How to Get a Coaching Job in the NFL

Breaking into the NFL coaching scene might seem like an impossible dream for many, but with the right approach, networking, and persistence, it's within reach. In this article, we will explore the unconventional path that many NFL coaches have taken to land their roles, often filled with setbacks, lessons learned from failures, and strategies for success.

The Power of Persistence: The Ultimate Test of Resilience

Many aspiring NFL coaches fail multiple times before landing their dream job. This is a world where connections, experience, and timing are everything. The secret to success in the NFL coaching industry lies in persistence and resilience. Numerous famous NFL coaches started in lowly positions, enduring long hours and low pay while waiting for their big break.

Take Bill Belichick, for example, who began his career as a special assistant and worked his way up to becoming one of the most successful head coaches in NFL history. He had to grind through years of menial tasks before anyone took notice of his talent.

Key Lesson: Never Give Up For those aspiring to coach in the NFL, the key is not just talent but the determination to keep pushing forward despite setbacks. Resilience is more valuable than a resume full of accomplishments. You might face rejection or have to accept roles that feel beneath your skill level, but each experience adds to your expertise.

Start Small, Think Big: Building Experience at Lower Levels

The vast majority of NFL coaches didn’t start at the top; they earned their stripes by working at lower levels, such as college teams, high school teams, or even in administrative roles. NFL teams prefer to hire individuals with diverse coaching experiences, particularly those who have proven themselves at the college level.

A great example of this is Nick Saban, who initially struggled as a head coach in the NFL but built his legacy by dominating the college football scene. The experience he gained at the college level, both as a head coach and assistant, made him a strong candidate when opportunities arose in the NFL.

Key Lesson: Leverage College Coaching Many coaches find their way to the NFL through college football. It’s an essential stepping stone, where one can make a name for themselves, manage teams, and learn to handle the pressures of being in charge. Successful college coaches often transition to the NFL with a solid reputation and a track record of success.

Networking is Everything: Relationships Matter More Than You Think

Like any other industry, who you know matters just as much, if not more, than what you know in the NFL coaching world. The most successful coaches often have a strong network of contacts that they've built up over years in the sport. Networking can open doors that otherwise would remain closed, giving you access to job opportunities, mentorship, and insider knowledge.

Attend NFL-related events like the NFL Combine, Senior Bowl, or coaching clinics. This is where many high-level coaches and executives go to scout talent, not only among players but also among up-and-coming coaching prospects. Volunteering at these events or simply being present can help you make connections that might lead to future job offers.

Seizing Opportunities: Saying Yes to the Right Jobs, Even If They're Small

Many of the top NFL coaches didn’t wait for a dream job to fall into their lap—they took on smaller, less glamorous jobs and worked their way up. Sometimes this means becoming an assistant or even taking unpaid internships just to get your foot in the door.

For instance, Sean McVay, one of the youngest head coaches to reach a Super Bowl, started his coaching career as an offensive assistant with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, working tirelessly on menial tasks before proving his worth. Starting with lower-level jobs can lead to bigger, better opportunities as long as you demonstrate your value.

Key Lesson: Be Patient and Strategic It's easy to get frustrated when your career doesn't progress as quickly as you'd like, but remember that every small job is a stepping stone toward your ultimate goal. Sometimes the right role will appear in unexpected places, so it’s important to stay humble and patient.

Analyze the Numbers: Embrace Data and Analytics

Today’s NFL is more data-driven than ever before. Coaches who can combine traditional football knowledge with cutting-edge analytics are in high demand. Understanding advanced metrics and data analytics can give you a significant edge over the competition, as teams are increasingly looking for coaches who can integrate data into their decision-making processes.

Take the time to learn how data impacts decision-making in areas such as player evaluation, game strategy, and performance analysis. Coaches who can effectively blend old-school football instincts with new-age data insights are incredibly valuable.

Failure as a Catalyst: Learn from Setbacks

Every great coach has faced failure at some point in their career, and it's how they respond to those setbacks that often determines their long-term success. The NFL is a highly competitive industry, and not every opportunity will lead to immediate success.

Consider Pete Carroll, who was fired from two NFL coaching jobs before finding success with the Seattle Seahawks. Instead of being discouraged, he used his failures as learning experiences, refining his coaching style and leadership approach.

Key Lesson: Turn Failure into Growth The road to the NFL is rarely smooth. Use every failure as an opportunity to learn and improve, and you’ll be better positioned to seize your next opportunity.

Crafting a Personal Brand: Showcasing Your Unique Value

In the NFL coaching landscape, standing out from the crowd is critical. Developing a personal brand that showcases your unique approach to coaching can help you get noticed. Whether it’s being known as a defensive guru, an offensive mastermind, or a player development expert, it’s essential to highlight what sets you apart from other coaches.

Conclusion: The Journey to the NFL Is About Strategy, Grit, and Patience

Getting a coaching job in the NFL isn’t about overnight success. It's about persistence, building connections, starting small, and leveraging every opportunity that comes your way. With the right approach, even the most ambitious goals, like coaching in the NFL, are within reach.

Step	Key Lesson
Networking	Relationships matter more than you think in getting hired in the NFL.
Persistence	Failure is part of the process; resilience is more important than talent.
Start Small	Many coaches start at lower levels and work their way up to the NFL.
Leverage College Coaching	College football is a critical stepping stone for many NFL coaches.
Embrace Data	Combining traditional coaching with analytics is key in modern NFL strategy.
Learn from Failure	Successful coaches often use early failures to improve and adapt their skills.