Player Development Growth
THE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT POSITION IS GROWING!
This has been evident in the past six years I’ve been in this position, but I have never seen so many job postings about the position before. It is great to see this position expanding.
Here are three things that I’ve noticed about the growth of player development.
Expansion at the FBS Level
When I started working in the player development role at the University of Houston, most of the directors of player developments were at the “Power 5” level. At the time I began I was one of the few that had a position at the “Group of 5” level. As stated most of the directors of player development were at the P5 level, but every and I would say a majority of those schools didn’t have one at that time. I remember reaching out to people in my position when I first started and there were a handful of people with the position. Now it has transformed with most P5 programs having a director and many G5 programs having one as well. There is also growth happening at the FCS, Division II, Division III and Junior College levels.
Expansion at the High School Level
When I was a HS Coach in Texas, there was an influx of coaches that held the title recruiting coordinator. I was interested in helping our students get recruited for the next level of football and was given the recruiting coordinator title by my head coach. These positions in HS football grew as the recruiting departments in college football grew and individuals were given various recruiting responsibilities. I see this happening again in the HS football world as player development departments are growing, HS programs are selecting one of their coaches to prepare their players for the next level.
Expansion of Player Development Staffs
As mentioned in the previous point, player development departments are growing. Recently there were many schools who listed Assistant Director of Player Development positions. I received calls from some schools asking me if I knew people who would fit in those roles. There is an intentional growth happening as coaches and administrators are seeing the benefits of player development. Speaking from experience it can be tough to try and develop an entire team of 115+ young men from ages 17-24. I have championed for growth in this space at the programs I’ve been blessed to work for as I know the impact that can be had with more individuals doing the work. It has been great to see these departments grow and I look forward to seeing the impact from that growth.
These are exciting times in the player development profession. Maybe you’re currently in a role looking for more help or you’re on the outside trying to get into this impactful role. Stay encouraged, the growth is happening and will continue.
Soon, I will follow this blog up with the numbers so that the excitement I have can be quantified for those out there who like numbers. I am excited for that blog.
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God bless and go CREATE GENERATIONAL IMPACT TODAY!