When Hiring a New Coach

Coach Mike Gims is the new head football coach at Potomac Falls High School in Virginia. I have known Mike for a number of years. He is a man of great faith. I still remember when he called his coaches aside minutes before taking the field for a game so they could all pray together alone and ask for the strength to lead their young men with virtue and passion. It was inspiring to see a group of men do that with such calm and vision in the midst of the excitement that is Friday Night football.

Mike is in the process of putting his new coaching staff together and I asked him if he had a sort of checklist ... the “must haves” to hire a coach. I think we should all have a similar list.

1. Transcendent Cause – Does he have a purpose in life other than football and winning?
2. Character – Can I trust him?  Will he be loyal to me and the program?  He must be ALL IN!
3. Serve – Is he willing to mentor the players?  Will he take an active role in their lives (academics, character, and skills)? Will he go the extra mile for his players? Is he willing to do the little things?  
4. Knowledge – Does he understand the game (skills, concepts, practice org. etc)?
5. Teach – Is he a teacher? Can he communicate his knowledge to his players?
6. Motivate – Can he properly motivate the players to do what needs to be done?  Can he influence them?  (we will not motivate out of fear)
7. Take Action – Is he task oriented, willing to jump right in? 

Here is a prayer Coach Gims wrote this past season.

Father Lord God Holy One

Hear my voice, oh blessed Son

See my works, Born from above

May they be an expression of your love

Let my life heed your call

Help me Lord God sacrifice all

As I fight this battle on earth

All the adversity like giving birth

Satan attacks constant and fierce

Each penetrating blow consistently pierce

Can I go another round?

Or will I be taken to the ground

Battles of flesh I fight with my thoughts

I depend on scripture and verses He taught

Battles with pride selfishness or serve

The eyes of Jesus, helps me preserve

Battles with fear to stand firm or take flight

Hearing Gods voice gets me through the night

So on and on the battle wanes

Blow after blow causing many growth pains

How do I win this battle with in?

Abide in Christ draw strength from Him

Work for the Lord and walk in His light

The blessings of God to partake in His flight

Father Lord God Holy One

Hear my voice, oh blessed Son

See my works, Born from above

May they be an expression of your love

Let my life heed your call

Help me Lord God sacrifice all