The importance of choosing a good assistant coach

We've all seen the moment and it makes me gasp in horror.

A coach is hosting a parent meeting and openly asks the question "Who wants to be my assistant coach?".

For me, this is my most difficult decision, sometimes more difficult than picking the team.

You are the architect and the facilitator of your program.  It's done for the players, but it has your name on it.

Your assistant has to be somebody who is ready to help, ready to suggest, but never forget that you are the one who has to answer for the program.

I've been in games and watched opposing assistants make complete fools of their head coach and team. We had opposing assistants turn their focus on us trying "get us off our game".  Seriously?  My
favourite scene is when the head coach has to take his focus away from his team to control his assistant.  Gong show.

We've all seen coaches who realize too late they have an assistant that is not going to work out.

There is a reason why a dismissed coach usually means their assistants go with them.  The new incoming coach wants to pick their own staff.  Is it a buddy system or old boys network? No, they can be old teammates or former coaches/players.  They could also be strangers that you met via a public posting for an assistant and interviewed.

You have a lot of things to consider before choosing an assistant:

With our crew for Niagara College Men and Women ... Gerry,
Rino, me, Gary, Kristin, Kelly and Luciano

Are they qualified?  The level of qualification depends on what you're looking for in an assistant and how many assistants you have.  I enjoy having people who really know the game and have something to teach me.  I want people who fill the holes that I feel I have as a coach.  I had an assistant once who knew very little about the game but he was athletic, respected, GREAT with the kids and he was perfect for the job.  We made it work.

Do they have a child on the team?  To some, it's not a big deal. If you set out parameters and recruit the right person, it shouldn't matter.  If you have 3 assistants and you all have children on the team, how does that play out?  For some teams that might mean four captains and four strikers :)

Does their personality suit your style?  I like people who will tell me if/when they see something I might have missed.  It's important that they do so and it's important they they know I want that.

Level of discretion.  If your assistant starts using inappropriate language or engaging in poor behaviour at games or at a hotel at tournaments, it all falls on you.  Are they sending crazy emails to your parents as a group?  Poor choice of words on social media? It all comes back to the head coach.  Be careful.

Are they a head coach in assistant coach clothing? Sometimes this is good and bad. A strong personality could result in two people trying to present themselves as head coach.  But it's also good

With Coach Tony during our trip to the Netherlands.  He was
very experienced and knowledgeable, but above all very
supportive and exercised incredible discretion.

to work with somebody who wants to learn and have their own team at some point.  In terms of abilities and knowledge, my long time assistant, Rino, is an assistant in name only.  He likes to coach and is VERY good,  but doesn't want the life of a head coach so he is happy doing what he does and respects the situation.  His answer is always "you're the one who takes the heat so you have to be comfortable with what we do."  A few times I've worked with people who were head coaches but didn't have time to be a head coach, so assisted.  We understood our roles and moved forward.  There are many scenarios, just make sure the roles are clear.

Do they support your philosophy?  This is HUGE.  At all levels and ages.  Your philosophy is you, period.  How can somebody be your assistant if they don't support your philosophy?  Opposing philosophies will only lead to problems down the road.  I was asked to approach a coach to ask if he would assist a coach in our regional program.  He is usually a head coach and honestly told me he would not be a good assistant coach.  This is true for many people and you have to applaud people who recognize that before it's too late.  It might limit their personal development, but at least they know it might hurt the kids.

Are they a "yes" man? (or woman) Personally, I can't work with a "yes" man.  That doesn't contribute to the conversation or move the program forward.

Are they tactful in disagreement?  I've seen some assistants take over a group and completely undo or oppose what the coach has laid out.  Once I heard a guy yell "WRONG!" during a coaching demonstration.  Both coaches will rarely be 100% in agreement, but there are ways of dealing with that.  In front of the players is NOT the way.  Remember, you're the coach.  If there is disagreement, it's not 100% on the assistant's shoulder.  You should review your plan with your assistant coach before training to get input and possible identification of incorrect coaching points. 

"You have a lot of things to consider before choosing an assistant coach... "

Do they have a big mouth?  Sorry, but it's the only way I can word the question.  You and your assistant(s) need to have some conversations that should stay between you.  Even if you are 100% sincere and ethical there are still conversations that need to stay private.

Do you trust this person to be "you" in your absence? I guess the question is self explanatory.

Are you ready to defend your assistant? If your assistant coach gets themselves in trouble, you are responsible.  They must be somebody you trust to not put you in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.  You think about that when you sign the game sheet.

Will your players look to them with the same eyes that they look at you?  If you don't have an assistant with credibility, this makes life a little difficult.  But you need to ask this question in a way that you get honest answers from your players.  Our Niagara College athletics program interviews players/teams after the season without the coach presence and the quality of our assistants is a major topic.  And rightfully so.

Do you feel they might undermine you?  We've had an instance in a local club where an assistant had his own session with a small groups of players (their parents shared a common dislike for the head coach).  We've had instances where coaches were quietly telling parents they would apply for that team the following year.  We've had coaches tell parents that they were not involved in a decision that parents didn't like with regards to positions, etc.  DANGEROUS DANGEROUS DANGEROUS.  Not from a dictator/empire point of view, but in terms of what might get back to the kids and their group.  This happens more than people realize.

I still have a lot to learn in terms of utilizing assistants to their full potential.  I still have a lot to learn in defining roles and delegating.  I am getting better and I have good people around me who are honest with their advice.

From a philosophical point of view, I also feel it's my duty to develop male and female coaches who would eventually leave to coach their own teams.

If you are an inexperienced coach who doesn't have anybody they can approach, ask your club to suggest some candidates and have the conversation with them.

How did you pick your assistant coach(es)?   Did you pick a clone of you or somebody to compliment what you have?  Do you have the self-confidence to find somebody who knows more than you do?

It's a very important role.  Give it more thought than a random question at a parent meeting.