Why Every AD-Head Football Coach Combo Needs Two Offices

May 31

In many medium to small-sized schools across Texas, the athletic director and head football coach are the same person. They wear two hats—but usually operate out of just one office: the field house. That’s where the daily chaos lives—where a million things hit the radar all at once. Schedules are constantly shifting, equipment issues arise, parents call, players need support, and unexpected fires pop up throughout the day.

But if we want athletic programs that elevate an entire school—not just a team—it’s time to rethink the setup.

Every AD-head football coach combo should have two offices.

One in the field house.

And one in the heart of the high school.

Last year, I visited one of our Blueprint schools—Sunnyvale High School in Texas. Like always, I checked in at the front office, assuming they’d send me across campus to the field house.

But a moment later, Cody Stutts—Sunnyvale’s AD and head football coach—came out to greet me.

“C’mon back here, Coach. I’ve got an office up here, so I can be around the admin and counselors part of the day.”

What? This is genius.

One of my biggest struggles as a campus coordinator and head football coach was expanding my reach beyond my area and developing relationships with other staff members. We all have great intentions—but then the bullets start flying. There are always fires to put out. We get busy, and before we know it, the only time we’re in the admin area is for a weekly meeting or to deal with an issue.

Coach Stutts does it better. He’s “on the team” because proximity is power. He’s not just the coach down at the field house—he’s part of the daily rhythm of the school.

As Coach Stutts told me:

“When I was named AD and head football coach, our principal suggested setting up a second office in the main building. I thought it was a great idea—and it’s turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made. Spending a few hours a day around the admin team and counselors keeps me connected to the heartbeat of the school. If I were only down at the field house, I’d miss so many opportunities to lead beyond the locker room. Plus, being visible in the building helps with recruiting—it shows younger students and their families that we’re invested in the whole school, not just the scoreboard.”

Why the Second Office Matters

This isn’t about furniture or convenience—it’s a statement of intentional leadership.

It places the coach at the crossroads of the school’s mission—right where conversations about academics, discipline, emotional health, and school culture are taking place. It signals that athletics is not a silo—it’s integrated.

The most important relationship any athletic director or head football coach has is with the high school principal. A quality athletic program, especially if you're in the process of 'turning it around' and changing the culture, takes commitment. They're the person who must understand the mission and work closely with athletics. Proximity is power—and strong relationships are built through daily dialogue, not occasional check-ins.

That second office gives a coach:

Real-time access to counselors to help student-athletes before things spiral
A seat at the table for school-wide decisions and initiatives
Daily visibility with teachers and students that builds trust
A stronger connection to other programs—band, theater, academics—not just their own
A better pulse on the school—its climate, its pain points, and its victories

The role of a coach extends far beyond just managing the athletic department. You are no longer simply responsible for the football team; you are now a leader within the entire school. You utilize athletics to build connections, cultivate character, and strengthen the community.

To create alignment, start with choosing the right location.

To establish trust, start by being open and approachable to others.

If your goal is to foster a genuine school-wide culture, prioritize engaging in the environments where that culture flourishes—every single day.

The Best Programs Understand This

Even the best coaches cannot do it alone. Before accepting a head coaching position, ensure that the administration, especially the principal, is willing to collaborate with you and support the necessary changes.

But, you also have to meet them halfway and being willing to contribute as well. Find a way to get out of your comfort zone by getting an office near the school administration and counselors.

If you’re not sure whether there’s an extra office up near the admin wing—ask. Chances are, they’ll find a spot for you.

Two offices.

One mission: Connect, collaborate, and lead beyond the locker room.