Player Development Coach Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Middle School Baseball Coach

Position Summary

The Middle School Baseball Coach is responsible for leading, developing, and mentoring student-athletes in a competitive, positive, and educational baseball program. The ideal candidate possesses extensive knowledge of baseball fundamentals, strategy, player development, and game situations, while also understanding the unique developmental needs of middle school athletes.

The coach will create a structured and encouraging environment that emphasizes skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, accountability, discipline, and personal growth for all members of the team. The successful candidate will serve as both a knowledgeable baseball instructor and a positive role model for student-athletes.

Essential Responsibilities

Baseball Development

• Teach and reinforce advanced baseball fundamentals, including hitting, pitching, throwing, fielding, base running, catching, and position-specific skills.
• Develop age-appropriate practices that progressively build individual and team skills.
• Apply extensive knowledge of baseball strategy, including defensive positioning, situational hitting, pitching strategy, base-running decisions, bunt defenses, cutoffs and relays, and game management.
• Evaluate players' strengths, areas for improvement, and overall development throughout the season.
• Develop players at multiple skill levels while challenging advanced athletes to continue improving.
• Teach proper mechanics, techniques, conditioning, and injury-prevention habits.
• Prepare players to understand not only how to execute baseball skills, but also why and when specific techniques and strategies should be used.

Team Leadership

• Establish a team culture based on effort, accountability, respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Communicate clear expectations regarding attendance, preparation, behavior, academics, and commitment.
• Promote a growth mindset and help student-athletes respond positively to mistakes, challenges, and competition.
• Build positive relationships with players.
• Model integrity, composure, enthusiasm, and respect for officials, opponents, teammates, and families.

Practice & Game Management

• Plan and conduct organized, efficient, and purposeful practices.
• Prepare the team thoroughly for games.
• Make sound in-game decisions regarding defensive alignment, pitching, substitutions, batting order, base running, and game strategy.
• Maintain accurate knowledge of applicable league, school, and athletic association rules.
• Ensure proper supervision and safety of student-athletes before, during, and after practices and competitions.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate effectively with players, parents, school administrators, athletic staff, and fellow coaches.
• Work collaboratively with other baseball coaches to establish consistency in terminology, instruction, player development, and program expectations.
• Provide constructive feedback to players and communicate meaningful progress and areas for improvement.
• Support the broader athletic and educational mission of the school.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the game of baseball.
• Demonstrated experience coaching or playing competitive baseball.
• Strong understanding of baseball fundamentals, strategy, rules, and player development.
• Experience working with middle school or adolescent athletes preferred.
• Ability to teach baseball skills effectively to players with varying levels of experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to student-athlete development both on and off the field.
• Ability to maintain a positive, professional, and team-oriented environment.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification.
• Ability to successfully complete all required school background checks and training.

Preferred Experience

• Collegiate, high school, competitive travel, or professional baseball experience.
• Previous middle school or high school coaching experience.
• Experience developing pitchers, hitters, catchers, and position players.
• Knowledge of modern player-development methods, including video analysis, statistical evaluation, and technology-assisted instruction.
• Experience coordinating with strength and conditioning, athletic training, or sports performance professionals.

Key Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Extensive Baseball Expertise: Deep knowledge of fundamentals, strategy, rules, and game situations.
• Player Development: Ability to identify weaknesses and create individualized pathways for improvement.
• Teaching Ability: Capacity to break complex baseball concepts into clear, age-appropriate instruction.
• Leadership: Ability to establish high standards while creating a supportive and motivating team culture.
• Game Intelligence: Strong situational awareness and sound decision-making during competition.
• Communication: Clear, respectful, and consistent communication with student-athletes and families.
• Character: Commitment to sportsmanship, integrity, accountability, and positive role modeling.

Success in This Position

Success will be measured by the development of student-athletes' baseball skills, understanding of the game, confidence, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, as well as the overall growth and culture of the baseball program.

The ideal coach will help student-athletes become better baseball players, better teammates, and better young people while creating a program that is competitive, fundamentally sound, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Franklin Special District (FSD) is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs.

FSD is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of our community and promotes equity for all. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), FSD provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Current or prospective employees are encouraged to discuss accommodation needs with Human Resources.

Application Procedure:
Apply online
FSD Careers Site