Assistant Head Coach

Chicago State University (CSU), is the oldest public university in the Chicago metropolitan area. Chicago State University is Illinois' only four-year U.S. Department of Education-designated Predominantly Black Institution (PBI). CSU serves over 1,500 undergraduate students and nearly 900 graduate students. The university is a nationally accredited university with five colleges in Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences and Pharmacy and proudly supports a diverse and non-traditional student population that hails from 28 countries and 36 states.

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The Assistant Head Coach & Defensive Line Coach is a key leadership role in the football program, responsible for helping to implement the head coach's vision, developing the defensive line unit, contributing to overall defensive strategy, recruiting, mentoring student athletes, ensuring academic compliance, and supporting all aspects of the program's operations. This individual acts as a secondary leader behind the Head Coach, stepping in when needed, and collaborating with other coaches and staff.

Job Description

Coaching & Player Development

• Plan, organize, and conduct defensive line workouts, drills, and positional instruction.
• Teach technique, fundamentals, and tactics appropriate for defensive linemen (pass rush, run defense, gap control, etc.).
• Assist in game planning on defense; analyze opponent tendencies and communicate adjustments.
• Scout and develop talent among current players; assess performance and work with players to improve.
• Support overall defensive strategy; coordinate with the Defensive Coordinator and other defensive position coaches.

Recruiting & Talent Evaluation

• Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student athletes, especially defensive linemen, consistent with Chicago State's academic and athletic standards.
• Cultivate relationships with high school and junior college coaches, recruits, and families.
• Participate in official visits, recruiting events, and evaluation camps.
• Help manage recruiting logistics, paperwork, and compliance.

Leadership & Assistant Head Duties

• Serve as a primary assistant to the Head Coach: attend leadership meetings; help in decision making; represent the head coach as needed.
• Mentor other assistants or graduate assistants, provide feedback, ensure alignment of coaching philosophy.
• Assist with program administration: scheduling, practice planning, travel, camps, and clinics.
• Help lead offseason strength, conditioning, and development programming for defensive line and overall team as assigned.

Academic & Student Athlete Oversight

• Monitor academic progress of defensive line student athletes; ensure compliance with eligibility requirements.
• Support student wellbeing: coordinate with academic support staff; help with study tables, tutoring, and mentoring.
• Promote program values of discipline, integrity, teamwork, and conduct on and off the field.

Compliance & Administrative Duties

• Ensure all recruiting, practice, and game operation activities comply with NCAA, conference, and university rules.
• Oversee or assist with equipment, facilities, film, and technology needed for defensive line purposes.
• Contribute to strength & conditioning design for defensive line under direction of strength staff.

Participate in departmental, community, and alumni events; assist with marketing, fan engagement, and fundraising as appropriate

Other duties as assign

Minimum Qualifications

• Several years of coaching experience, ideally at the collegiate level; proven success coaching the defensive front.
• Experience recruiting, evaluating talent, and building relationships with high school / junior college coaches.
• Committed to the academic and athletic development of student athletes; high standards of conduct.
• Strong communication and collaboration; ability to work with diverse populations; able to motivate and develop young athletes.
• Willingness to travel, work evenings/weekends, off‐season, camps, etc

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree required
• Several years of coaching experience, ideally at the collegiate level; proven success coaching the defensive front.
• Ability to lead a position group, mentor other coaches, communicate effectively, and help manage broader program duties.
• Strong understanding of defensive line technique, schemes, and ability to contribute to strategy.

Additional Applicant Information Physical Requirement/ Demands

• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate verbally, read, write, see, and hear to perform essential functions.
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 30 pounds.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged standing at athletic contests and events.

Work Environment

• Indoor and outdoor working environment in all weather conditions.
• Non-traditional hours will be required
• Travel to designated away events required