The Esports Assistant Coach supports the Head Esports Coach in the administration, development, and competitive success of the institution's esports program. The Assistant Coach assists with team practices, competition preparation, player development, recruiting, team operations, and student-athlete support while promoting a positive, inclusive, and educational team environment.
The position may be performed on campus, remotely, or through a combination of both, depending on program needs and the competition schedule. Remote responsibilities may include virtual practices, gameplay and VOD review, scouting, recruiting, team meetings, player development, and administrative duties.
Duties/Responsibilities
- (30%) Coaching & Player Development
- Assist the Head Coach with planning and conducting team practices, training sessions, and competitions.
- Provide instruction and feedback to student-athletes on gameplay, strategy, communication, teamwork, and competitive performance.
- Conduct or participate in virtual practices, team meetings, individual player meetings, and VOD/gameplay review as appropriate.
- Review gameplay and competitive performance to identify areas for improvement.
- Assist with developing individual and team training plans.
- Help establish and maintain team standards for preparation, conduct, communication, and sportsmanship.
- Provide coaching support for assigned esports titles or teams.
- (25%) Competition & Team Operations
- Assist with preparation for regular-season and postseason competitions.
- Participate in recruiting activities, including campus visits, tournaments, showcases, and virtual recruiting.
- Conduct recruiting communications and meetings through appropriate virtual platforms.
- Assist with developing relationships with high school, club, and community esports programs.
- Support efforts to promote the esports program and increase program visibility.
- (15%) Student-Athlete Support
- Foster a positive team culture emphasizing academic achievement, personal development, sportsmanship, and responsible participation.
- Monitor student-athlete engagement, attendance, and adherence to team expectations.
- Serve as a positive mentor and role model for student-athletes through both in-person and virtual interactions.
- Communicate concerns regarding student-athlete academic, personal, or team-related issues to the Head Coach or appropriate institutional personnel.
- Support student-athletes in balancing academic responsibilities with esports participation.
- (10%) Administrative & Other Duties
- Assist with maintaining team records, statistics, schedules, scouting reports, and other program documentation.
- Assist with social media, promotional activities, and community engagement as assigned.
- Attend staff meetings and other required departmental or program meetings, either in person or virtually.
- Maintain regular communication with the Head Coach and other program staff regardless of work location.
- Maintain current knowledge of developments in collegiate esports, including competitive trends, game updates, and emerging technologies.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Head Coach or Director of Esports/Athletics.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Experience playing or coaching competitive esports.
- Strong knowledge of at least one competitive esports title.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively coach, mentor, and communicate with college-aged student-athletes in both in-person and virtual environments.
- Ability to independently manage responsibilities while working remotely.
- Reliable access to appropriate technology and internet connectivity when working remotely.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as required by competition schedules.
- Commitment to academic success, sportsmanship, inclusion, and student-athlete development.
Preferred Qualifications
- Collegiate esports coaching or competitive experience.
- Experience coaching or competing in multiple esports titles.
- Experience with esports recruiting and player evaluation.
- Experience with gameplay analysis, statistics, streaming, or esports technology.
- Experience working effectively in a remote or hybrid coaching environment.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Working Conditions
The position may be performed in an on-campus, remote, or hybrid capacity, as determined by the Head Coach and Athletics Department based on program needs.
Remote work may include virtual practices, gameplay and VOD review, scouting, recruiting, individual player meetings, team meetings, administrative work, and other coaching responsibilities.
The position requires flexibility to attend in-person practices, competitions, recruiting events, team activities, and other program functions when required. Evening and weekend work is expected during competitive seasons.