The coaches aren't putting in 40 hours right now. They aren't. They're hosting a few visits and closing out their 25 class, watching film for the 26 class and evaluating who they saw last summer, and looking at film from last year in preparation for this year. Those are facts - please bring something specific other than "ooooh that's so uninformed." I'm giving "informed" information. So bring something worthwhile and constructive.
Maybe in early August they are finally taking some time with their families. But for the most part HC's are working well over 40 hours per week year round. 40 is probably the slow week. Here are just a few things they are doing every day:
- Practice planning - maybe coming up with new drills/plays/sets, etc.... Maybe traveling to meet with other more experience coaches.
- Most coaches are constantly trying to be better leaders and are looking at ways to define/improve their culture
- Recruiting - this never ends - emails, calls, texts, some still send letters/cards, visits, reviews, worrying etc..... (this is not just watching film)
- Planning the next season - going back over film from previous years, opponents, etc..
- Fundraising - emails, letters, calls, and visits, all to raise the funds needed to run their program - this includes travel
- Alumni stewardship - goes with fundraising, but it is more about staying connecting with the alums - this includes travel
- Social media - most are doing their own branding and this takes time
- Scheduling - planning a schedule that works - including booking travel arrangements - and looking at future seasons
- Managing a staff - if they are lucky enough to have one....
- Worrying - 30-75(depends on the program) young men between the age of 18-24 are under their care - this is constantly on an HC's mind, constantly.
Meeting with the schools administration - this can be a lot depending on the school and the leadership structure. But it includes (again depending on the school). President, VP's, Deans, AD's, Ass AD's, SID's, AT's, Faculty Reps, Facilities, Admissions, Alumni & Development, and the list goes on.....
Now add in "other duties as assigned" by the Athletic Department and you've got another full time job on top of everything else....
- SID
- Equipment Room
- Facilties
- Summer Programs
- Alumni Relations
- Admissions
- Ass AD
- Scheduling
- Teaching (yes, some coaches still teach at their respective colleges)
So many more to list, but you get my point.
So "right now," maybe not if they are on vacation. But to say a HC's job isn't full time until the season is definitely and "uniformed" comment.
I always like when I talk to my former coach and he tells me how his family and friends always say, "coaching in college must be cool, but what do you do the rest of the year?"
