Head Football Coach

Tahlequah Public Schools•Tahlequah, OK

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Tahlequah High School seeks an energetic, experienced, relationship-driven Head Football Coach to lead its football program for grades 7–12. The coach will develop and implement a comprehensive program emphasizing academic achievement, character development, discipline, accountability, strength and conditioning, and competitive excellence. The role will establish a consistent philosophy and expectations across junior high and high school, and build a program that competes for district championships and advances in the OSSAA playoffs. The Head Football Coach will lead and develop assistant coaches, oversee player development and year-round strength and conditioning, strengthen junior high and youth feeder relationships, and promote academic success and positive character. The coach will also manage football operations, including practices, games, camps, equipment, facilities, budgets, scheduling, transportation, and compliance. The position includes teaching and other duties as assigned. Tahlequah Public Schools describes the role as an opportunity to lead the program into a new era, supported by community pride and investment in a new stadium, fieldhouse, weight room, and locker room facilities. The work schedule is 175 days at 7.5 hours per day, plus five professional days. Wages and fringe benefits are per negotiated agreement; vacation is not provided.

Requirements

Previous successful experience as a high school head football coach or coordinator.
A current and valid Oklahoma Teaching Certificate in any area.
Ability to build and sustain a competitive football program.
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Experience developing and managing a coaching staff.
A clear philosophy regarding player development, strength and conditioning, and program culture.
Experience developing relationships with athletes, families, faculty, and community members.
Commitment to academic achievement and student development.
Knowledge of current football strategies, techniques, and trends.
Ability to establish high expectations while developing positive relationships.
Commitment to the long-term success of the entire athletic department.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading a grades 7–12 football program.
Experience competing successfully in the Oklahoma high school football playoff system.
Experience building or rebuilding a football program.
Experience developing college-level football opportunities for student-athletes.
Experience with year-round strength and conditioning programs.

Responsibilities

Establish and communicate a clear vision, philosophy, identity, and measurable goals for Tahlequah Football.
Develop a comprehensive grades 7–12 program with consistent expectations, terminology, schemes, and standards.
Build a culture centered on discipline, accountability, commitment, toughness, teamwork, and competitive success.
Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate assistant football coaches in coordination with the Athletic Director and administration.
Provide leadership, direction, professional development, and clear expectations for assistant coaches; hold regular staff meetings and maintain alignment.
Establish a year-round player development program, including organized offseason strength and conditioning, summer workouts, speed development, and conditioning.
Promote injury prevention, proper training techniques, and long-term athletic development; use the weight room and fieldhouse to support player development.
Lead the entire grades 7–12 program and align offensive, defensive, and special teams philosophies across its levels.
Build relationships with junior high and middle school coaches, youth organizations, elementary students, and young athletes; strengthen the feeder system and participation.
Monitor student-athletes’ academic progress, attendance, classroom behavior, and eligibility; promote academic achievement and character development.
Develop student-athletes’ leadership, integrity, respect, responsibility, citizenship, accountability, mental toughness, and confidence.
Build positive relationships with parents, alumni, community members, local businesses, teachers, counselors, administrators, booster organizations, and district personnel.
Communicate effectively with parents while maintaining professional boundaries; be visible and engaged in the community and represent the district professionally.
Organize and oversee practices, games, camps, offseason activities, and team functions.
Manage equipment, uniforms, facilities, resources, and the football budget responsibly in coordination with the Athletic Director.
Coordinate transportation, scheduling, and game-day operations.
Ensure compliance with OSSAA regulations, district policies, and applicable state and federal requirements.
Maintain communication with the Athletic Director about program needs, concerns, and progress.
Oversee proper use and maintenance of football facilities and equipment.
Perform teaching duties and other duties as assigned.