Month: April 2017

Survey of Athletic Directors 2017

Hiring Survey of Athletic DirectorsHave you ever wondered what specific characteristics and experiences that Athletic Directors look for when they are hiring their next basketball coach?

We all can guess at some potential hiring parameters … a winning record, positive testimonials from past players, fellow coaches, parents and other athletic directors … but are those the most important factors?

Coach Wheeler is in the process of doing a survey of Athletic Directors on the topic of their “Hiring Process” so that he can provide the information to other coaches as they develop their resume and apply for coaching jobs.

Survey Questions for Athletic Directors* include…

  • When do you know that you need to make a coaching change? What are the indicators? Aside from illegal or immoral activities which would be an immediate dismissal, what would you see as “the final straw” that would tell you that you need a new coach for your team?
  • What is the most important quality you look for in your next varsity basketball coach?
  • Where do you find the best candidates for your coaching openings? Online? Network of contacts? Other coaches? Other AD’s? Replies to Job Postings? Teachers at your school?

 

* If you are an Athletic Director and would like to participate in this survey, you can simply cut/paste the questions into a single comment below and add your responses. If you want to contact Coach Wheeler or if you need any clarification, please

Basketball Coaching Cover Letter 2017

I used the following cover letter for a basketball coaching position I applied for recently and will likely use it for future applications this year. This is my “current” cover letter and is subject to change since I tend to edit my cover letter depending on the position and they are often very different year-to-year.

The basketball coaching cover letter below is also not formatted / laid out like the official version due to the way this website works. If you know someone who has an opening, please let me know through this website or the contact form on my camp website, www.InviteOnlyBasketball.com.

I would really appreciate your feedback and ideas for improvement in the comments below. What is your first impressions? If you were an athletic director (AD) do you think that this letter would intrigue you enough to call for an interview?

If you need more background, this basketball coaching cover letter is often paired with my current basketball coaching resume which is on this webpage. Check it out!

Thanks,

Coach Dave Wheeler

************ Coverletter Text Below ***************

Re: Boys Basketball Varsity Coaching position

What is the most important part of high school athletics?

Winning?

Or developing the character of the athletes that go through your program?

I think you will agree that character AND winning can, and should, go together. Especially if the athletes are taught how to overcome challenges, persevere when times are tough and develop the skills they need to be successful.

My approach to basketball is a little different from other coaches. I believe that winning basketball is a skill that anyone can learn if they are willing to put in the effort. I believe in using every square inch of a basketball court and never giving up until the game is won. I believe that a player’s attitude and mindset are the keys to success both on and off the court.

As a coach, I am also a teacher… of new ideas and techniques within the game of basketball. I teach players to take chances based on the support of their team. I teach players where to focus their attention so they are able to anticipate their opponent’s next move. I teach players how to make the game easier for us and harder for the opposition.

I would like the opportunity to talk with you about what I could do for your school’s basketball program as your next head coach.  Please give me a call at 860-309-XXXX (cell) or 203-885-XXXX (office) so we can set up a time to talk.

Sincerely,

Dave Wheeler
Head Boys Basketball Coach
The Marlborough School
Overall Record: 36-2
2x regular season league champions
League Playoff Runner-up (2017) & Champion (2016)