Exit Meeting With Your Coaches

The season is over. Now, it’s essential for Head Coaches to take a proactive approach in assessing the performance, addressing issues, and planning for the future. Regardless of whether the season yielded success or disappointment, a comprehensive review is key to continuous improvement. Among the crucial steps to take during this period, having one-on-one meetings with each Assistant Coach stands out as a fundamental and multi-faceted activity.

Out of all the duties of being a Head Coach that there are, I really loved these meetings when I was a Head Coach! These one-on-one meetings serve a dual purpose: evaluating the just-concluded season and laying the groundwork for the upcoming one. Ideally, such meetings should follow a comprehensive survey of the players, a process that provides valuable insights into the team dynamics, strengths, and areas needing improvement. Armed with this player feedback, Head Coaches can approach the one-on-one meetings with a more holistic understanding of the season.

If you’re looking for an independent person to survey your players, and maybe even your entire football community (Players, parents, coaches, etc.) that is something that Eight Laces Consulting does.

One effective strategy is to provide coaches with a survey to fill out before the meeting. This survey becomes the basis for discussion during the one-on-one session, focusing on the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of the past season. Encourage coaches to be candid about their experiences, challenges faced, and lessons learned. This open dialogue creates an environment conducive to growth and improvement.

Of course, one of the more challenging aspects of these meetings is the potential need to address performance issues, possibly leading to the difficult decision of letting a coach go. If such a decision is looming, it’s advisable to address it early in the meeting schedule. This allows the coach and the team to move forward with clarity and a well-defined plan for the future.

Moreover, these one-on-one meetings are invaluable opportunities to discuss the season comprehensively with each member of the coaching staff. Delving into topics that might not have been adequately addressed during the season, such as the flow of the calendar year, the efficacy of the practice week, and the offseason program, provides a more nuanced understanding of the program’s strengths and weaknesses.

Analyzing what worked well during the season is as important as identifying areas that require improvement. Coaches can discuss specific goals that were achieved, those that fell short, and how these outcomes contribute to the overall development of the program. This reflective process helps create a roadmap for refining strategies, adjusting goals, and implementing changes to enhance the program.

Looking forward to the next season, coaches should consider where each member of the coaching staff fits into the future plans. This may involve reassigning coaches between varsity and junior varsity teams, hiring additional assistants to accommodate program growth, or making other strategic decisions to optimize the coaching lineup. These decisions should be made with a clear vision of the program’s trajectory and the specific skills and expertise needed for success.

In conclusion, the post-season period is a critical juncture for coaches to reflect on the past, learn from experiences, and strategically plan for the future. One-on-one meetings with coaches facilitate open communication, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and provide the groundwork for a more successful and resilient program in the seasons to come. By addressing both the achievements and challenges of the past and looking forward with purpose, coaches can ensure that their teams are better prepared and positioned for success in the future.

Chris Fore has his Masters degree in Athletic Administration, is a Certified Athletic Administrator and currently works as a Principal in Southern California (yes, he went to the “dark side” after 17 years of coaching!) He served as the President of the California Coaches Association for 3 years. Fore is the CEO of Eight Laces Consulting which specializes in helping coaches nationwide in their job search process. Fore has been named to the Hudl Top 100 Coaches, and the Top 5 Best High School Football Coaches to follow on Twitter by MaxPreps. Follow him!