You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Assistant Coach Football

SUNY Cortland
Email

Assistant Coach, Football
SUNY Cortland

The Assistant Coach, Football is responsible for assisting in all aspects of administration and operation of the competitive NCAA, Division III Football Program in the Empire 8 athletic conference at SUNY Cortland which includes skill instruction, on-field coaching, player development, team travel, management of coaching and support staff, student athlete academic success and student athlete health and welfare. This is a full-time position with an 11-month obligation (8/1-6/30 annually).

Salary Range: $52,000 + depending on experience

Major Responsibilities
Coaching & Competitive Performance

  • Implement and teach the team’s defensive scheme, ensuring alignment with program strategy.
  • Manage and lead a position group, preparing student-athletes for practices and competitions while supporting their year-round athletic and personal development.
  • Analyze opponent game films and footage, statistics, and strategies to support game planning and in-game adjustments.
  • Collaborate with the head coach and defensive coordinator on all aspects of program operations.
  • Maintain and build a competitive football program at the conference level.
  • Deliver effective coaching through strong content knowledge, structured practice design, and positive athlete engagement.
  • Instruct student-athletes in sport-specific skills, team concepts, strength and conditioning, and safe performance techniques.

Recruiting & Roster Management

  • Identify, evaluate and recruit student-athletes who meet athletic, academic, and institutional standards in full compliance with the NCAA, Empire 8 and SUNY Cortland rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Build and maintain a competitive roster aligned with program goals and institutional standards.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with high school coaches, prospects, and recruiting networks.

Student Athlete Development & Support

  • Promote academic achievement, progress toward degree, and graduation success.
  • Provide mentorship and support for leadership, character development, and life skills, fostering personal and professional growth.

Compliance, Risk Management & Professional Conduct

  • Implement and uphold risk management and safety protocols during all team activities.
  • Prioritize the health, safety, and overall welfare of student athletes.
  • Maintain accurate and timely completion of required documentation and administrative processes.
  • Ensure compliance with all NCAA, conference, and university regulations.

Program Administration

  • Represent the university with professionalism and integrity, demonstrating sportsmanship, and a commitment to program excellence and institutional values.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development in sport by continuing education, participation in professional organizations, enrollment in training programs, and research.
  • Supervise athletes and monitor the facilities to ensure student-athlete safety.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree; and, experience coaching football at the college level.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree; three or more years of experience coaching in an intercollegiate or professional football program; and, prior Supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Demonstrated ability to recruit, inspire, mentor, coach and teach highly talented student-athletes.
  • Demonstrated ability and desire to teach and work with a diverse student population.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the public.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively – via technology, in person, and in writing.
  • Demonstrated ability to represent the department and college in a friendly, courteous and professional manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment as needed.
  • Demonstrated ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgement based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.
  • Demonstrated ability to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner.

About the University
A top public university of approximately 6,600 students located in the geographic center of New York State, SUNY Cortland provides accessible, affordable education to students from across the U.S. body. One of 13 comprehensive universities in the State University of New York system, SUNY Cortland prides itself on its rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, education, and professional studies. For more than 150 years, SUNY Cortland has provided unmistakable value for students seeking a well-rounded academic, athletic, and social experience. The University ranks among the top campuses in the nation on Money magazine’s “Best Colleges for Your Money List,” fields a powerhouse Division III athletics program and boasts an impressive network of alumni making a difference in education, business, government, fitness, medicine and many other fields.

What makes SUNY Cortland a Great Place to Work

Be part of a campus that values integrity, intellectual life, and a strong focus on students. Here, professional staff maintain a meaningful presence on campus and contribute to a supportive, forward-thinking learning environment. Watch this video to learn more about careers at SUNY Cortland: https://youtu.be/krNjgXC95M0?si=k2l13TUB9mJ9YjD8

  • Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many offer permanency.
  • Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long term disability and tuition reimbursement.
  • SUNY Cortland prioritizes work-life balance and well-being in all forms. The university’s state-of-the-art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families. Alternate work schedules are available with a supervisor’s approval.
  • Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding.
  • Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region’s offerings


Apply Today!

For more information, application instructions, and to apply online, go to: https://jobs.cortland.edu/postings/11373 and be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume. Review of applications will begin July 14, 2026, and application materials will be accepted until the position is filled.


SUNY Cortland is an AA/EEO/ADA employer and encourages applications from women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of underrepresented groups.