High School Coach

Overview:

A high school coach’s career involves training and mentoring student-athletes in a specific sport while promoting teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Coaches plan and lead practices, develop game strategies, and provide guidance on physical fitness and skill development. They also manage team logistics, such as scheduling games and coordinating travel, and often work closely with teachers and parents to support students academically and personally.

On a daily basis, a high school coach teaches sport-specific skills and strategies, and helps student-athletes improve their performance and fitness. They plan training sessions, review game footage, and develop plays or tactics for upcoming competitions. Coaches also monitor athletes’ physical condition, provide motivation and support, and ensure safety during training. Oklahoma public high school coaches also work as teachers during the school day, balancing classroom responsibilities with their athletic commitments before or after school hours. So, if you want to be a coach at a public school in Oklahoma, you should plan to choose a major in college that leads to teaching credentials.

Salary Expectations and Employment and Outlook:

In Oklahoma, the average annual income for a coach is $51,700. Obviously, the income range for coaches is based on several factors. For more specific information about this in Oklahoma, please visit OKcollegestart.

Watch an Interview with a local High School Coach:

Watch a Video about a career in Coaching

Is a Career in Coaching Right for YOU? What are the:

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

High school coaches often work long and irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, especially during sports seasons. They spend a lot of time outdoors or in gymnasiums, regardless of weather, and must be physically active while demonstrating drills or supervising practices. The job can be high-pressure, especially around game time, and requires strong leadership and communication skills. Coaches also juggle administrative tasks, such as organizing schedules, managing equipment, and tracking athlete eligibility. Many also have full-time teaching roles, making time management essential.

Specific Skills Needed: A high school coach needs a variety of specific skills to be effective. These include:

Leadership and Motivation: To inspire and guide student-athletes, foster teamwork, and build confidence.
Communication Skills: For clearly explaining techniques, giving feedback, and interacting with students, parents, and school staff.
Knowledge of the Sport: Including rules, strategies, and training methods specific to the sport they coach.
Organizational Skills: To manage schedules, plan practices, and handle team logistics.
Patience and Mentorship: To work with students of varying skill levels and support their personal and athletic growth.
Discipline and Time Management: Especially important for balancing coaching duties with teaching (if applicable) and ensuring players meet academic and behavioral expectations.
Problem-Solving Skills: For making quick decisions during games and handling unexpected challenges.

Education Requirements:

While in HS: To prepare for a career in coaching while you're in high school, start by getting involved in sports—either by playing on school teams or assisting coaches if possible. This gives you firsthand experience with teamwork, training, and game strategy. Take health, physical education, and leadership classes to build foundational knowledge and communication skills. Volunteering to help with youth sports or camps can also give you valuable coaching experience. Focus on maintaining good grades, especially if you plan to pursue a teaching degree alongside coaching. Developing strong time management, teamwork, and leadership abilities now will help you succeed in both college and your future coaching career.

You might also consider taking college courses (concurrent enrollment) while in high school to save time and money. Ask your High School Counselor or a Vista Member for more information.

College or Tech Training:

To prepare for a career in coaching, most people pursue a bachelor’s degree in fields like physical education, sports science, kinesiology, or education. If you plan to coach in a high school setting, becoming a teacher is often part of the path, so earning a teaching credential along with your degree is usually required. Many states also require coaches to complete first aid, CPR, and concussion training, along with state-specific coaching certifications.

Some coaches also pursue additional certifications through organizations like the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) or USA Coaching Education Program, which offer sport-specific and general coaching training.

Alternatively, if you’re interested in a more technical or support role, such as … (also from AI), Connors State College as well as Carl Albert State College (link directly to their degree page offer excellent associate level programs in “ “. Both of these programs dovetail nicely into a bachelor's degree program at “ “.

A Note About Transferring

Oklahoma provides for many seamless pathways from local community colleges to regional and state universities which allows you to take advantage of a more cost effective way for you to earn credits at a reduced rate with guaranteed transferability. You can possibly stay closer to home and save money and still reach your academic and career goals. Ask your High School Counselor or a Vista Member for more information.

Other Requirements or Recommendations: Check out OKcollegestart for more resources related to What To Learn