TAHLEQUAH HIGH SCHOOL

HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

Reports To: Athletic Director and Building Administration

ABOUT TAHLEQUAH

Tahlequah, Oklahoma, is a vibrant community of about 18,000 in northeastern Oklahoma and serves as the capital of the Cherokee Nation. Rich in Native American history and culture, Tahlequah blends small-town charm with a strong sense of community, beautiful natural surroundings, and outdoor recreation opportunities at nearby Lake Tenkiller and along the Illinois River. It is a place where history runs deep, neighbors feel like family, and the future is rooted in opportunity. Tahlequah has a rich history, strong community identity, and tremendous pride in its schools and athletic programs.

Tahlequah Public Schools is committed to providing opportunities for students to succeed academically, athletically, and personally. The athletic department is focused on building competitive programs, developing student-athletes, and creating an environment where students, coaches, and the community can take pride in representing Tahlequah.

Tahlequah is entering an exciting new chapter in its athletic history. The district is currently constructing a new football stadium with approximately 5,000 seats, along with a state-of-the-art fieldhouse, weight room, and locker room facilities.

This investment represents a significant commitment to the future of Tahlequah athletics and provides the next head football coach with an opportunity to lead a program with new facilities, community support, and a vision for long-term success.

We are looking for a leader who sees the opportunity to build a program, establish a championship culture, and make a lasting impact on the students and community of Tahlequah.

POSITION SUMMARY

Tahlequah High School is seeking an energetic, experienced, and relationship-driven Head Football Coach to lead all aspects of its football program, grades 7–12.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive football program that emphasizes academic achievement, character development, discipline, accountability, strength and conditioning, and competitive excellence.

The Head Football Coach will establish a consistent philosophy and expectations throughout the football program, creating alignment between the junior high and high school levels.

The ideal candidate will be a proven leader, an excellent communicator, a strong program builder, and someone who understands that developing successful young men extends well beyond the football field.

The expectation is to build a program that competes for district championships, advances deep into the OSSAA playoffs, and consistently positions itself among the competitive football programs in Oklahoma.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Leadership & Vision

• Establish and communicate a clear vision, philosophy, and identity for Tahlequah Football.
• Develop a comprehensive 7th–12th grade football program with consistent expectations, terminology, schemes, and standards.
• Create a championship-level culture built around discipline, accountability, commitment, toughness, and teamwork.
• Establish measurable short-term and long-term goals for the football program.
• Develop a program that consistently competes for conference/district championships and state playoff opportunities.
• Build pride and excitement throughout the school and community.
• Represent Tahlequah Public Schools and its athletic department in a professional manner.

2. Coaching & Staff Development

• Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate assistant football coaches in coordination with the Athletic Director and administration.
• Build a coaching staff that shares a common vision and commitment to student-athlete development.
• Provide leadership, direction, and professional development opportunities for assistant coaches.
• Establish clear responsibilities and expectations for every member of the coaching staff.
• Develop strong relationships with junior high and high school coaches.
• Promote a positive, competitive, and collaborative coaching environment.
• Hold regular staff meetings to evaluate progress and maintain program alignment.

3. Player Development & Strength and Conditioning

• Establish a year-round player development program.
• Develop and implement an organized offseason strength and conditioning program.
• Utilize the new weight room and fieldhouse to maximize athletic development.
• Establish expectations for offseason participation, summer workouts, speed development, and conditioning.
• Focus on injury prevention, proper training techniques, and long-term athletic development.
• Develop leadership, accountability, mental toughness, and confidence in student-athletes.
• Create opportunities for athletes to develop physically and compete at the highest level possible.

4. Junior High & Feeder Program Development

• Provide leadership and direction for the entire 7th–12th grade football program.
• Establish consistent offensive, defensive, and special teams philosophies throughout the program.
• Develop relationships with middle school coaches, youth organizations, and elementary school students.
• Create opportunities for young athletes to become involved in football.
• Develop a strong feeder system that prepares athletes for high school competitions.
• Establish communication between junior high and high school coaching staff.
• Promote football throughout the district and increase participation at all levels.

5. Academic Achievement & Character Development

• Emphasize that student-athletes are students first and athletes second.
• Monitor academic progress, attendance, and classroom behavior.
• Establish expectations for academic accountability and eligibility.
• Develop young men who demonstrate leadership, integrity, respect, responsibility, and citizenship.
• Build relationships with teachers, counselors, parents, and administrators.
• Promote a culture where academic success is celebrated alongside athletic achievement.
• Prepare student-athletes for success beyond high school, including college, careers, and life.

6. Community & Program Relationships

• Develop positive relationships with parents, alumni, community members, and local businesses.
• Build support and excitement for Tahlequah Football.
• Work collaboratively with the Athletic Director, administration, booster organizations, and district personnel.
• Communicate effectively with parents while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Promote community involvement and youth football development.
• Be visible and engaged within the Tahlequah community.
• Serve as a positive representative of Tahlequah Public Schools.

7. Football Operations & Administration

• Organize and oversee all football practices, games, camps, offseason activities, and team functions.
• Manage equipment, uniforms, facilities, and program resources responsibly.
• Develop and manage the football budget in coordination with the Athletic Director.
• Coordinate transportation, scheduling, and game-day operations.
• Ensure compliance with OSSAA regulations, district policies, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Maintain appropriate communication with the Athletic Director regarding program needs, concerns, and progress.
• Oversee the proper use and maintenance of football facilities and equipment.

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Previous successful experience as a head football coach or coordinator at the high school level.
• A proven ability to build and sustain a competitive football program.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience in developing and managing coaching staff.
• A clear philosophy regarding player development, strength and conditioning, and program culture.
• Experience developing relationships with athletes, families, faculty, and community members.
• A commitment to academic achievement and student development.
• Knowledge of current football strategies, techniques, and trends.
• The ability to establish high expectations while developing positive relationships.
• A commitment to the long-term success of the entire athletic department.

Certification Requirements: Current and valid Oklahoma Teaching Certificate in any area.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading a 7th–12th grade football program.
• Experience competing successfully in the Oklahoma high school football playoff system.
• Experience building or rebuilding a football program.
• Experience developing college-level football opportunities for student-athletes.
• Experience with year-round strength and conditioning programs.

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE NEXT HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

The next Head Football Coach at Tahlequah High School will be expected to:

1. Build a championship-caliber football culture.
2. Establish a consistent 7th–12th grade football philosophy.
3. Increase participation and strengthen the football feeder system.
4. Develop a year-round strength and conditioning program.
5. Build and maintain a strong coaching staff.
6. Improve the overall competitiveness of the program.
7. Develop positive relationships with players, parents, teachers, and the community.
8. Maintain high academic and behavioral expectations.
9. Utilize the new athletic facilities to maximize player development.
10. Make Tahlequah Football a source of pride for the entire community.

OUR GOAL

We are looking for a leader who understands that building a successful football program takes time, commitment, consistency, and relationships. The next Head Football Coach will inherit an opportunity to lead a program into a new era, with significant facility investments, community pride, and the resources to build something special. We want someone who wants to build a program that our players, alumni, school, and community can be proud of. Tahlequah Football. Building a Tradition. Developing Champions.

            Apply Online: 

                                           www.tahlequahschools.org

                                            Select “Employment Openings”

                                            For assistance or questions contact:

                                            Athletic Director Matt Cloud at 918-458-4154