Collegiate Resource Management is pleased to assist Adams State University in its search for Head Football Coach. Position will be open until filled.
Adams State University invites applications as it seeks a Head Football Coach to lead the University’s program. A regional, comprehensive liberal arts institution, Adams State offers 10 associate’s, 29 bachelor’s, and nine graduate programs. Located on a 90-acre campus, Adams State serves both residential and online students.
Adams State’s central purpose is “to provide equitable access to education for all." Adams State University draws on its rural location in the San Luis Valley of Colorado to serve and empower all students, especially those from historically underserved populations. Adams State’s vision statement is “to become the university community of choice for diverse, historically underserved groups and all who value quality education and inclusivity." Adams State University has a total student population of close to 3,000 students (roughly 1,700 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate), that is 37% Hispanic. Adams State has been Colorado's foremost four-year Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) since its designation by the U.S. Department of Education in 1998; the first HSI in Colorado.
The Head Football Coach will be an innovative, effective, and engaging leader who understands the need for creating a culture of excellence in all aspects of a competitive NCAA Division II football program focusing on: • Commitment to Student Success: Demonstrate a strong focus on academic achievement by fostering high GPA standards, improving graduation rates, and ensuring the holistic development of student-athletes. • Regional Understanding and Recruiting Expertise: Exhibit an in-depth knowledge of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and the regional landscape. Effectively recruit and retain talent from Colorado high schools and throughout the region, while building a competitive and cohesive program. • Community Engagement: Establish meaningful connections within the San Luis Valley by actively participating in community initiatives. Build strong relationships with local coaches and schools to create a supportive network for the program. • Alumni Relations and Engagement: Reignite enthusiasm among Adams State alumni by fostering relationships, generating excitement, and involving them in the future success of the football program. • Commitment to RMAC Competitiveness: Recognize the increasing strength of the RMAC and ensure Adams State remains competitive within the conference through effective leadership and strategic planning. • Fundraising Expertise: Possess the knowledge and experience necessary to secure financial support for the football program. Develop and execute successful fundraising strategies to meet institutional goals. • Organizational and Communication Skills: Demonstrate exceptional organizational abilities and clear communication to effectively manage the complexities of running a football program at a smaller institution. • Leadership and Discipline: Instill discipline and teach student-athletes to embody community stewardship and lifelong values. Navigate challenging situations with integrity and guide young men to make responsible decisions. • Program Identity and Strategy: Develop and implement a strong, cohesive team identity and strategic plan tailored to Adams State's needs. Show dedication to building the program over time with a focus on long-term success.
Adams State University is seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Football Coach to lead its football program. This position is centered on fostering a culture of academic and athletic excellence while effectively coaching, organizing, and managing all aspects of the football program. The primary responsibility of the Head Coach is to teach, mentor, and develop student-athletes by imparting a deep knowledge of the sport and guiding them both on and off the field. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and values of Adams State University and its Athletic Department, serving as a role model for integrity, leadership, and excellence.
Head Football Coach Responsibilities
• Recruitment and Talent Development:
o Demonstrate the ability to identify and recruit high-quality student-athletes from Colorado and beyond.
o Commit to building a long-term, stable, and successful football program focused on continuous improvement and skill development.
• Academic Support and Scheduling:
o Promote and enforce policies that prioritize the academic success and progress of all student-athletes toward graduation.
o Make scheduling decisions with care, ensuring alignment with the academic calendar and providing a balanced, high-quality experience for student-athletes.
• Student-Athlete Well-Being:
o Actively support the health and well-being of student-athletes, deferring to medical professionals' judgment regarding participation in athletic activities.
o Serve as a mentor to student-athletes, motivating them to achieve success academically, athletically, and personally.
• Program Management and Leadership:
o Oversee the daily operations of the football program, including practice and game preparation, team travel, and staff management.
o Mentor, develop, and evaluate assistant coaches and staff to ensure program effectiveness and cohesion.
• Community and Alumni Engagement:
o Encourage student-athletes to engage in community service to build empathy, teamwork, and essential life skills.
o Foster positive relationships with alumni and Grizzly Club members, recognizing their vital role in the program's success.
• Budget Management and Compliance:
o Efficiently and prudently manage the football program’s budget.
o Maintain compliance with NCAA Division II rules and regulations, including completing certification through the NCAA DII Universe before engaging in off-campus recruiting.
o Cooperate fully with the NCAA, RMAC, and institutional authorities in providing truthful and complete information regarding compliance and rules education.
• Ethical and Professional Conduct:
o Avoid any unethical or compromising practices in actions, relationships, and communications.
o Set high standards for professional conduct, acting as a representative of Adams State University and the State of Colorado.
o Serve as a Title IX Responsible Employee by promptly reporting any incidents that fall under Title IX’s purview.
• Strategic Planning and Development:
o Plan and conduct practices, evaluate players, and develop game strategies to ensure competitive success.
o Promote the football program through fundraising, public speaking, community events, and strategic marketing efforts.
• Compliance and Education:
o Provide instruction on NCAA, RMAC, and university policies, as well as other applicable standards and laws, to all program participants.
o Participate in ongoing rules education and document compliance activities through ARMS, with evaluations based on adherence to compliance standards.
• Equipment and Apparel Management:
o Maintain accountability for inventory control of all program equipment and apparel.
• Institutional Loyalty and Advocacy:
o Demonstrate loyalty to the State of Colorado and Adams State University by adhering to lawful instructions and exercising professional judgment and care.
Qualifications
• Demonstrated ability to fulfill the responsibilities and demands of the position. • A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred. • Previous collegiate-level coaching experience is mandatory. • Exceptional communication skills and the ability to effectively interact with individuals of diverse personalities and backgrounds. • Comprehensive knowledge of and strict adherence to NCAA, RMAC, university, and departmental rules and regulations.
• Strong dedication to promoting academic success and achievement among student-athletes. • High ethical standards with the initiative and integrity to make sound, independent decisions. • Proven ability to work effectively and inclusively with individuals and groups from diverse identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies in a global context. • Ability to treat others with respect, civility, and courtesy and to work honestly, effectively, and collegiality with employees, students, and the community. This includes the ability to use appropriate conflict management skills to effectively manage any disagreement that might arise or to bring the disagreement to management for assistance in productive resolution when the situation requires. • Skilled in conflict resolution and able to manage disagreements productively or escalate issues to leadership when necessary. • A clear understanding of and commitment to Adams State University’s mission and vision.
To Apply All interested candidates must submit application materials electronically. No other format of application material will be accepted. Applicants must attach a letter of intent (cover letter); a current resume or CV; an unofficial transcript(s); and three professional references with contact information. Please send applications in PDF format to: jcapo.crm@gmail.com
Located in Alamosa Colorado Adams State is a state -supported primarily undergraduate institution in the San Luis Valley, a rural and agricultural area of south-central Colorado, approximately 3.5 hours from Denver and 2.5 hours from Santa Fe, New Mexico. The University is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution and as a regional education provider.
The Athletic Department is comprised of 20 Varsity NCAA DII sports and 600 student-athletes