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Head football coach vs assistant coach

The differences between head football coaches and assistant coaches can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a head football coach and an assistant coach. Additionally, a head football coach has an average salary of $46,351, which is higher than the $43,838 average annual salary of an assistant coach.

The top three skills for a head football coach include CPR, student athletes and athletic program. The most important skills for an assistant coach are CPR, NCAA, and player development.

Head football coach vs assistant coach overview

Head Football CoachAssistant Coach
Yearly salary$46,351$43,838
Hourly rate$22.28$21.08
Growth rate20%20%
Number of jobs21,98514,724
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age3636
Years of experience66

What does a head football coach do?

A head football coach leads the team during competitions, is in charge of game plans, and gives tactics and instructions to the players during practices and training on the field. Aside from on-the-field football activities, you may also have to do other activities like promote programs, manage outreach, and host sports camps. Generally, you are required to ensure the athletes follow the highest standard possible in their training.

What does an assistant coach do?

An assistant coach's role is to provide administrative and organizational support to a coach and team of athletes. Most of the tasks will depend upon the coach's directions. However, their responsibilities primarily revolve around arranging schedules of team events and practices, responding to calls and inquiries, producing and organizing documentation, and taking part in the recruitment and budgeting process of the team. It is also an assistant coach's responsibility to keep records of all players and personnel involved, including data and progress reports.

Head football coach vs assistant coach salary

Head football coaches and assistant coaches have different pay scales, as shown below.

Head Football CoachAssistant Coach
Average salary$46,351$43,838
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $72,000Between $30,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityNewton, MABoston, MA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsMassachusetts
Best paying companyJefferson Elementary School DistrictThe Branson School
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between head football coach and assistant coach education

There are a few differences between a head football coach and an assistant coach in terms of educational background:

Head Football CoachAssistant Coach
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorHealth EducationKinesiology
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Head football coach vs assistant coach demographics

Here are the differences between head football coaches' and assistant coaches' demographics:

Head Football CoachAssistant Coach
Average age3636
Gender ratioMale, 96.7% Female, 3.3%Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.0% Asian, 5.4% White, 66.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 5.4% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between head football coach and assistant coach duties and responsibilities

Head football coach example responsibilities.

  • Provide guidance for individual athletes and assist them in achieving spots within elite summer rowing programs in Philadelphia.
  • Provide instruction on leadership, physical development and group management for adolescent football athletes.
  • Scout opponents and break down film on HUDL system.
  • Coach freshman to a conference championship (8-2) record.
  • Coach the team to an 8-0 season and a league championship.
  • Work with college recruiters to secure scholarships for athletes, and keep Scarborough NCAA compliant.
  • Show more

Assistant coach example responsibilities.

  • Plan practices, lead JV games and practices, assist with varsity practices and workouts
  • Lead the boys and girls teams to strong sectional outcomes, which lead their qualification for the state championship meet.
  • Instruct competitive youth soccer players in basic skill development
  • Train to use see CPR certify
  • Mentor to kids on the team
  • Certify in safety management and CPR.
  • Show more

Head football coach vs assistant coach skills

Common head football coach skills
  • CPR, 30%
  • Student Athletes, 23%
  • Athletic Program, 5%
  • NCAA, 5%
  • Physical Education, 4%
  • Role Model, 3%
Common assistant coach skills
  • CPR, 15%
  • NCAA, 13%
  • Player Development, 7%
  • Assist Head, 6%
  • Soccer, 6%
  • Volleyball, 5%

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