Boys Varsity Basketball Coach

Position Summary

Position: Head Coach, Boys Varsity Basketball Team

Reports To: Athletic Director

Compensation: Stipend position per Tipton Community School Corporation’s extra-curricular salary schedule

Teaching Positions: Teaching positions available for the 2025-2026 School Year

Due to the retirement of legendary coach Cliff Hawkins, Tipton High School is seeking a Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach to lead its storied basketball program. This is an extra-curricular coaching position responsible for the overall management of the boys’ basketball teams, including varsity, junior varsity, and lower levels. The head coach will work closely with school administration and the athletic department to uphold the school’s athletic code of conduct and continue the tradition of excellence in Tipton Blue Devils basketball. The coach is expected to provide strong leadership on and off the court, ensure compliance with all relevant guidelines, and serve as a positive role model for student-athletes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance with all IHSAA rules and regulations, as well as Tipton High School and conference policies governing athletics.
• Emphasize and support the academic achievement of student-athletes. Monitor players’ academic progress, encourage good study habits, and coordinate with teachers and staff to help each athlete remain academically eligible and succeed in the classroom.
• Instill and model high standards of sportsmanship, integrity, and ethical behavior at all times. The head coach is expected to set a positive example in conduct towards officials, opponents, and among the team, reinforcing the values of fair play and respect.
• Teach the fundamentals of basketball through energetic and enthusiastic coaching. Develop players’ skills with effective instruction and positive reinforcement, creating a constructive learning environment that builds confidence and player development.
• Implement a cohesive basketball program from the youth levels through high school. Coordinate with junior varsity, freshman, middle school, and youth league coaches to ensure consistent coaching philosophy and skill progression. This includes organizing off-season programs such as strength and conditioning training and summer basketball camps to develop talent within the community and feeder schools.
• Plan and execute well-organized practices and game strategies. Prepare detailed practice schedules focusing on skill development, team tactics, and conditioning. Develop customized game plans for each opponent, and make real-time adjustments during games to give the team the best opportunity to succeed.
• Be community- and civic-minded in building positive relationships with parents, boosters, alumni, and local supporters of the program. Engage with the Blue Devils booster club and attend community events, fostering a strong connection between the basketball program and the Tipton community. Maintain open communication with parents and involve them as partners in the program’s success.
• Maintain active involvement in Tipton’s youth basketball programs and local leagues to build a strong pipeline of future Tipton players. Support and guide youth coaches, and encourage young athletes to develop fundamental skills and enthusiasm for Tipton basketball from an early age.
• Motivate student-athletes through positive coaching techniques, energy, and enthusiasm. Provide leadership that inspires teamwork, discipline, and a strong work ethic. Reinforce the importance of effort, confidence, and continual improvement both in practices and during competitions.
• Advocate for student-athletes’ recognition and advancement. Support and promote deserving players for postseason honors and assist them in pursuing opportunities to play at the collegiate level. Help student-athletes navigate recruiting processes and provide mentorship for life after high school sports.
• Oversee the logistical and operational aspects of the basketball program. Manage and take inventory of equipment, uniforms, and facilities to ensure they are properly maintained. Work with the athletic department to schedule games, arrange transportation, and ensure all team needs are met.
• Abide by all school and athletic department extra-curricular policies and guidelines, including but not limited to fundraising protocols and booster club policies. Ensure any fundraising activities or team events are approved and in compliance with school corporation guidelines.
• Develop a clear vision for the future of Tipton’s boys basketball program and set both short-term and long-term goals. Provide direction that not only aims for winning games and championships, but also prioritizes player development and character. The head coach is expected to uphold Tipton’s proud basketball tradition and guide the program to continued success in the coming years, maintaining excellence on the court and in the classroom.

Qualifications

• Previous basketball coaching experience is required, with head varsity coaching experience strongly preferred. A proven track record of coaching success at the high school varsity level or equivalent is ideal, though candidates with significant assistant coaching experience and leadership potential will be considered.
• Demonstrated sportsmanship and high ethical standards in working with student-athletes, officials, and the school community. The coach must lead by example, showing integrity and respect in all aspects of the job.
• Extensive knowledge of the game of basketball, including strategy, rules, and skill development techniques, and the ability to teach fundamentals and advanced tactics effectively to high school players.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with student-athletes, assistant coaches, parents, school administrators, and media. The coach should be able to articulate goals, provide feedback, and build rapport with all stakeholders in the program.
• Ability to inspire and motivate young athletes to reach their full potential. A passion for mentoring teenagers and an enthusiastic coaching style are essential – the coach should be a positive influence who can instill confidence and a team-first mentality in players.
• Ability to relate to high school students and build strong relationships with them. The coach should be approachable, supportive, and understanding of the challenges student-athletes face, creating an environment where students feel valued and motivated.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, with attention to detail in scheduling practices, coordinating travel, managing equipment, and running the day-to-day operations of the basketball program.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the athletic department, other coaches, and school staff.

Education and Certification

• Valid Indiana teaching license
• Must meet all IHSAA and state coaching certification requirements, including CPR/AED certification and NFHS coaching education as required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Coaching requires flexibility to work after school hours, including evenings and weekends for practices, games, and tournaments. The coach will also be expected to dedicate time to off-season programs, summer workouts and camps, and any necessary travel for away games or team events.
• The coach must be able to remain actively on their feet for extended periods and physically demonstrate basketball skills and drills. This includes the ability to run, jump, bend at the waist, kneel, crouch, and reach overhead.
• The work environment is primarily in a gymnasium or indoor sports facility. Noise levels can be moderate to loud during practices and games. Travel with the team for away contests is part of the job. The coach must be able to handle a fast-paced, high-pressure environment on game nights.

Program History and Legacy

Tipton High School’s boys basketball program has a rich history of success and is regarded as one of the strongest traditions in Indiana high school basketball. The Tipton Blue Devils have earned 19 conference championships, 28 sectional championships, and 6 regional championships. The program’s first-ever sectional title came in 1928, marking Tipton’s arrival on the Indiana basketball scene. Just a few years later, Tipton claimed its first regional title in 1935, further establishing a winning tradition.

The new head coach will be entrusted to honor the past achievements while building future success. Tipton takes great pride in its basketball tradition and expects the program to continue striving for excellence. The ideal candidate will embrace this legacy and work tirelessly to write the next chapter of Blue Devils success.

Job Type: Contract ECA Pay: $6,250 per year

Applications must be completed online at www.tcsc.k12.in.us (click “Our District,” then, “TCSC Careers”, then “Certified Opportunities”) complete application using Applitrack and include:

Completed Application

Letter of Interest and Introduction

Current Resume

Three Letters of Recommendation

Applications will be accepted Until April 11, 2025.

Additional questions may be directed to Craig Leach, cleach@tcsc.k12.in.us, THS Principal, and Tom Lyday, tlyday@tcsc.k12.in.us, THS Assistant Principal.

It is the policy of the Tipton Community School Corporation not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, or activities, or employment practices, as required by Title VI and VII (Civil Rights Act of 1964), Title IX (Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973), Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Indiana Civil Rights Act.

If you feel you have experienced discrimination, written inquiries about procedures that are available and for consideration of complaints alleging such discrimination should be directed to the Tipton Community School Corporation’s Superintendent.