Abstract
Research has indicated that head coaches influence their assistant coaches' behaviours and approaches through mentoring and guidance (Bloom et al., 1998; Côté, 2006). Due to roster size and specialized playing positions, assistant coaches are granted larger coaching leadership roles in football compared to other sports. As a result, head football coaches place considerable time and effort in choosing and developing their assistant coaches. The purpose of this study was to examine the career progression and coaching roles and responsibilities of head assistant football coaches in Canada. As such, the current study interviewed six successful varsity head coaches known for having strong academic programs and national level success on the field. The results showed that recruiting, managing a team unit, and performing administrative duties were viewed by the participants as their head assistant's main responsibilities. To prepare their assistants for their tasks, coaches developed their head assistants' knowledge by sending them to football camps and coaching conferences. In addition, participants discussed the leadership skills and behaviours used to develop their head assistant coaches, including increasing their responsibilities and providing feedback in an autonomy supportive environment. This study represents one of the first empirical investigations of the primary roles and responsibilities of head assistant coaches.
