Coaches,

Interview season is here, and for some staffs it’s already started.

I’ve been on both sides of the interview table, and one hiring situation still sticks with me.

I went through a full interview process with a coach I was genuinely excited about.

Sharp.
Great presence.
Knew his football.
Fit what we were looking for on staff.

I offered him the job.

Two days later, my phone rang.

He thanked me for the opportunity — and then told me he was going to pass.

Not because of money.
Not because of title.
Not because another job came along.

He said, “Coach, after sitting down with my family and walking through what this job really looks like day to day, I don’t think it’s the right fit for us.”

I’ll be honest — my first reaction was frustration.

I thought I had my guy.

But after I hung up, something clicked.

That wasn’t a miss. It was a save.

A save from a coach who would’ve been surprised by the workload.

A save from a family that would’ve felt blindsided.
A save from resentment showing up months down the road.

I didn’t lose a great candidate.
I avoided hiring the wrong fit.

That experience changed how I think about hiring.

Instead of trying to sell the job, I focus on explaining the job — clearly, honestly, and early.

Clear expectations.
Real schedules.
No surprises.

I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately — especially as I prepare for a 4th and 3 coaches’ office conversation with Keith Allen that we’ll be live taping this Friday, focused on hiring the right staff and building real chemistry, not just stacking résumés.

So I put together a short, honest document for head coaches.

It’s designed to be shared before the interview and answers the questions candidates (and their families) usually want answered but don’t always know how to ask — compensation, daily schedules, summer expectations, weight room, 7-on-7, and off-field responsibilities.

The goal is simple: remove surprises and create alignment early.

I’ve learned that most candidates want to make a great impression in an interview — just like we do. This resource helps both sides move past that and make sure the fit is right for everyone involved.

If it’s helpful, feel free to use it, edit and make it your own.

Here’s the editable version:
👉 https://docs.google.com/docume...

Just click “Make a copy” and edit it however you need for your program.

Hiring the right people isn’t about finding perfect résumés — it’s about clarity, chemistry, and alignment.

That’s too important to leave to chance. The right people in the room change everything.