Becoming a head coach is a big step for anyone’s career.

And with that new position comes great responsibility.

Bill Shepard shared five tips with AFCAweekly.com to help first-time head coaches get better organized.

• Organize with a mission. “Everything you do affects everything you do” is one of Shepard’s favorite quotes. Instead of making promises about what you plan to do, take an inventory of your staff, players and even yourself to set reachable goals.
• Evaluate film and character. A head coach needs to know what he has in every player and assistant. If you are new to the program, don’t be afraid to ask players and staff members questions about what the culture is like. Watch film to see what players can do and look for what else they can do. Are some in the wrong position? Gain prospective and understand what you have before fall practice starts.
• Organize staff. Even the best coaching staffs have speed bumps at the beginning. Make sure everyone is on the same page. Some assistants may have supported the former coach or another candidate. Meet with these staff members to set the tone going forward. Most of all, challenge your coaches to ask questions in meetings, come to an understanding and present a single voice with the players.
• Seek volunteers. Evaluate outside helpers with the perspective of the overall plan or direction of the program. Be upfront and honest with those who want to contribute – from stats crews to camera operators to volunteer assistants to booster club leaders. Make sure those who are willing to donate their time and resources understand the direction you plan on taking the program.
• Set budgets and take stock. Take a complete inventory, examine budgets and check supplies that you control for your program. Do not accept floating budgets. Make sure you have detailed expected costs for the program each year. Sit down with the athletic director and review expected costs for the next year and review your plan for the program in the coming year. Be ready with a printed handout of likely expenditures and stay in communication with the athletic director for when needs arise.