People like to say, “Let’s keep it real.” I will keep it real by saying let’s stop pretending the hiring method in high school and even college is always about “the best coach for the position.”
It’s definitely not true!
Behind closed doors, there’s an ugliness that people do not know or understand about! And the truth is, certain athletic directors already know who they’re hiring before the job is even posted for other coaches to see.
Everything else besides that is a courtesy act!
The Fantasy of the Opportunity
Here’s how the fantasy opportunity is structured. You put the job position online, and it looks legit. Coaches start applying for the position causing the applications to roll in. Interviews are scheduled. Committees are created. But let me open the door wide to behind the scenes, where the decision-making is already given without the alert sounding off just yet.
Coaches’ resumes get tossed not because of the so-called lack of experience, but because of a lack of relationship. In the meantime, the less suitable coaches move forward because they’re in the inner circle. If you’re not in the inner circle, your chances can be waved bye-bye.
👉 Read more about how major programs are affected by politics in LSU’s Coaching Meltdown: From Governor’s Outburst to Athletic Director Firing, College Football Reaches a New Crossroads.
Relationships Over Genuineness
The matter of fact is this: relationships matter in sports. That’s not the issue.
The real problem is when relationships overpower a genuine heart, integrity, and what’s actually best for the program.
What is pathetic is this: you’ve had former coworkers hiring each other. Friends suggesting friends. And these people who are acting in ugliness are protecting their own networks rather than opening doors to new coaches.
And while that’s going on, good-hearted, talented, and hardworking coaches—especially those who have put in real work at the grassroots level—get shut out without ever getting a real opportunity!
How Certain Athletic Directors Are the Issue
Some athletic directors don’t just organize programs—they control the program.
These athletic directors who play dirty politics decide:
- Who gets interviews.
- Who gets seen.
- Who gets marked entitled.
- Who gets completely ignored.
One ugly decision behind closed doors can impact a coach’s entire coaching course.
That’s not good leadership—that’s corruption!
👉 Learn how systemic issues affect players and programs in The College Basketball Gambling Probe Exposed Something Bigger Than Point-Shaving: A System That Doesn’t Pay Most of Its Players.
Who Really Suffers the Consequences?
It’s not just the coaches. It’s the players.
When hiring decisions are based on ugly politics instead of wise purpose, the players lose out on:
- Mentorship from good, wise coaches.
- Growth from coaches who actually understand them.
- Great opportunities that could change their lives.
Programs will suffer not just in the short term but also in the long term. Players suffer. And in some cases, parents miss out on what could have been something special for their child.
Being Fearful of Speaking Up
You do have people knowing this is happening.
But they don’t say anything at all (which is not helpful).
Why?
Because speaking up can get the person blackballed. One remark, one disagreement, and rebuking the system—and suddenly their name comes up in conversations. Their opportunities vanish.
People do the hush game. And the corruption continues!
Obviously, not every athletic director works like this. Some are doing it the right way, leading with transparency, giving people real opportunities, and putting the players first.
But the corrupt athletic directors need to be held accountable! Especially at the high school level (can’t forget college), positions shouldn’t be controlled by politics, favoritism, or closed-door decisions.
My Final Thoughts
If you’re a coach trying to start coaching or moving up, comprehend this: sometimes it’s not about your work ethic or your resume. Sometimes, it’s about a corrupt system that was never designed to be reasonable.
My advice: do not give up!
Stay prepared, stay seen, build your own network—and when you get your great opportunity, you do it the right way.
Real change doesn’t just come from calling out the problem. It comes from becoming the answer when your time comes.
