The Life of a Coach
I know the title of this post sounds like an easy life to some, while for others it screams of a roller coaster that they would never choose to ride.
Few get into coaching for the money. Unless you have a legend in your corner, who can elevate you up the ladder of success early in your career, you will most likely spend years as an underpaid overworked assistant with four to five other part time jobs tagged to your position. Your $1000 to $5000 coaching stipend is what will both get you hired and fired in a heart beat. It is the other glorious positions of bus driver, program promoter, sports information director, alumni director, janitor, counselor, etc.. that beg for your time everyday. More than likely, you didn’t quite realize that you were signing up for many of these responsibilities, while each can also get you fired.
It is a good thing parents always support you and never care if you play their child, Remember, kids can do no wrong and their is no need to discipline them. Parents usually help out by sitting up in the stands and screaming for their child to shoot every time they touch the ball. It is also a good thing that you always have the administrations support and school board’s backing, especially when you invite your team to an FCA event or to pray before a game.
Most likely your family will have to endure moving numerous times, something your wife and kids love. Have you seen the movie Cheaper by the Dozen? Both movies 1 & 2 would be a great references. Personally, we have been pretty lucky in that area with only six moves in thirty years. So on average prepare for your family to go through the complete hurricane of a move about every five years.
Just saw a Facebook post that nailed it. Only a coach’s wife and kids can fully and truly understand this fully.
We interrupt this marriage to bring you Basketball Season
Ed Orgeron, who just 21 months ago led his LSU Tigers to the best season in College Football History, just got fired. Expectations and pressure to win can cause the atmosphere to shift overnight. Every program God has blessed me with the opportunity to take over was at rock bottom when I took the job. The first year or two people showed up like crazy just to a first round playoff game. Three years later they didn’t even show up unless we were in the Final Four or National Championship, Expectations soon become win it all again or you failed.
Did I mention it is a heath hazard that can pretty much guarantee you high stress, late nights, travel, and an occasional kidney stone?
These days high school coaches are getting fired for taking a knee after a game and entire NCAA Head Football Coaching staffs are being fired for not getting a vaccination. All just normal challenges in the life of a coach.
So why in the world would you choose to ride this roller coaster?
Because, much like a Pastor or an FCA Leader, there is few more impacting opportunities to touch lives for the Kingdom of Heaven than the life of a coach. The earthly treasure may seem small, but the eternal reward is priceless! Through changing lives and helping young men and women become better future husbands, fathers, mothers, and leaders, we bring hope to a Nation in need of it!
I believe Coaching is a Called Position by God and that God anoints and brings His favor to coaches who are obedient and strive to bring Him glory. It is a front line position where the battle is won in the trenches and it requires brave men and women with courage and love. God promises us that we are never alone. He sent the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and empower us daily as we seek His will and focus on bringing Him Glory.
Coaches! Be men and women of high character, morals, values, and faith! You will be held accountable one day to our example and Coach, Jesus Christ!
Fans! Support Godly coaches. Thank them for the sacrifices they make to help you raise your kids, while sacrificing time with their own. Stand with them when the enemy attacks. There is strength in numbers when two or three stand in the name of Jesus and your encouragement and faith is way more powerful than you realize.
There is Nothing more Powerful than The Life of a Godly Coach!