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Defense Coach Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Defense Coach information

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$10

$19

$30

How much do defense coach jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense coach in the United States is $19.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Defense Coach, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Coach, you need a deep understanding of defensive strategies, player development, and typically experience as a coach or former player at a competitive level. Familiarity with video analysis software, playbook management tools, and relevant coaching certifications such as those from USA Football are commonly required. Strong leadership, communication, and motivational skills help foster teamwork and discipline among players. These skills and qualities are essential for building effective defensive units, improving player performance, and achieving team success.

What are some common challenges faced by a Defense Coach when integrating new defensive strategies with an existing team?

One of the main challenges for a Defense Coach is aligning new defensive strategies with players' current skill sets and established team dynamics. Transitioning to a new system often requires clear communication, patience, and incremental implementation to ensure players understand their roles and responsibilities. Additionally, a Defense Coach must balance introducing innovative tactics with maintaining consistency, especially under the pressure of competitive schedules. Collaborating closely with other coaches and facilitating regular feedback sessions helps smooth the transition and fosters team buy-in.

What is a Defense Coach?

A Defense Coach is a specialized coach in team sports, such as football, basketball, or hockey, who is responsible for developing and implementing defensive strategies. They work with players to improve defensive skills, tactics, and overall team coordination to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Defense Coaches analyze opponents' offensive plays, prepare defensive game plans, and provide feedback to individual players and the team as a whole. Their role is crucial in building a strong, cohesive defense that contributes to the team's overall success.

What is the difference between Defense Coach vs Security Trainer?

AspectDefense CoachSecurity Trainer
CredentialsCertifications in defense tactics, martial arts, or law enforcementCertifications in security procedures, first aid, or safety training
Work EnvironmentMilitary, law enforcement, or private security settingsCorporate, event security, or community safety programs
Employer & IndustryDefense agencies, security firms, or training academiesSecurity companies, corporate security departments, or training organizations

Defense Coaches focus on training individuals in defense tactics, often within military or law enforcement contexts, while Security Trainers specialize in teaching security procedures and safety protocols in various settings. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in security-related environments, but their specific focus and industries differ.

More about Defense Coach jobs
What states have the most Defense Coach jobs? States with the most job openings for Defense Coach jobs include:
Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Women's Lacrosse

Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Women's Lacrosse

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department: Intercollegiate Athletics
Classification: Professional Faculty
Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: On Site Required
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes
Works with Minors check: Yes
About the Department:
George Mason Athletics unites communities by developing champions with a mission to inspire and transform lives through the power of sports. Mason Athletics serves 500 student-athletes in 22 NCAA Division I sports. We are a proud member of the Atlantic 10 Conference with over 20 Conference Championships, NCAA Championships in Women's Soccer and Men's Indoor Track, an NCAA appearance in Women's Basketball, and an NCAA Final Four appearance with Men's Basketball, and over 30 individual National Champions. We are student-focused, education-centered, and committed to providing transformational experiences for our student-athletes and staff. Our five priorities are Student-Athlete Experience, Competition, Resources, Storytelling & Engagement, and Championship Culture.
About the Position:
The primary role of this position is to provide teaching, coaching and technical expertise needed to allow the student-athlete to compete at their highest competitive potential with a primary focus on the defensive unit. Additionally, it is also a primary responsibility of the incumbent to be cognitive to all coaching and/or teaching duties associated with the program and that are required at the Division I level. This is to include but not be limited to the oversight and management of the safety and well-being of those student athletes assigned to their coaching care. In the absence of the Head Coach, incumbent is expected to act on behalf of the Head Coach on all related program issues. The Assistant Coach will assist the Head Coach in all aspects of a highly competitive Division I program.
Responsibilities:
Teaching and Coaching
  • Utilizes sound teaching techniques in the conduct of game preparation and practice sessions for the defensive unit;
  • Assists in making strategic decisions in contest situations specifically relating to defensive unit;
  • Effectively prepares and organizes pre-season, in-season and post-season practice and skill sessions for defensive unit and full team concepts;
  • Assists the Head Coach in the evaluation of current student-athletes and prospective student athletes throughout the academic year and permissible recruiting dates; and
  • Be aware and maintains a safe and healthy environment for the student-athletes.

Department, University, Conference and NCAA Compliance
  • Abides by and promotes the aims, goals, and objectives established by the Athletic Director and Head Coach;
  • Abides by and promotes the policies, guidelines, rules, regulations and criteria established by the Athletic Director and Head Coach for the student-athlete;
  • Knows, understands and assures that the student-athletes abide by all the University, Atlantic 10, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Rules and Regulations;
  • Knows, understands and abides by all University, A10 and NCAA Rules and Regulations;
  • Be aware and abides by the rules of confidentiality (Buckley Amendment);
  • Understands and abides by proper procedures of due process in dealing with the student-athlete and staff;
  • Follows the administrative procedures established by the University and written up in the Department Staff Handbook;
  • Assists Head Coach in developing and implementing the overall recruiting strategy to effectively recruit the best student-athlete within the admissions, financial and regulatory constraints established by the University, A10, and NCAA; and
  • Completes other duties as assigned by the supervisor and or Athletic Director.

Act as Team Liaison to
  • Equipment Room staff for placing yearly orders, monitor and control all team equipment;
  • Business Office for purchasing oversight;
  • Head Coach on program daily;
  • Travel office on team travel (meals, hotel, etc.) and recruiting trips; and
  • Athletic Academic Advisor to closely monitor study hall hours and monthly grade checks.

Participate and assist Head Coach in fundraising efforts and special events for program, department and university
Required Qualifications:
  • Master's degree, or combination of Bachelors degree and applicable experience which is equal to a masters degree;
  • Must have previous coaching at collegiate level or have competed as a student athlete at the Division I level;
  • Ability to have a flexible schedule due to travel, recruiting, etc;
  • Skill of coaching both big picture and small sided skill related to defensive schematics as well as game planning and fundamental skills;
  • Knowledge of NCAA Women's Lacrosse rules / landscape;
  • Ability to work well with others;
  • Ability to work well under pressure/stress;
  • Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently;
  • Valid driver's license: must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator's license that meets all of GMU's requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason's Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver's licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review; and
  • Active CPR, First Aid and AED Certifications, or the ability to obtain required certifications upon employment with the University.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in related field;
  • Previous collegiate coaching experience as an assistant coach, defensive coordinator or associate head coach; and
  • Knowledge, skill, abilities and other attributes gained from previous collegiate coaching experiences specific to the Division I level. If no prior Division I coaching experience, it is preferred applicant previously competed at that level.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Women's Lacrosse at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Resume for review.
Posting Open Date: May 18, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: June 5, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.
If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!
George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

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