Special Assistant to Head Coach

🔍Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation, Stanford, California, United States📁Administration📅Feb 12, 2026 Post Date📅108220 Requisition #

Welcome to Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”), the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 137 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student‑athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives.

At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are:
Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.

Are you ready to inspire champions? If yes, then this may be the right opportunity for you!

We are currently accepting applications for the position of Special Assistant to the Head Coach. This position will report to the Football Head Coach and will support the Head Coach on all football-related initiatives, including strategy, player communication, and program alignment. This role serves as a trusted extension of the Head Coach, helping translate vision into daily football operations, overseeing special projects, and ensuring consistent communication between the Head Coach, staff, and players.

This role is a one‑year fixed‑term appointment.

• Work directly with the Head Coach on football‑specific projects such as game strategy, opponent scouting, player development initiatives and practice organization.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Head Coach and players – helping manage team communication, culture‑building efforts, and day‑to‑day player engagement.
• Coordinate with analysts, QCs, and position coaches to support weekly opponent prep, self‑scout, and situational football studies.
• Manage and track implementation of football initiatives (new practice structures, teaching methods, leadership programs, etc.).
• Partner with the operations and recruiting teams to ensure the football side of all events (visits, team functions, alumni engagements) runs smoothly and aligns with the Head Coach’s vision.
• Support Head Coach meeting prep (staff, team, and leadership meetings) and ensure follow‑ups are completed.
• Contribute to player development programming and leadership council logistics.
• Maintain discretion and professionalism in all player‑ and staff‑facing interactions.

Bachelor’s degree with three years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

• Football‑first thinker who combines strategic insight with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive information.
• Connect authentically with players.
• Move important football initiatives forward.
• Experience as quality control, graduate assistant or player development with strong football IQ and leadership instincts preferred.

This position, along with all DAPER coaches and staff, is responsible for the integrity of Stanford’s intercollegiate athletics program and for the reputation of Stanford University. This position is responsible for ensuring that his/her/their involvement with Athletics Department activities maintains the integrity of the University’s reputation and does not negatively impact the relationship between the University and its faculty, staff, students and alumni.

Additionally, this position must comply with University policies and procedures, NCAA and ACC rules and regulations.

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first‑ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique…