The 5 Stages of a Coaching Life

With the NFL season about to begin, all the coaches are returning to their offices this week from vacation to start a new season. There is much optimism and hope for each of these coaches, as a new season supplies an opportunity to win games—thus advancing their career.

Career advancement depends on their level. All coaches, regardless of level of achievement, have five specific stages they occupy. As they enter a new season, the coaches need to address their stage and make the necessary adjustments in their careers.

STAGE ONE

We call this the “Who is (fill in the name)” stage. This is for any young coach embarking on their career. In this stage, no one knows anything about your coaching or leading style, your capabilities, or your level of competence. Coaches in this stage are unknown and trying to learn and get recognized. They must work hard and be relentless in their quest to learn.

STAGE TWO

We call this the “I need a more experienced (fill in the name)” stage. This coach has skills, has learned their craft, although young and lacking experience. In this stage, the coach doesn’t lack confidence and cannot understand why no one hires them—even though they don’t have experience. Coaches in this stage tend to be cocky, confident, and believe they know all there is to know. They want their chance, and not having experience is holding them back.

STAGE THREE

We call this the “I need someone like (fill in the name) to hire” stage. This coach becomes the hot commodity. Every team wants someone with similar youth, vibrancy, fresh new ideas, great physical condition, and charm. Being successful doesn’t matter in this stage. Being a clone of someone successful is more important.

STAGE FOUR

We call this stage “I need someone younger, more energetic, less costly than (fill in the name) to hire.” This stage tends to consist of older coaches, set in their ways, who have been in the job for a long time and don’t want to alter their teaching or behavior methods. Coaches in this stage love the phrase, “This is how we won at (blank). Why should we change?”

STAGE FIVE

We call this stage, “Who is (fill in the name)?” Often, coaches in this stage are not remembered after leaving their jobs. They march into the sunset. They are forced to retire, collect a pension, and when they die, their obituary cites wonderful achievements.

Stage 1 and 5 are similar, yet different. One is starting a career, and no one knows who they are. The other is ending a career, and everyone has forgotten them.

Stage 2 and 4 are also similar, yet different. In two, the coach is angry and tends to be bitter for having to wait for their moment. In four, the coach is angry and bitter for not finding work, having their friends abandon them, and wondering why no one wants to hire them to help.

Stage 3 is the best stage—the most desirable place for any coach to spend the majority of their career. Which begs the question: How does a coach stay in stage three the longest? How does a coach keep re-inventing themselves for a long career, avoiding the pitfalls of clinging to past success?

The only way to have a long Stage Three is to fully invest in Stage Two. Embrace the learning stage. When a coach stays in Stage Two for a generous amount of time, they become fully prepared for what lies ahead in Stage Three. There are few, if any, surprises. Stage Two allows the coach to gain valuable experience, learn wisdom from others, and when it’s their turn to shine, they are overly ready. Not being in a rush in Stage Two makes everything better.

And by staying a long time in Stage Two, you can potentially avoid Stage Five. Being patient, being prepared, also allows a coach to be more valuable in Stage Four—making people pay for their wisdom and having a longer career.

What stage are you in?

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