Defensive Assistant Coach Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Job Description The Assistant Football Coach supports Stetson University by contributing to the development of student-athletes through coaching, mentoring, recruiting, and fostering academic and athletic success. Serving as a member of the Football program, this position assists the Head Football Coach in all aspects of a NCAA Division I non-scholarship football program, including player development, recruitment, academic monitoring, game preparation, and team operations. The Assistant Football Coach is responsible for coaching assigned position groups, supporting program administration, promoting student-athlete welfare, and ensuring compliance with University, Pioneer Football League (PFL), and NCAA regulations.

The position plays a vital role in developing student-athletes who excel academically, athletically, and personally while representing Stetson University with integrity and sportsmanship. In alignment with Stetson's Strategic Priorities, the Assistant Football Coach supports a people-centered and relationship-rich student experience by promoting academic achievement, leadership development, competitive excellence, and student-athlete success both on and off the field. Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities Employment duties include, but are not limited to: Coaching and Student-Athlete Development Coach assigned offensive or defensive position groups as designated by the Head Coach.

Develop and implement position-specific training, practice plans, and player development programs throughout the season, off-season, and summer periods. Teach sport-specific techniques, strategies, and fundamentals necessary for student-athlete development and competitive success. Direct and supervise assigned position groups during practices, conditioning activities, meetings, and competitions.

Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to student-athletes regarding athletic, academic, and personal development. Promote the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of student-athletes. Game Preparation and Competition Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of game plans.

Prepare scouting reports, film analysis, playbooks, and other materials necessary for competition. Oversee and direct assigned position groups during practice sessions and intercollegiate competition. Evaluate student-athlete performance and make recommendations regarding player development and utilization.

Recruiting Recruit prospective student-athletes in accordance with NCAA, PFL, and University regulations. Evaluate prospective student-athletes for athletic ability, academic preparedness, character, and fit within the University community. Establish and maintain effective relationships with prospects, families, coaches, and community stakeholders.

Assist with recruiting visits, communications, evaluations, and other recruiting activities. Academic Support and Student Success Encourage and support student-athletes in achieving academic success and degree completion. Monitor academic progress and eligibility status of assigned student-athletes.

Work collaboratively with the Associate Athletic Director for Academics and other campus support services to promote retention and academic achievement. Counsel student-athletes regarding academic, personal, and team goals as appropriate. Program Administration and Leadership Manage administrative and organizational responsibilities related to assigned position groups.

Assist in supervising football support staff, student managers, and video personnel. Enforce University, Athletics Department, team, and NCAA policies and expectations. Maintain accurate records and complete required administrative reports and documentation.

Support professional development initiatives and operational goals of the football program. Compliance and External Relations Maintain knowledge of and comply with all NCAA, PFL, and University rules and regulations. Work cooperatively with the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance to ensure program compliance.

Assist in establishing and maintaining positive media, alumni, and community relations. Participate in fundraising initiatives and outreach activities as assigned by the Head Coach. Represent Stetson University and the Athletics Department in a professional manner at all times.

Additional Responsibilities Assist with team travel planning and operations as assigned. Support discipline, conduct, and team culture initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned by the Head Football Coach or Athletics administration.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The knowledge, skills, and abilities for this role include: Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other technology used to support football operations and recruiting. Knowledge of the day-to-day administrative and operational responsibilities associated with a collegiate football program.

Experience with planning and implementing football training, conditioning, and player development programs. Knowledge of budget management, organizational practices, and program administration. Thorough understanding of NCAA Division I and Pioneer Football League rules and regulations and demonstrated commitment to compliance.

Ability to teach football fundamentals, strategies, and techniques to a diverse range of student-athletes. Ability to mentor, motivate, and positively influence student-athletes. Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, alumni, boosters, faculty, staff, and community members. Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment. Commitment to supporting the educational mission of the University and the holistic development of student-athletes.

Support the University's Mission and Values in their role. Required Qualifications This position requires: Bachelor's degree. Minimum of one (1) year of collegiate coaching experience or higher-level coaching experience, or five (5) years of related experience.

Demonstrated commitment to the academic success and personal development of student-athletes. Ability to recruit, coach, and develop student-athletes across a wide range of skill levels. Ability to work effectively with student-athletes, alumni, donors, boosters, University administrators, and the public.

Valid Florida driver's license or the ability to obtain one upon employment. Ability to maintain an insurable driving record in accordance with University standards. Successful completion of a motor vehicle record check and background screening.

Desire to join a distinct university community committed to inclusive excellence, kindness, and collaboration, as it seeks to move Forward Together in making our community and world a better place. Ideal Candidate Qualifications The ideal candidate's qualifications include: Master's degree. Experience coaching at the NCAA Division I level.

Experience coordinating recruiting territories and recruiting operations. Experience with video analysis, player evaluation software, and football-specific technology platforms. Demonstrated success in student-athlete development and retention.

Experience with fundraising, alumni engagement, and community outreach initiatives. Proven ability to contribute to a highly competitive and academically focused football program. Work Environment This position requires work in both indoor and outdoor environments and regular exposure to prevailing weather conditions, including extreme heat, humidity, rain, and cold temperatures.

Responsibilities require the physical ability to participate in and oversee rigorous athletic activities, including prolonged standing and walking; bending; stooping; lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; and traveling for recruiting, competition, and team-related activities. The position routinely requires work during evenings, weekends, holidays, and other hours outside the University's regular operating schedule. Sensory demands include the ability to effectively assess sound, movement, depth, and visual activity during practices and competitions.

Pay Grade: 5 Work authorization sponsorship may be available for this position. However, sponsorship is contingent upon the non-applicability of the visa petition fees outlined in the relevant Executive Order signed September 19, 2025. Due to the recent federally-mandated increased financial expense, the university is not in a position to absorb this significantly increased cost of sponsorship for new H-1B petitions at this time.

International candidates are encouraged to apply, but should be aware that eligibility for sponsorship will be evaluated in accordance with current U.S. immigration regulations and institutional policies.