Hello, everyone!
This summer has been an incredible journey, filled with new opportunities and valuable lessons. As many of you know, I'm currently leading my high school basketball program, but I've recently had the chance to explore the world of college coaching. I interviewed for two distinct positions: an assistant coach role at a Division I school and a head coach position at a Division III program. These experiences were enlightening and gave me a deeper understanding of the differences in expectations and cultures within collegiate basketball. I'd like to share some insights from these interviews with you all.
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The Division I Assistant Coach Interview
The Division I interview process was everything you'd expect from the high-stakes world of top-tier college basketball—intense and demanding. It started with a series of preliminary phone interviews, focusing on my background in high school coaching, my basketball philosophy, and what I could bring to the program. There was a particular emphasis on recruiting skills, including my ability to scout and attract talented players and my existing network within the basketball community.
The in-person interview was a comprehensive experience spread over several days. It included meetings with various stakeholders: the head coach, assistant coaches, athletic directors, and even some players. Each conversation delved into different aspects of the role, from developing game strategies and mentoring athletes to handling administrative tasks and ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations. meeting with these people allowed me to showcase my coaching style and how I connect with players.
The Division III Head Coach Interview
The Division III interview process started similarly but had a unique flavor of its own. It began with a brief 15-minute phone call, focusing on getting to know me as a person and understanding my coaching approach. The second interview was another phone call, lasting 45 minutes to an hour, where we discussed my coaching philosophies, how I handle various job aspects, and my vision for the program.
The final stage was a Zoom interview with a diverse panel, including the athletic director, assistant athletic director, director of student affairs, and a couple of student-athletes. This interview was an in-depth discussion about my plans for integrating the team into the campus community, supporting student-athlete development, and fostering a positive team culture.
Creating a Coaching Portfolio
For both positions, I had to create a comprehensive portfolio outlining who I am, my background, coaching philosophies, values, and how I envisioned contributing to each program. This process was both challenging and enlightening. In our day-to-day coaching, we often focus on immediate tasks and goals, sometimes losing sight of the broader principles and values that guide us. Compiling this portfolio required me to reflect deeply on my journey, reaffirm my core beliefs, and clearly articulate my vision to people who had no prior knowledge of me.
Presenting this to a panel was a unique experience—it was challenging but also incredibly valuable. It helped me reset and gain a clearer understanding of where I stand as a coach and where I want to go.
Seeking Guidance and Inspiration
A big part of my process was seeking guidance from well-respected college coaches who have blessed me with the opportunity to get to know them and their willingness to share their experiences. Their insights were invaluable in helping me navigate these interviews and refine my approach. Additionally, my current players, whom I challenge daily, gave me the confidence to reach out for these opportunities. If I'm going to challenge them to push themselves beyond their comfort zones or face their fears, I must hold myself to the same standard.
A Major Decision: Weighing the Offer
Over the past couple of years, I’ve been fortunate to be approached for these interviews and have actually been offered jobs. I was blessed enough to be a top three finalist in each. This presented me with a critical decision-making moment, as I had to weigh the pros and cons of the opportunities. It was essential to consider not just what was best for me now but also for my future and those around me, including my current high school team and community. This decision process was a complex one, filled with reflections on my career goals, personal values, and the potential impact on my family and colleagues.
The whole experience is one that I continue to cherish and feel blessed to have had. It provided me with valuable insights and reaffirmed the importance of being deliberate and thoughtful when making significant career moves.
Key Takeaways
Both interviews underscored the importance of adaptability and a clear coaching vision. At the Division I level, the emphasis was on the immediate impact—recruiting top talent, winning games, and navigating the high-pressure environment. In contrast, the Division III position highlighted the value of developing well-rounded student-athletes and integrating the basketball program into the broader educational mission of the institution.
These experiences have not only broadened my understanding of college basketball but have also reinforced my commitment to continuous growth as a coach. Whether at the high school level or beyond, the principles of strong leadership, effective communication, and a passion for the game remain constant.
As I continue to lead my high school team, these insights will undoubtedly shape my approach and drive me to further develop my coaching career. The journey has just begun, and I look forward to the next steps in this exciting path.
Conclusion
Reflecting on this journey, I’m deeply grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had. Navigating the complexities of the college coaching landscape has been both challenging and rewarding. Each step—from initial interviews to final decisions—has reinforced my commitment to my coaching philosophy and growth.
Whether I’m working with high school athletes or potentially moving to the collegiate level, the lessons learned through these interviews will continue to guide me. I look forward to sharing more with you as I continue to evolve as a coach and leader.
CoachBraceyiii’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
