Zone Read: 10 Things Arizona High School Football Coaches Do That You Never Hear About

Well, here we are.

Mid-July in Phoenix.

We often say there is no off-season for Arizona high school football, but this tiny little window, in the dead of the summer, may be as close as we’ll ever get.

The mostly meaningless Touchdown Track Meets have concluded. Many programs around the state are “off” for a bit.

Even the coaches…you know…the first ones to get to the facilities, and the last ones to leave are, for the most part, re-charging before fall camps ramp up for real later this month.

Last week in our deep dive with Channel 12’s Cameron Cox, I was struck by this quote,

“We really have some unbelievable coaches here. It’s unbelievable to get to know them. Everybody has a different story. Everybody has a different journey. What I didn’t realize when I got here that I realize now is, everybody is connected through some other job, through some other school.

“We just have some unbelievable people, unbelievable leaders in this state. I hope players and parents realize how much time and effort they put into their kids because I don’t think they do sometimes, and that kind of just hurts my heart. They coaches are really good people, really good leaders of men.”

It got “Zone Read” thinking.

Of course, we recognize the obvious characteristics and responsibilities of our AZHS football coaches – help schedule and run practices, develop game strategies, blow whistles, tell kids to hustle, instruct and teach, deal with us media, blah, blah, blah.

But what many never realize is just how much more coaches are than simply that, coaches.

So, we decided to share our “10 Things Arizona High School Football Coaches Do That You Never Hear About.”

Please note these are listed in no specific order.

1. Team Therapist – The stresses teenagers face today can be overwhelming. Peer pressure, appearance, academic expectations, bullying, social media, relationship break ups, family drama. The list goes on and on. Our high school coaches provide far more life knowledge and guidance than how to execute a zone blocking scheme or run the perfect slant route.

2. Team Financial Advisor – Like most, I worked summer jobs in high school. I also liked to spend $12 for every $10 I earned. Yes, for some lucky standouts in our state, there will be opportunities for college NIL. For others, simply understanding how to set up and contribute to savings accounts, specifically high yield ones, to enhance the financial foundation of their future is the best play a high school coach will ever call.

3. Team Barber – Every prep athlete enjoys a clean cut on the field…and off. In a time where inflation is hitting everywhere, and everyone, saving that kind of money over several months, even years, is a selfless service some coaches here in the Valley take great pride in.

4. Team Equipment/Gear Provider – This seems to fall in line with number three. I’ve known many coaches who have spent their own money to help a kid out with a new pair of cleats, a backpack, even a couple of new outfits for school. As we mentioned at the top of this list, self-esteem for teenagers can either be a slippery slope of insecurities and doubt, or a quick trigger for confidence and success in athletics, academics, and all the other uncertainties of life at that age.

5. Team Ride Share Driver – Practice is over, but mom and dad haven’t shown up yet. No problem, hop in. Forgot your practice gear and don’t have a car. All good, tell me your address. Coaches also frequently transport players (usually their position groups), to and from camps, showcases, team outings and dinners. Again, using their own vehicles and gas money.

6. Team Tutor – You’ll hear it preached from nearly every AZHS coach: academics before athletics. Sure, winning on the field is important, but setting up your players for the next forty years, not just the next few, is something every leader prides themselves on. No, they don’t get paid an increased rate on their paycheck, or receive some special district stipend, they do it because they care about the long-term success of their players.

7. Team Auto Mechanic – This one pretty much explains itself. Need a tire fixed? I got you. Car won’t start. Pop the hood and let’s take a look. Coaching is a labor of love where unexpected “overtime” is often more the norm than the exception.

8. Team Chef/Meal Provider – Team bonding is important at every level football, but maybe none greater than in high school. We all know how much teenagers can eat, specifically offensive and defensive linemen. It’s not uncommon for coaches to take their players out in, or after the season, to reward their hard work and spend quality time together away from football. Team BBQ’s and cookouts are also common. Again, the coaches, not the schools, usually pick up the tab for these feasts.

9. Team Mediator – Oh, where do we even start here? Let’s just say, this version of Pandora’s box is deeper than a football equipment trunk. Just spit ballin’. Disagreements over playing time, unruly or, more often, unrealistic parents, ego clashes, accusations of favoritism, players blaming each other for mistakes, lack of trust, perceptual conflicts. I think you get the idea.

10. Father Figure – In many ways, this example summarizes everything you’ve read so far. Coaches wear many hats, ones far more important than we often only see them wearing on the sideline.

So, here’s a little PSA for every past or current high school player who reads this: next time you see your coaches, tell them how much you appreciate them.

After all, we know they’ll do just about anything for you.