RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION
Reporting to the director of athletics, the head football coach is responsible for effectively directing and administering all aspects of a successful NCAA Division II collegiate football program, emphasizing proven and effective coaching techniques, in- and off-season practice coordination, scouting, and game management. The head football coach will lead and manage strategic student-athlete recruitment and prioritize the student-athlete experience, including in- and off-season player management, strength and conditioning, and support of high academic achievement. The next coach is expected to actively participate in university, community, and alumni engagement as well as institutional development activity. Administratively, the head coach will mentor and supervise six assistant coaches. This is a full-time, 12-month administrative staff position. As such, this position will also support the functions and endeavors of the department of athletics and the institution.
Responsibilities
- Conduct practice and game coaching in compliance with the university and NCAA rules and regulations.
- Oversee, monitor, and balance the program’s budget and all financial operations.
- Provide appropriate leadership, direction, and supervision relevant to the academic progress and personal development of student-athletes.
- Prepare effective game strategies; use proven coaching techniques; design and coordinate practice sessions.
- Create, present, and maintain records of up-to-date lesson plans for pre-season/season practice drills and procedures detailing the desired goals.
- Schedule practice and game preparation sessions. Conduct post-game analysis and incorporate it appropriately into practice and individual player development plans.
- Work with the strength and conditioning coordinator for in- and out-of-season strength and conditioning workouts.
- Motivate individuals to perform at their peak abilities as student-athletes. Monitor the academic success of student-athletes and encourage high achievement.
- Respond effectively to concerns expressed by student-athletes about athletic and nonathletic issues.
- Commit to the off-season regarding recruiting, current player management, upcoming budget planning, scheduling, etc.
- Maintain recruiting database with up-to-date contact information for prospective students and coach contacts, as well as a record of all communications and interactions with recruits.
- Supervise recruiting efforts of assistant coaches.
- Recruit, select, develop, and monitor the work performance of assistant coaches. Work with football assistant coaches on game preparation, film review, and practice schedule.
- Set game and practice strategies with assistant coaches to achieve winning results.
- Support, oversee, and lead the assistant coaches assigned to the offensive line (e.g., quarterback, centers, guards, tackles, tight ends) and defensive positions (e.g., defensive back, tackle).
QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
The successful candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree and have significant knowledge of and proven success recruiting and coaching collegiate-level football.
Additional required skills and abilities of the ideal candidate include:
- Demonstrated commitment to developing and maintaining a positive and productive playing environment for all team members.
- A demonstrated commitment to student-athlete welfare.
- Knowledge of athletic recruitment methods and techniques.
- Proven ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrated respect for diversity of identities and experiences and a commitment toward equity, inclusion, and cultural competency.
- Excellent analytical, time management, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work and/or travel, including evening, weekend, or limited overnight assignments.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and adherence to NCAA/conference rules and requirements for conducting an intercollegiate program.
In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:
- A commitment and passion for Division II football and an intercollegiate athletics program that operates with the highest integrity and is focused on the holistic development of its student-athletes.
- Ability to recruit and retain student-athletes who contribute to a campus culture focused on high academic achievement and student success.
- A healthy focus on competitiveness and support for student-athlete success reflecting the Bentley mission and goals of the NCAA.
- Experience developing a coaching staff to mentor student-athletes and ambassadors of the program.
- Demonstrated commitment to superior communication, including active listening.
- Ability to establish short-term and long-term program goals.
- Demonstrated commitment to the NCAA Division II student-athlete experience.
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting best practices in student-athlete nutrition, fitness, and strength and conditioning for player health and recovery.
- Experience as a collaborative and highly relational campus partner and steward of athletics.
- A charismatic leader who inspires confidence and trust.
- A commitment to institutional goals of internationalism, multiculturalism, service to society, and active advancement of equity and inclusion.
- A flexible and adaptable attitude to coaching, mentorship, and leadership.
- An entrepreneurial spirit and positive attitude.
- Ability to advocate for recruits, student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and the program.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF THE ROLE
Building off recent program success and in transitioning to Bentley University, the head coach will encounter the following opportunities, priorities, and challenges, as shared by key campus stakeholders:
- Create a dynamic vision for a successful and competitive NCAA Division II football program.
- Demonstrate excellent coaching competencies regarding sport skill instruction, motivation, and tactical strategies, while designing a competitive schedule that maximizes student-athlete development and performance.
- Develop a comprehensive recruiting plan that shows successful recruitment, yield, and retention of academically and athletically qualified and diverse student-athletes who thrive in a rigorous academic environment.
- Understand the importance of the NCAA Division II student-athlete experience.
- Create a team environment that fully supports a positive and holistic student-centered experience.
- Understand and support student-athletes balancing multiple responsibilities in a rigorous academic environment.
- Develop comprehensive practice training with strength and conditioning and athletic training colleagues that prioritizes player health and well-being.
- Champion a team culture focused on honest and transparent communication.
- Create meaningful campus partnerships to support the student experience.
- Communicate regularly with football alumni and find ways to connect them with current student-athletes.
- Learn and embrace the culture of Bentley and the athletic department.
- Hire, supervise, mentor, evaluate, and support the professional development of the coaching staff.
- Work closely with athletics leadership and advancement staff members to create strategic fundraising opportunities.
- Be a visible and active member on campus and within the greater Boston/Waltham community.
MEASURES OF SUCCESS
The next head football coach will work with the director of athletics to determine specific measures of success and their respective timetables. Search stakeholders have offered the following general metrics for the first year:
- The head coach will bring passion and competitive energy to the football program, enhancing pride in Bentley athletics.
- The head coach will support and be a tireless advocate for the student-athlete experience and champion opportunities that promote well-being and healthy competition.
- The head coach will bring a personal passion for inclusive excellence that inspires others to embrace the mission and vision of Bentley athletics.
- The head coach will think broadly about access and inclusion and how athletics can be a hub for discourse about diversity, inclusion, and understanding differences.
- The head coach will have developed relationships with current student-athletes and created opportunities to build trust and support for their individual skill development.
- The head coach will be seen as a collegial and supportive athletics department staff member.
- The head coach will connect student-athletes with critical campus resources supporting their holistic well-being.
- The head coach will have developed a strategic recruitment strategy aligned with institutional enrollment priorities.
- The head coach will have established connections with Bentley alumni and provide opportunities for connections with current student-athletes.
- The head coach will exhibit the highest professional standards, integrity, and ethical behavior regarding NCAA, Northeast 10 Conference, Bentley University, and Bentley athletics’ rules and regulations.
OVERVIEW OF BENTLEY ATHLETICS
The Bentley athletics program has 23 varsity sports that offer a competitive experience for over 500 student-athletes. All of the teams compete at the NCAA Division II level in the Northeast 10 Conference, with the exception of its NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey program, which competes in Atlantic Hockey.
Bentley athletics balances success in competition and academics while building pride and community spirit and providing a valuable and enriching educational experience for student-athletes.
Athletics Strategic Plan, Mission, Vision, and Values
Athletics Racial Justice Action Plan
Bentley football achievements:
NCAA Division II Playoffs (3): 2003, 2004, 2021
Northeast-10 Champions (5): 2003. 2004 (co), 2009 (tri), 2010 (4-way), 2019
ATHLETICS FACILITIES
The Dana Athletic Center
The Dana Athletic Center is equipped for a wide range of sports and interests, from basketball courts to batting cages, dance studios to saunas, swimming, and diving pools—and more
STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
A Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a committee of student-athletes assembled to provide insight into the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations, and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses.
THE BENTLEY BLACK STUDENT-ATHLETE COALITION
The Bentley Black Student-Athlete Coalition was created to elevate Black voices within the Bentley athletics community. “Through our efforts, we have the potential to improve the experience of Black athletes on and off the field. The Bentley Black Student-Athlete Coalition will enhance the collegiate experience of both incoming and returning Black student-athletes by creating a welcoming family environment. This will be a place where Black culture can be appreciated and celebrated. As athletes, specifically Black athletes, we wield significant influence in our community. Therefore, we have a duty and an unprecedented opportunity to bring awareness to and make a difference within the Black community.”
ATHLETICS LEADERSHIP
Vaughn Williams, Director of Athletics
Vaughn Williams was named the third director of athletics at Bentley University in August 2020, and officially started in his new position on September 15, 2020. As athletics director, Williams leads a program featuring 23 varsity sports. He offers a competitive experience for more than 500 Bentley student-athletes, consistently ranked among the best in the nation for academic success.
Williams oversees a program that recently completed a strategic plan based on input from across the university. This sets out Bentley athletics’s mission, vision, and values through 2025.
In 2017, Williams was recognized by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Football Championship Subdivision Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year Award. He has served on the NCAA Division I Council, the NCAA Legislative Committee, the NCAA Football Rules
Committee, the NIT Men’s Basketball Selection Committee, and the Hockey East Executive Committee.
INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW
Founded in 1917, Bentley University is one of the nation’s leading business schools, dedicated to preparing a new kind of business leader and one with the deep technical skills, the broad global perspective, and the high ethical standards required to make a difference in an ever-changing world. To achieve this goal, Bentley infuses their advanced business curriculum with the richness of a liberal arts education. The results are graduates who are making an impact in their chosen fields and turning their passions into success stories. The student body consists of 4,000 undergraduates and 1,000 graduate students, with 74 percent of students living on campus. Located on a classic New England campus just minutes from Boston, Bentley is a dynamic community of leaders, scholars, and creative thinkers.
Mission, Vision, and Core Values
Strategic Plan—Falcons Forward 2030
THE STUDENT BODY
Total enrollment: 4,131
Male: 61%
Female: 39%
Nonresident: 15%
Black: 4%
Hispanic: 11%
American Indian: <1%
Asian: 9%
Pacific Islander: <1%
White: 56%
Multiracial: 3%
Race unknown: 1%
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Diversity is critical to Bentley University’s mission of educating creative, ethical, and socially responsible organizational leaders. The university’s institutional values are rooted in a belief that appreciating diversity means working in an environment that embraces diversity of opinion and is free from hostility and intolerance.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW
Bentley offers a competitive benefits program that helps employees balance their work and family lives. For information on the benefits offered at Bentley University, see here.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position please click on the Apply button, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Nominations for this position and questions about the status of the search may be emailed to Dell Robinson at ddr@spelmanjohnson.com, or Anne-Marie Kenney at amk@spelmanjohnson.com Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not require public salary disclosure. For more information, please contact the search consultants above.
Visit the Bentley University website at https://www.bentley.edu/
Visit the Bentley University athletics website at https://bentleyfalcons.com/landing/index
Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.
Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The university is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty, and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans, and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.