What does it take to be a coach in the NFL?

Question

I'm wondering what schooling is needed and how a person would pursue this career.

Answer 1

1 ; speak ebonics

2 ; speak american

3 ; speak spanish

4 ; have an i.q. over 18

5; have a rich friend in the nfl !

Answer 2

I put some points on the bottom so just jump past this if you want.

I think first off a new coach would definitely need some experience playing in the NFL, there are some exceptions (e.g. Mangini) but i think former NFL players have been there done that and can see eye-to-eye with the players. The players will also respect them more than a former Division III player as a coach. Of course the coaches also need to be smart (obviously), creative, and be able to adapt. They have to be willing to put in hours on hours of film work a week. No one on the team watches more film than the coach i can tell you that. Linebackers look at one thing and o-line look at another aspect but the coach analyzes it all. Him and his offensive or defensive coordinator have to watch the film together to find weaknesses and strengths of the opposing team, which isn't easy, it means rewinding and playing rewinding and playing rewinding and playing a seven-second segment countless times. The coach also has to know how to get to his players. What is the purpose of a coach in football? he's not on the field- it's not like he's directly intervening in the game, hell he might not even be calling the plays. the coach is the field general when it comes game time. He's the one that has ultimate authority and influences all the players around him. He has to be able to bring out the best in his players and make the right decisions. And coaching has psychological aspects too, you can't just rave about how much you just killed the other team because that might get your team in over their head and then you're falling and you can't get up. The coach can't bear down too much or they'll lose confidence in themselves.

To cap it off. I think a coach needs these key must have qualities:
1. Intelligence- Find the weaknesses of the opposition team and exploit it.
2. Creativity- It's easy to coach when you're winning, but can you make the adjustments in-game when you're down to come back?
3. The ability to influence his players- Can you pump them up for the big game in the locker room? Can you help them back on their feet after a loss? Can you prepare them mentally for the Super Bowl?
4. Die-hard love of the game- Coaching is not for the casual football man. If he is not totally 200% devoted to a single-purpose (to win the SuperBowl duhhh) and willing to put everything else aside, he will falter. He has to want it just as much as his players do. This is why Bill Cowher is faltering. He's lost that drive.
5. Experience- No single NFL coach started his career as a head coach. Several started at the lowest possible positions, Linebacker Coach, Assistant DBs Coach, Special Teams Coordinator. Coaching is earning respect and making a name for yourself. And the more experience you have the better.

Answer 3

You should start by playing football at the highest level you can achieve. They say the best way to learn is by doing. Once you've put in some time in the shoes of a player, I don't know that it matters what you major in in college. After college apply for coaching jobs at high schools in your area. If you don't get any responses, apply for jobs at the middle school level. If you still have no responses volunteer to coach a child team. Wherever you get your first opportunity, put in the time to win at that level and work your way up from there. Andy Reid started by coaching high school and ended up winning a superbowl with the Packers in the mid-90's, I bet other coaches have similar stories. The coach of Southlake-Carol High School in TX has won 40 straight games (or something like that) and he just accepted the job as the coach of UNT, if he excels there he may move up to a position coach or coordinator at the NFL level or move to a more prestigious program at the college level. But, at the end of the day, you can't just finish college and go be an NFL head coach or any kind of NFL coach for that matter.

Answer 4

I dont know what kind of schooling you need, but I do know that NFL coaches put in over 100 hours a week. Is it worth it? 100 hours for 3 hours? Play NFL Head Coach, I heard its pretty accurate.

Answer 5

4 years of college majoring kinesiology (sp). My son graduated last year. As far as pursuing it - he's struggling, but happy!

Answer 6

wow u guys sure sound like future coaches haha lozers

Answer 7

Apparently not much. Just look at Tom Coughlin.

Answer 8

ummm smartness, and love for the sport