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Graduate Assistant Football Coach Jobs in California

Maranatha's Assistant Football Coaches will be instrumental in fostering student personal growth and development. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: General responsibilities include the following.

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Graduate Assistant Football Coach information

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How much do graduate assistant football coach jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant football coach in California is $20.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a graduate assistant football coach do?

As a graduate assistant football coach, your job is to support athletes as a coach while continuing to make progress as a graduate student. In many ways, this is similar to an internship because it mixes work and education. You may be asked to inspect and maintain equipment, support recruiting efforts, attend games, and otherwise help your school's team succeed. Graduate assistant football coaches are also responsible for learning more about the coaching process, and many use this as a stepping-stone to get the experience needed to coach in a senior position. This position involves a significant amount of physical activity, so physical fitness is essential to your success.

What are the responsibilities of a graduate assistant football coach?

A Graduate Assistant Football Coach helps the coaching staff with a variety of tasks, including assisting with practices, breaking down game film, preparing scouting reports, and supporting recruiting efforts. They often work closely with a specific position group and may help with administrative duties or academic monitoring of players. This role is designed to give recent graduates hands-on experience in coaching while they pursue a graduate degree, serving as a stepping stone to further coaching opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate assistant football coach, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Assistant Football Coach, you need a solid understanding of football strategies, rules, and player development, typically supported by prior playing experience and enrollment in a graduate program. Familiarity with video analysis software, playbook creation tools, and recruiting databases is often required. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills help you effectively mentor athletes and collaborate with coaching staff. These competencies enable you to contribute to team success, support player growth, and manage the administrative aspects of a collegiate football program.

How does a graduate assistant football coach balance coaching responsibilities with academic commitments?

Graduate Assistant Football Coaches typically juggle a demanding schedule that includes assisting with practices, film analysis, recruiting coordination, and administrative tasks, all while pursuing graduate-level coursework. Time management and clear communication with both coaching staff and academic advisors are essential to maintain a healthy balance. Many programs offer structured support and flexible scheduling to help GAs succeed in both areas, but it's important to be prepared for long hours, especially during the football season.

What is the difference between Graduate Assistant Football Coach vs Assistant Football Coach?

AspectGraduate Assistant Football CoachAssistant Football Coach
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing a master's degree; bachelor's degree requiredBachelor's degree often required; coaching certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentCollege or university athletic programs; academic and athletic responsibilitiesCollege or high school teams; focus on coaching and player development
Employer & Industry UsageColleges and universities; NCAA or NAIA programsColleges, high schools, or amateur teams
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level coaching roles in college sportsComparing coaching positions in football

The main difference between a Graduate Assistant Football Coach and an Assistant Football Coach lies in their educational commitments and responsibilities. Graduate Assistants are typically pursuing advanced degrees while gaining coaching experience, whereas Assistant Coaches focus primarily on coaching duties. Both roles are vital in college football, but Graduate Assistants often serve as stepping stones toward full-time coaching careers.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Assistant Football Coach jobs in California?

For Graduate Assistant Football Coach jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant Football Coach jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant Football Coach jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Assistant Football Coach jobs?

Cities in California with the most Graduate Assistant Football Coach job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant Football Coach job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,839 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Assistant Football Coach

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


University Of San Diego rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

461st of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Assistant Football Coach

Apply now Posting #: 5640
Position Status: Full-time regular
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Administrator, Athletics

Position Title & Department:

 Assistant Football Coach; Athletics Posting #

5640

Department Description: As part of the University of San Diego, a Roman Catholic University, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to advancing academic and athletic excellence and enhancing students' lives while promoting the University of San Diego. University Description:

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:

Assists in the development and implementation of both the educational and the athletic components of the NCAA Division I FCS Football program. The assistant coach will be fully responsible for making recommendations to the head coach for daily practices, game day, and for specified line-ups, teaching the specified schemes to the team and working with the other assistant coaches. Responsibility for recruiting academically and athletically qualified student-athletes for admission to the University with adherence to admissions and athletic department policies and procedures with specific emphasis on recruiting players for specified positions on the team. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist Head Coach with Teaching and Coaching

  • Responsibility for teaching and coaching all specified aspects of the overall program.
  • Practice Preparation -Provides daily practice schedules for all aspects of the specified program. Coordinates with the Head Coach to interface with the other schemes for daily practices.
  • Film-Break down and evaluate practices and games. Reviews films with the student athletes.

Recruiting 

  • Assist Head Football Coach in all aspects of recruiting.
  • Responsibility for recruiting academically and athletically qualified student-athletes for admission to the University with adherence to admissions and athletic department policies and procedures with specific emphasis on recruiting players for specified positions on the team.
  • Understand and keep up to date regarding NCAA/conference/league rules as they pertain to recruiting and eligibility. 
  • Identify and evaluate high school and junior college talent through evaluation at games, tournaments, and film.
  • Weekly phone conversations with prospects.
  • Identify junior and senior prospects for Recruiting Coordinator.
  • Home Visits-Assist Head Coach with preparation and presentation when appropriate.
  • Unofficial visits-Identify and build relationships with local prospects (San Diego and Los Angeles).  Invite local players to home games.
  • Campus visits-Arrange all aspects of travel for identified recruits. Coordinate the involvement of current student athlete hosts with identified recruits. This includes meals, entertainment, and lodging. Arrange campus tours.

General Assignments

  • Involvement with all administrative and organizational aspects of NCAA Division I AA Football program under the supervision of the head coach.
  • Supervision of players in a coordinated and planned program of practices and competition, with a concern for the players' health and welfare, physical and psychological preparation.
  • Enforce University and athletic department policies and regulations in regard to use/abuse of alcohol and drugs by team members.
  • Maintain professional growth through meetings, clinics, workshops, etc.
  • Assist in the organization of any team and/or department awards presentations for student-athletes.

Scouting

  • Assist Head Coach with scouting opponents
  • Detailed written reports on identified tendencies.
  • Scout tapes. Editing sequences: Review identified sequences.
  • Coordinate game film exchange via online and DVD technology.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

  • Heartsaver CPR /AED /First Aid certification required.  (Must have this certificate within 6 weeks of employment)
  • NCAA Division I Coaches Certification, (yearly).  (Must have this certification within 6 weeks of employment.)
  • California Driver's License required within 6 weeks of employment.

Special Conditions of Employment:

  • Must be able to travel for extended periods of time for athletic contests and recruiting activities.
  • Successful completion of required background checks.

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes. 

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • At least 3 years of related football experience at a minimum of the junior college level.
  • Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, NCAA rules and regulations required.
  • Heartsaver CPR /AED certification required. Must have this certificate within 6 weeks of employment.
  • NCAA Division I Coaches Certification, (yearly). Must have this certification within 6 weeks of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Member of the American Football Coaches Assn. preferred.

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to communicate effectively with athletes, members of the University community, San Diego community, and all media.
  • Demonstrated management skills.
  • Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of ethnically, racially, and culturally diverse populations and socioeconomic groups.
  • Demonstrated ability to produce effective game plans and performances.
  • Represent the University in a professional and responsible manner that is consistent with the stated values of the institution.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Adherence to all NCAA and PFL conference regulations.
Posting Salary:

$5,858.67 - 6083.33 per month; Excellent Benefits
The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.  Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.  USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Special Application Instructions:
Resume and Cover Letter Required

Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application. In addition, please upload a cover letter and resume to your application profile for the hiring managers' review.  If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.

 
Additional Details:

Hours: 40 hours per week

Closing date: Open until filled 

Note: External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.
The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.

Advertised: July 08, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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