The Future of Player Development
The Future of Player Development In CFB
Player development in college football is a position that has grown immensely the last decade. There are directors of player developments, directors of player engagement, player development graduate assistants and some programs have multiple professionals as part of their player development staff. As one that is in this space I am thankful to see the continued growth and dedication to the space.
The future of this position is one of the many topics I love to speak about and fantasize about. I have worked in programs where we have dedicated many professionals to recruiting talent to our team. I worked in recruiting for one year of my career on the collegiate level and understand the importance of recruiting to a program. Many call recruiting the lifeblood to a college football program and there is no doubt that this is true. I would venture to say that if recruiting is the life blood of the program, then player development would be the veins that provide structure and direction for the blood.
Many programs are providing space and creating positions for the player development professionals. In my current position, the program created an Assistant AD title as my Head Coach saw the importance of having someone that can build relationships, mentor and lead young men towards their best selves. With the expansive influence of the transfer portal, coaches and administrators are aware that there must be more effort put in towards the student-athletes while they are on campus. More professionals who have dedicated their lives to developing others and more resources dedicated to enhancing the student-athlete experience while on campus.
Impact on college football coaching staffs
College football player development departments will grow. This is something I believe is happening and will continue to happen at a rapid pace. As stated earlier there is a need for it and many may be behind the eight ball in this area. I believe the structure of these increased staffs will be a combination of the following:
Director of Player Development/Engagement
Assistant Director of Player Development/Engagement
Director of Player Relations
Coordinator of Player Development/Engagement
Player Development/Engagement Assistant
Player Development/Engagement GA
Player Development/Engagement Intern
The titles of these positions are up to the athletic department, but be sure that the positions are coming and will be here in the near future.
Impact on fundraising
College athletic departments have development departments that are dedicated to the fundraising and gifts given to the athletic programs. Many of these boosters and donors give money in faith that their money is making an impact for the student-athletes at the university. Their money, gifts and dedication created many doors for student-athletes. Seeing the impact of a player development program on the student-athletes in the program can give the boosters and donors a visible return on investment. This can create a separate opportunity to create more funds for the student-athletes and the program. Those who give can now be afforded the opportunity to sow into the developmental programming for the student-athletes.
Impact on recruiting
I have experienced prospective student-athletes, parents and coaches come on a recruiting visit and ask the question of how the athlete will get developed while on campus. I believe that the number of recruits asking about their development off the field will increase. Social media has brought heightened exposure to the decision making process of student-athletes good or bad. Those parents will see the wrongs that have happened to former student-athletes playing their prospective sport and want to know what’s in place for their student-athlete. Programs will have to get beyond the jerseys, photo shoots, graphics and visits and explain how the athlete will become a better person by attending their university.
Impact on the NFL
Currently there is a budding unity of professionals on the collegiate and professional level when it comes to player development. In the NFL most, if not all of the positions are titled the Director of Player Engagement. We are currently working on unifying with each other to create a development process that allows for college football players to be better prepared for the professional level. This is something that I am excited about and will create a greater impact in the longevity of professional careers.
Impact on education
I believe that sports management programs will dedicate more education resources to this field as their students are interested in this position. I have students reach out to me weekly about the position. Fortunately I have been able to speak to some classes about the player development position and have enjoyed the experience. This is a position that will continue to interest college students and their educational programs will need to be prepared for these inquiries of information.
Impact on internships
I believe that the player development internship will become the most coveted internships in the program. This position is one that spends a lot of time creating relationships with the student-athletes and others in the building. My email is flooded with those who would like to intern with me in the player development department. People see the impact that can be made and want to be a part of it.
Impact on HS and youth football
Many coaches on the beginning levels of football understand the importance of developing their athletes off of the field. Many understand that they are coaching their athletes during times that they begin forging their athletic and personal identities. With that said, there is a greater focus on the programming and resources towards the overall identity of the athletes. I am excited for this phase of football to begin putting more focus towards individual development.
Impact on #WomenInSports
I have been fortunate to work with and know many women who serve in player development in college football and the NFL. I personally worked with my assistant, Lauren Hawkins, for two years and saw her excel at her position. Her influence and impact in the program was beneficial to all. As I have become a “veteran” in this space the interest from women about the position and how they can get involved has grown. I have seen and known that women can do incredible things in this space. Many coaches are looking for ways to bring women on their staff and I believe this is one way these coaches will.
Hope you enjoyed this blog on the future of player development. There are many more things that you will discover about player development on this website. Have a great day and thank you for taking time to read this blog.
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