Assistant Football Coach

Assistant Football Coach

The Assistant Football Coach supports the Head Football Coach in planning, organizing, and implementing a comprehensive football program that promotes athletic skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, academic achievement, and personal growth. The Assistant Coach provides instruction and supervision to student-athletes, assists with practices and competitions, ensures compliance with Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) rules and district policies, and helps foster a positive, safe, and inclusive athletic environment that reflects the mission and values of Chief Leschi Schools.

Formerly known as the Puyallup Tribal School, Chief Leschi Schools was founded in 1976 to address the high dropout rate of the youth of the Puyallup tribe. It is the largest of seven tribal schools in the state of Washington and one of approximately 200+ tribal schools in the United States. It is also one of the largest tribal schools to be funded by the Bureau of Indian Education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Football Coach in planning, organizing, and conducting practices, games, and other team activities.
• Implement and support the philosophy, goals, expectations, and directives established by the Head Football Coach.
• Instruct student-athletes in the fundamental skills, techniques, rules, strategies, and safety practices of football.
• Promote good sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, leadership, and respect while serving as a positive role model for student-athletes.
• Assist in supervising student-athletes during practices, competitions, team travel, and other team-related activities to ensure a safe and positive environment.
• Support the Head Football Coach in maintaining accurate team rosters, attendance, eligibility information, statistics, and other required records.
• Assist with the inspection, distribution, collection, inventory, maintenance, and secure storage of uniforms, equipment, and supplies; promptly report damaged or unsafe equipment.
• Monitor student-athlete health and safety during practices and competitions and immediately report injuries, illnesses, or safety concerns to the Head Coach, Athletic Director, and appropriate medical personnel.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with WIAA rules, district policies, league regulations, and athletic department procedures.
• Attend coaches' meetings, professional development opportunities, athletic events, and other meetings as required.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with student-athletes, families, school staff, officials, and community members.
• Foster an inclusive, culturally responsive team environment that reflects the mission, values, and traditions of Chief Leschi Schools.
• Assist with game-day responsibilities, including field preparation, supervision, equipment setup, and post-event cleanup.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student records and other sensitive information in accordance with applicable laws and district policy.
• Assume the responsibilities of the Head Football Coach in the Head Coach's absence, as directed.

This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Chief Leschi Schools reserves the right to assign or modify duties consistent with operational needs. Workplace accommodations may be provided in accordance with CLS Tribal policy to enable qualified individuals to perform essential functions.

Minimum Requirements

• Be at least 19 years old
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Holds a valid and current first Aid Certification card or be enrolled in a Red Cross first aid card training course

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Coaching, Education, or a closely related field; or three (3) or more years of successful football coaching experience at the youth, middle school, high school, collegiate, or club level. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Previous experience coaching football within a school-based athletic program.
• Knowledge of Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) rules, regulations, eligibility requirements, and coaching standards.
• Experience developing student-athletes through skill instruction, leadership, sportsmanship, and character development.
• Experience working with students from diverse cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with student-athletes, families, school staff, and community members.
• Experience promoting a safe, inclusive, and positive team culture.
• Knowledge of current coaching techniques, strength and conditioning principles, and injury prevention practices.
• Experience incorporating academic accountability and student success into an athletic program.
• Experience working within or supporting Native American communities and an understanding of culturally responsive coaching practices is preferred.

Condition of Employment

• Successful criminal background clearance
• Successful and/or clear drug screening

Knowledge Of

• School Board policies, district procedures, and athletic department expectations.
• Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) rules, regulations, eligibility requirements, and coaching standards.
• League rules, sportsmanship expectations, and game management procedures.
• The rules, fundamentals, techniques, strategies, and skill development of football.
• Safe coaching practices, injury prevention, concussion awareness, heat illness prevention, and emergency response procedures.
• Strength and conditioning principles appropriate for high school student-athletes.
• Positive behavior management, motivation, and leadership techniques for working with adolescents.
• Effective practice planning, player development, and game preparation.
• Record keeping, inventory management, and report preparation.
• Effective communication and conflict resolution techniques.
• Applicable state and federal laws related to student confidentiality and safety.
• The mission, values, and educational goals of Chief Leschi Schools, including an appreciation for Native American cultures, traditions, and communities.

Ability To

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with student-athletes, families, staff, officials, and community members.
• Build and maintain positive, professional working relationships with students, families, colleagues, administrators, and community partners in a multicultural and diverse environment.
• Work effectively with and relate to Native American students while serving as a positive role model and demonstrating cultural responsiveness.
• Demonstrate leadership, professionalism, integrity, and good sportsmanship in all aspects of the athletic program.
• Teach, motivate, and mentor student-athletes with varying skill levels and abilities.
• Supervise student-athletes in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment during practices, competitions, travel, and team activities.
• Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities while meeting deadlines and adapting to changing schedules.
• Exercise sound judgment and make appropriate decisions in a fast-paced athletic environment.
• Collaborate effectively with the Head Coach and athletic department staff to support the goals of the football program.
• Follow school board policies, administrative procedures, WIAA regulations, and athletic department expectations.
• Maintain accurate records and safeguard confidential student and program information.
• Demonstrate flexibility, dependability, and a commitment to the mission and values of Chief Leschi Schools.

Reporting Relationship: Head Football Coach or Athletic Director or designee

Physical Demands: Employees may be required to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks involving reaching, talking, hearing, bending, stooping, twisting, squatting, kneeling, and fine motor coordination. This position may require regularly lifting or moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds, with appropriate assistance or equipment as needed.

Work Environment: Work is primarily performed in an indoor educational environment with moderate noise levels. Employees may work in and/or proximity to classrooms, students, and standard office or instructional equipment. Conditions may vary based on program needs.

Sovereign Immunity Notice: Chief Leschi Schools operates under the authority of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Employment is governed by Tribal law and policy and does not create a contract of employment. Nothing in this job description or related materials shall be construed as a waiver of CLS's or the Tribe's sovereign immunity.

Indian Preference & Equal Opportunity Statement: Chief Leschi Schools is an equal opportunity employer operating under the authority of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Employment decisions are made in accordance with Tribal law, including applicable Indian preference requirements. Chief Les