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How to hire a head basketball coach

Head basketball coach hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring head basketball coaches in the United States:

  • The median cost to hire a head basketball coach is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per head basketball coach on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • There are a total of 58,185 head basketball coaches in the US, and there are currently 22,008 job openings in this field.
  • New Brunswick, NJ, has the highest demand for head basketball coaches, with 4 job openings.

How to hire a head basketball coach, step by step

To hire a head basketball coach, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a head basketball coach:

Here's a step-by-step head basketball coach hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a head basketball coach job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new head basketball coach
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a head basketball coach do?

Head Basketball Coaches are responsible for training and guiding athletes in achieving skills, sportsmanship, and discipline in the basketball sport. Their duties include organizing basketball programs, demonstrating individual and team development techniques, communicating team regulations and rules, and conducting basketball tryouts. They also work with the athletic director in scheduling practice dates, conduct informational parent meetings, and organize uniform fitting. Head Basketball Coaches also report on injuries, educate on safety procedures, and maintain model sportsmanship conduct.

Learn more about the specifics of what a head basketball coach does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you start hiring a head basketball coach, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A head basketball coach's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, head basketball coaches from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    The following list breaks down different types of head basketball coaches and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Head Basketball CoachDescriptionHourly rate
    Head Basketball CoachCoaches teach amateur or professional athletes the skills they need to succeed at their sport. Scouts look for new players and evaluate their skills and likelihood for success at the college, amateur, or professional level... Show more$13-32
    CoachThe main responsibility of a coach is to motivate an individual or an entire team. Coaches are focused on improving the performance and skills of athletes by conducting training sessions, coordinating practice drills, and providing guidance... Show more$12-31
    Swim CoachA swim coach is someone who teaches and trains people how to swim. A swim coach provides tips and techniques for people to follow if they want to learn how to swim... Show more$11-22
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • CPR
    • Basketball Program
    • NCAA
    • Player Development
    • Athletic Program
    • JV
    • Leadership
    • Physical Education
    • Skill Development
    • Championship
    • Role Model
    • Grade Girls
    • Athletic Association
    • III
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage staff and monitor practice plans and game tactics for JV , 10th grade and 9th grade teams.
    • Lead a group of young teenagers to a championship season, making tough decisions regarding playing time while maintaining team chemistry.
    • Provide leadership in helping each participating student achieve a high level of skill necessary for successful performance.
    • Assess all freshman athletes and community college transfers.
    • Name all-conference first team player in 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.
    • Finish with team GPA of 3.8 by providing regular study hall sessions.
    More head basketball coach duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your head basketball coach job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A head basketball coach can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, head basketball coaches' average salary in wyoming is 59% less than in district of columbia.
    • Seniority. Entry-level head basketball coaches 57% less than senior-level head basketball coaches.
    • Certifications. A head basketball coach with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a head basketball coach's salary.

    Average head basketball coach salary

    $44,688yearly

    $21.48 hourly rate

    Entry-level head basketball coach salary
    $29,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 17, 2026

    Average head basketball coach salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1New York$56,169$27
    2Minnesota$50,786$24
    3California$45,694$22
    4Alabama$41,568$20
    5North Carolina$40,969$20
    6Maryland$40,720$20
    7Tennessee$38,112$18
    8Washington$37,605$18
    9Missouri$36,529$18
    10Iowa$34,080$16
    11Wisconsin$33,717$16
    12Colorado$33,480$16
    13New Mexico$33,205$16
    14Ohio$31,925$15
    15Montana$26,294$13

    Average head basketball coach salary by company

  4. Writing a head basketball coach job description

    A head basketball coach job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a head basketball coach job description:

    Head basketball coach job description example

    French American International School is seeking positive, passionate and knowledgeable coaches. The French American International Athletic Department operates within a K-12 independent school setting, working with over 600 students enrolled in grades 5-8th. In keeping with the Mission of the School, the Jaguar Athletic experience is a journey, which will be a source of growth, pride and enthusiasm for all members of our community. From the novice to the college-bound athlete, student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in competitive team and individual sports, developing healthy practices of mind, body and character for themselves, their teams and their school. Our international community brings together people from many backgrounds. Together we strive to create a shared culture that develops compassionate, confident and principled people who will make the world better. We base our community on these values: Respect, Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Curiosity.

    Job Duties and Expectations

    All head coaches report directly to the Athletic Director and have the primary responsibility for administering all levels of their sport. The successful candidate will be required to follow the procedures of the high school’s athletic program, as well as those of the International and California Interscholastic Federation.

    Communication

    Coaches will provide clear communication for student-athletes and families regarding expectations and philosophy. In the case where a conflict arises coaches will be available to help seek resolution at the appropriate time which will not take place immediately before or after a contest.

    Player Development

    Coaches will assist in the total development of all student-athletes by using positive methods to create an ideal learning environment therefore helping them through their life journey, not just their athletic journey. Coaches will create and implement a meaningful practice structure to enhance instruction, development, and effective use of time for all members of the team within the program.

    Player Evaluation

    Coaches will use a holistic approach when evaluating a student-athlete using qualities such as skill, character, integrity, leadership, coach ability, and a love for the sport. Skill alone will not supersede the Core Principles of the Jaguar family. Coaches will select student-athletes that best represent our School’s Mission without regard to ability or status. Coaches will incorporate a student-driven, mid and post-season review that will be shared with the student-athletes.

    Team Leadership

    Coaches will foster an environment that will develop positive leadership qualities both on and off the field of play. Coaches will select Team Captains and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) members based on character and leadership ability rather than athletic performance or status. Adhere to Chain of Command. Coaches understand that coaching at our School is a privilege and not a right. They will uphold the Mission of the school and conduct themselves accordingly.

    Qualifications

    • Experience coaching at the middle school, high school, college or club level
    • Should have experience working, playing or coaching in a value-based athletic program
    • Must be reliable, prompt and dependable
    • Must be able to have transportation
    • Ability to pass a full background check
    • Must be eligible to work in the UA

    Applicants should include a letter of interest, current resume, and three references

    EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

    French American International School is committed to providing an open, fair, inclusive, non-discriminatory environment for all individuals across differences of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, socio-economic status, ethnicity, age, physical ability, or medical condition. We seek to increase the presence, representation and inclusion of U.S. historically under-represented people of color, international, bilingual and bicultural students, faculty and staff; and, to provide an environment that will attract and retain individuals identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and intersex (LGBTQQI)

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  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right head basketball coach for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your head basketball coach job on Zippia to find and recruit head basketball coach candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Your first interview with head basketball coach candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new head basketball coach

    Once you've selected the best head basketball coach candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    To prepare for the new head basketball coach first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a head basketball coach?

Before you start to hire head basketball coaches, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire head basketball coaches pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

The median annual salary for head basketball coaches is $44,688 in the US. However, the cost of head basketball coach hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a head basketball coach for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $13 and $32 an hour.

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