Getting Your First Head Coaching Job

As a high school basketball coach, I know firsthand that success in this profession is built on relationships. It’s not just about X’s and O’s—it’s about who you know and who you can learn from. The best coaches don’t just work in isolation; they build powerful networks of mentors, colleagues, and connections that help them grow and develop their teams.

Just like great players put in extra reps to sharpen their game, great coaches put in the effort to expand their network. The difference between coaches who remain stagnant and those who elevate their programs is simple: they take action. Knowing the value of networking isn’t enough—you have to actively build relationships and leverage the power of connections.

How Networking Works in Coaching

If you think about it, every coach—whether at the high school, college, or professional level—is already part of a massive basketball network. You may not realize it, but you are just a few connections away from some of the best minds in the game.

Consider this:

• If you know one coach, you’re already connected to their entire network of coaches.
• If they know 10 more coaches, you now have access to those 10 as well and their network.
• If those 10 coaches each have 10 more connections, your network just grew to 100 coaches.
• Keep expanding that out a few degrees, and suddenly, you are indirectly connected to thousands of coaches—from high school programs across the country to college and even professional levels.

This is the same concept that applies to networking in any profession. You don’t need to know every coach personally—you just need to build strong relationships with a few, and the doors will start opening for you.

Why It Matters for High School Coaches

Networking isn’t just about landing a better coaching job. It’s about learning from the best, sharing ideas, and finding new ways to push your team to the next level. It helps with:

✅ Game Strategies: Learn new plays, defensive schemes, and practice drills from experienced coaches.
✅ Player Development: Get insights on training methods and skill development from experts in the field.
✅ Career Growth: Stay informed about coaching opportunities and build credibility within the basketball community.
✅ Resources & Support: Coaching can be tough—having a network gives you access to mentors and friends who understand the challenges you face.

Take Action: Start Building Your Coaching Network

If you’re not actively networking, you’re missing out on one of the most valuable tools for growth as a coach. Here’s how to get started:

🏀 Attend Coaching Clinics & Conferences – Meet coaches, learn from guest speakers, and connect with others in the game.
🏀 Join Coaching Associations – Groups like the National High School Basketball Coaches Association (NHSBCA) or your state association. In Michigan it’s the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) that can expand your reach.
🏀 Engage on Social Media – Follow and interact with coaches on platforms like Twitter/X and LinkedIn.
🏀 Reach Out to Other Coaches – Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to opposing coaches after games or send an email to someone you admire in the profession.
🏀 Mentor and Be Mentored – Coaching is a two-way street; learn from others while also helping younger or newer coaches.

At the end of the day, coaching isn’t just about basketball—it’s about people. And the more people you connect with, the greater impact you’ll have on your players, your program, and your career.

Keep learning, keep growing, and keep building those relationships. You’re only a few connections away from the next big opportunity in your coaching journey!

Want to Elevate Your Coaching? Join the Coaching Lab for 1-on-1 mentorship with Coach Matt Dennis and unlimited email support—so you can build a winning program with confidence.