Shaw University Jobs Hiring Now

Job Summary:

The Assistant Football Coach: Defensive Coordinator serves as a key member of the football program and assists the Head Coach in all aspects of operating a successful NCAA Division II program. The Defensive Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing all aspects of the team's defensive strategy. This role includes designing defensive schemes, analyzing opponents, coaching defensive players, and working closely with the Head Coach and other staff to achieve team goals.

Essential Job Functions:

Coaching & Player Development

• Develop and implement defensive game plans and strategies.
• Coach and mentor defensive players to improve individual and team performance.
• Analyze game films to evaluate team performance and scout opponents.
• Design practice drills focused on defensive techniques and fundamentals.
• Make in-game defensive adjustments based on opponent's tendencies.

Recruiting

• Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes who align with the institution’s academic and athletic standards.
• Build and maintain relationships with high school, prep school, junior college, and other coaches.
• Help to coordinate campus visits and recruiting communications.
• Utilize recruiting databases, film evaluation, and scouting software effectively.

Academic Support & Student-Athlete Welfare

• Monitor academic progress and promote student-athlete success toward graduation.
• Collaborate with academic support staff to ensure eligibility and retention.
• Serve as a mentor and positive role model for student athletes.
• Promote leadership, discipline, accountability, and sportsmanship within the program.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist with scheduling, travel coordination, budgeting, equipment management, and camp operations.
• Help to coordinate film exchange, scouting reports, analytics, and opponent preparation.
• Manage social media or program branding initiatives as assigned.
• Assist with fundraising, alumni engagement, and community outreach initiatives.

Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with NCAA Division II, conference, and institutional rules and regulations.
• Participate in compliance education and maintain accurate recruiting and program documentation.
• Promote a culture of integrity and accountability within the program.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Responsibilities include recruiting, player development, academic monitoring, game preparation, practice planning, scouting, compliance, and administrative duties while supporting the mission and values of the institution and the athletic department.

Minimum Job Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Previous football coaching experience.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to be approved to operate university-issued vehicles.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel as required.
• Commitment to student-athlete development, academic achievement, and program culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Collegiate coaching or playing experience, particularly defensive positions.
• Knowledge of defensive football schemes, techniques, and game management.
• Experience with player development and skill instruction.
• Recruiting experience and knowledge of NCAA Division II regulations.
• Strength and conditioning experience or background in athletic performance training.

Certificates, Licenses or Registrations

None

Other Competencies (skills, abilities, behavior)

Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the organization. Vision, commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical. Strong oral and written presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in organization, decision-making, problem-solving and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English.

Physical Demands

The work environment is an athletic and office setting which requires the ability to travel much of the time (including international travel), work long hours including evenings and weekends, be physically active, able to lift up to 50 pounds, and have the ability to demonstrate specific skills. Ability to demonstrate football drills and participate in the instruction.

Experience

Required

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel as required.
• Previous football coaching experience.

Preferred

• Knowledge of defensive football schemes, techniques, and game management.
• Collegiate coaching or playing experience, particularly defensive positions.

Education

Required

• Bachelors or better

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

• First Aid
• CPR

Skills

Preferred

• Leader

Behaviors

Preferred

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.