Applicants should have at least three semesters worth of physical training and a history of success coaching at the high school level or above. Many college coaches are hired in part because of personal relationships with the coaching staff, so cultivate contacts. Professional seminars, successful interviewing skills, and recommendations from former coached pupils can help. All of the above-mentioned criteria are required for coaching professional teams. Strong candidates have had successes at the college level, attained national exposure, and most likely, have refined a specialty.
Many coaches return to teaching if they leave coaching.
Over 25 percent return to school to get graduate degrees in physical therapy, nutrition, exercise physiology, or medical training. A number use their leadership skills to run team-oriented projects in business settings. Around 10 percent migrate to employment which allow them to be outdoors and active, such as policemen, firemen, park rangers, personal trainers, and semi-professional athletes. With the advent of professional sports, coaches gained power, money, and additional responsibilities, such as media communication commitments and negotiation involvement. A professional volleyball coach today is as much a recruiter, public-relations specialist, and budget director as he is a teacher.