Football Secondary Coach
Many people know about head coaches and coordinators in football, but have you ever heard of a secondary coach? Some may think that the term “secondary” means that this kind of coach is a backup coach, but in reality, “secondary” means something different in football, and the secondary coach has a very specific job. Read on to learn all about what this incredibly important coach does on the field!
What is a Secondary Coach in Football?
The secondary coach in football is the coach in charge of all of the players who make up the “secondary” on defense, including cornerbacks and safeties. He works closely with the defensive backs on different aspects of the game.
Secondary Coach Roles and Responsibilities
The secondary coach is one of the subordinate or “position” coaches who works under the head coach and coordinators on a football team. Specifically, the secondary coach will work under both the head coach and the defensive coordinator, as he is responsible for training and coaching the players in the secondary.
The secondary coach has similar roles as the defensive line coach, which are to keep tabs on their players and see to their needs, coach them during practice, and report on the strengths and weaknesses of the secondary to the defensive coordinator. The secondary coach may also create some plays with both the defensive line coach and the defensive coordinator, particularly when those plays involve or rely upon cornerbacks, linebackers, and safeties.
Traits of a Good Secondary Coach
As with any coaching position, a good secondary coach will be a good leader, have a strict but approachable personality, understand the game of football, be well-versed in the roles of the secondary, and have experience in coaching teams and individual players. Many secondary coaches may have been linebackers or safeties before, but this isn’t a requirement.
What Do Secondary Coaches Work On With Players?
One of the main drills that the secondary coach runs for players during practices is passing coverage. The coach will present the defensive line with different types of offensive scenarios that they have to counter. This allows the defense to be familiar with any type of offensive formation they might see during a game.
Secondary coaches also train these players on making defensive recoveries. Oftentimes in game, an interception can happen in an instant. Because of this, the defensive backs need to make quick adjustments and literally “recover” and get back on defense. Defensive backs rely on their coach to give them strategies to make quick and effective recoveries and how to span and cover the field in any intense game situations.
The defensive line also needs just as much talented footwork as the offensive line! The secondary coach can work on the player’s footwork, since defensive backs need to have fast footwork to navigate an offensive player’s moves quickly.