOTBALL COACH

Description

Head Varsity Football Coach

Shady Side Academy seeks a dynamic and experienced Head Varsity Football Coach to lead all aspects of the football program, including overseeing the assistant coaching staff, Middle School and Senior School programs, and off-season programming and duties.

Reporting to the Director of Athletics, the ideal candidate will exemplify Shady Side’s mission and guiding principles and inspire student-athletes to strive for excellence. As a mentor and role model, the coach will help develop young leaders by teaching life skills such as respect, teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

At Shady Side, athletics are seen as an essential part of holistic student development, so this role requires a visionary coach who can cultivate a competitive, character-driven program that enriches the overall educational experience. With a rich athletic tradition, Shady Side’s football program proudly competes in WPIAL and PIAA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Leadership: Develop and maintain the Shady Side Academy football program, including oversight of the varsity, junior varsity, and middle school teams.
• Coaching & Mentorship: Teach football skills, strategies, and life lessons such as teamwork, perseverance, and discipline while serving as a mentor and role model for student-athletes.
• Planning: Organize and execute all aspects of the football program, including practices, game planning, and off-season training, while aligning with the school’s mission and core values.
• Administrative Duties: Coordinate program logistics, such as scheduling, budgeting, and equipment management, in collaboration with the athletics department.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the broader school community, including teachers, administrators, and parents, to support the overall development of student-athletes.
• Teacher-Coach Model: Candidates with an interest in contributing to the classroom are encouraged to explore faculty openings and demonstrate a commitment to shaping students both academically and athletically.

At Shady Side Academy, we value the teacher-coach model. We welcome candidates who may be able to fill appropriate roles in our faculty and make a difference for students in the classroom and on the field.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree is required, with a degree in education, physical education, sports management, or a related field preferred.
• Coaching Experience: A minimum of three years’ coaching experience at the high school level is preferred. Collegiate and professional experience will also be considered.
• Knowledge & Skills: Strong background in and understanding of football rules, fundamentals, tactics, and strategies, combined with excellent communication and relational leadership skills.
• Communication Skills: The head football coach must be an exceptional communicator, able to articulate concepts and strategies clearly to both players and staff. This includes fostering open dialogue, providing constructive feedback, and maintaining strong relationships with athletes, parents, and the broader school community. Clear and confident public speaking abilities are also required for team meetings, media interactions, and community events.
• Relational Coaching & Cultural Competency: Demonstrated ability to lead a staff that builds relationships with players and their families and works effectively with diverse populations to foster a sense of belonging for all.
• Certifications: CPR/First Aid Certification and Concussion Management Certification are required.