Are high school football coaching jobs hard to get?

I'm really interested in possibly becoming a football coach after high school. What steps should I take to become a high school football coach, and is it difficult to land a coaching position?

As a starting point, it is essential to have a substantive understanding of the sport and the strategies involved, which you likely already have as someone interested in coaching football. In addition to this knowledge base, here are the possible steps to take towards becoming a high school football coach:

1. Continue Learning: As a current high schooler, make it a point to learn as much as you can about the game. Consider attending clinics or seminars, studying books/textbooks, regularly watching games and analyzing strategies. This will help bolster your football knowledge.

2. Get Involved: Schools often look for coaches who have been involved with football, either as a player or in some other capacity. If you play, consider stepping into leadership roles on your team if possible. If you don't play, try to find ways to get involved in your school's football program now—such as becoming a team manager or assisting in running the team's practice sessions.

3. Get Certified: Many public high schools require coaches to have a coaching certification, and some may require a teaching certification. Check with your state's department of education or its equivalent for specifics. Keep in mind that private schools' requirements may be different.

4. Volunteer or Intern: Once you've graduated high school, look for volunteering or internship opportunities. Coaching positions can often be competitive, and real-world experience can increase your chances of landing a job. Look for opportunities at local schools, club teams, or community organizations. This can also give you great experience and connections.

5. Build a Network: Start building your professional network in the field of coaching now. Attend coaches’ clinics, engage with your own coaches and teachers, and make connections with alumni from your school who have gone into coaching. These connections could potentially help you land a position in the future.

6. Find a Job: Once you have some experience and certifications, start looking for job openings. Be prepared for the possibility of not immediately landing a head coaching job; you might need to start in a lower-level coaching position (like an assistant coach) and work your way up.

As for the difficulty in landing a coaching position, it can depend on various factors like local demand, school budgets, and the level of competition for these roles. For high school coaching positions, it can also depend on whether you're also a teacher at the school, as many positions are filled by teachers. But, if you follow these steps and are passionate about coaching, it's definitely within reach.