Head Coach Boys Middle School Football

Erie's Public Schools; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Erie’s Public Schools is seeking a Head Middle School Football Coach to lead the program at East and Wilson Middle Schools, coordinating practices, games, and student-athlete development with adherence to district policies and NFHS/PIAA rules.

You will monitor academics, promote citizenship and sportsmanship, and collaborate with school staff, trainers, and administrators to foster a positive, inclusive environment for student-athletes both on and off the field.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of football fundamentals, offensive and defensive concepts, player development, and game management.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, motivate, and mentor middle school student-athletes.
• Understanding of age-appropriate skill development, conditioning, and injury prevention practices.
• Ability to develop and implement practice plans that promote skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and character development.
• Ability to support the transition of student-athletes into the Erie High School Football Program.
• Must hold or obtain FBI, Criminal History, and Child Abuse Clearances.
• Working knowledge of Erie's Public Schools policies, procedures, and organizational structure.
• Must possess strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Must complete all required PIAA coaching education requirements.
• Must maintain current certifications required by PIAA and NFHS, including: Fundamentals of Coaching, First Aid, Health and Safety for Coaches, Concussion Management, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness.
• Possess a thorough understanding of all PIAA and NFHS Football Rules and Regulations.
• Experience working with student-athletes in an urban educational environment preferred.
• Urban student experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor academic progress, attendance, and conduct of student-athletes.
• Implement the football program philosophy established by the Erie High School Football Coaching Staff.
• Attend all practices, games, meetings, and football-related team functions.
• Develop and communicate weekly practice plans aligned with program goals and player development objectives.
• Conduct practices in accordance with PIAA and NFHS regulations and district policies.
• Teach football fundamentals, proper tackling techniques, player safety protocols, and sportsmanship.
• Emphasize player safety and proper equipment usage at all times.
• Ensure compliance with all PIAA, NFHS, District 10, and Erie's Public Schools regulations.
• Evaluate student-athlete development and communicate progress to the High School Varsity Coaching Staff.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with parents regarding expectations, schedules, and student-athlete development.
• Host a parent meeting prior to the beginning of the season.
• Maintain accurate inventories of uniforms, football equipment, and program supplies.
• Assist with equipment distribution and collection.
• Work collaboratively with athletic trainers, school administrators, transportation personnel, and athletic department staff.
• Promote positive behavior, respect, sportsmanship, and character development among student-athletes.
• Participate in team banquets, awards programs, youth football events, and other program activities.
• Maintain positive communication with student-athletes, families, community members, and district administration.
• Foster a culture that encourages academic achievement, attendance, leadership, and citizenship.

Skills

Football fundamentals

Player development

Game management

Mentoring

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Coaching certifications (PIAA/NFHS)

Job description

Position Summary

The Head Middle School Football Coach will facilitate and enhance communication and collaboration among Erie's Public Schools, parents, students, coaches, and community stakeholders. The Head Coach will promote a positive school culture, foster academic excellence, and exemplify good character for student‑athletes.

The Head Coach is expected to serve as a positive role model, mentor student‑athletes, and embrace all concepts of good citizenship while developing football fundamentals and supporting the growth of the Erie High School Football Program. The coach will create a safe, inclusive, and educational environment that promotes student‑athlete success both on and off the field.

Term of Employment

12‑Month Position

Schools/Location

• East Middle School
• Wilson Middle School

Reporting Relationships

• Erie High School Varsity Head Football Coach
• Building Principal
• Assistant Athletic Director
• Athletic Director

Qualifications

• Knowledge of football fundamentals, offensive and defensive concepts, player development, and game management.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, motivate, and mentor middle school student‑athletes.
• Understanding of age‑appropriate skill development, conditioning, and injury prevention practices.
• Ability to develop and implement practice plans that promote skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and character development.
• Ability to support the transition of student‑athletes into the Erie High School Football Program.
• Must hold or obtain FBI, Criminal History, and Child Abuse Clearances.
• Working knowledge of Erie's Public Schools policies, procedures, and organizational structure.
• Must possess strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Must complete all required PIAA coaching education requirements.
• Must maintain current certifications required by PIAA and NFHS, including:
• Fundamentals of Coaching
• First Aid, Health and Safety for Coaches
• Concussion Management Certification
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Certification
• Possess a thorough understanding of all PIAA and NFHS Football Rules and Regulations.
• Experience working with student‑athletes in an urban educational environment preferred.
• Urban student experience a plus.

Work Environment

School and office setting with frequent travel between schools, practice facilities, game sites, and various locations within the Erie community.

Certifications

Must complete and maintain all coaching education requirements established by:

• Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA)
• Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)
• National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor academic progress, attendance, and conduct of student‑athletes.
• Implement the football program philosophy established by the Erie High School Football Coaching Staff.
• Attend all practices, games, meetings, and football‑related team functions.
• Develop and communicate weekly practice plans aligned with program goals and player development objectives.
• Conduct practices in accordance with PIAA and NFHS regulations and district policies.
• Teach football fundamentals, proper tackling techniques, player safety protocols, and sportsmanship.
• Emphasize player safety and proper equipment usage at all times.

Ensure compliance with all PIAA, NFHS, District 10, and Erie's Public Schools regulations.

Evaluate student‑athlete development and communicate progress to the High School Varsity Coaching Staff.

Coordinate and communicate effectively with parents regarding expectations, schedules, and student‑athlete development.

Host a parent meeting prior to the beginning of the season.

Maintain accurate inventories of uniforms, football equipment, and program supplies.

Assist with equipment distribution and collection.

Work collaboratively with athletic trainers, school administrators, transportation personnel, and athletic department staff.

Promote positive behavior, respect, sportsmanship, and character development among student‑athletes.

Participate in team banquets, awards programs, youth football events, and other program activities.

Maintain positive communication with student‑athletes, families, community members, and district administration.

Foster a culture that encourages academic achievement, attendance, leadership, and citizenship.

Professionalism

• Must possess the ability to work collaboratively as part of a coaching staff and educational team.
• Must be cooperative, service‑oriented, and promote these characteristics with student‑athletes.
• Represent Erie's Public Schools with a high level of ethical behavior and professional standards.
• Serve as a positive ambassador for the football program, school district, and community.
• Demonstrate professionalism in interactions with officials, opposing teams, parents, and spectators.

Off-Season Expectations

• Attend and support football program fundraisers, if applicable.
• Attend athletic department meetings, workshops, clinics, and professional development opportunities.
• Participate in football program planning meetings with the Erie High School coaching staff.
• Assist with athlete recruitment, retention, and transition into the high school football program.
• Support youth football initiatives that strengthen the Erie football pipeline.
• Organize and supervise voluntary off‑season conditioning opportunities in accordance with PIAA regulations.
• Assist in promoting participation in football throughout Erie's Public Schools.

Evaluation

Performance Will Be Evaluated By The

• Erie High School Varsity Head Football Coach
• Building Administrator
• Assistant Athletic Director
• Athletic Director