Building High-Performance Coaching Staffs: My Philosophy for Hiring, Developing, and Supporting Elite Leaders
One of the most important responsibilities of any Athletics Director is selecting the right coaches. Coaches shape culture. Coaches define expectations. Coaches influence the lives of student-athletes more than any other figure on campus. I have always approached coaching hires with a level of intentionality, discipline, and care that reflects the weight of the decision.
1. Hire for Character and Culture First
Talent matters. Experience matters. But character determines consistency, and consistency determines long-term success. I look for coaches who:
Lead with integrity
Communicate with clarity
Earn trust
Develop people
Represent the institution well
Build relationships with student-athletes
Foster standards without ego
You can teach strategy. You cannot teach character.
2. Look for Teachers, Not Just Technicians
The best coaches understand that student-athletes are students first, athletes second, and young people always. Great coaches teach life skills—communication, resilience, accountability, leadership—not just tactics.
Programs that grow off the field grow on the field.
3. Build Staffs That Complement One Another
Championship staffs are not accidental. They are carefully assembled teams with complementary strengths. I work with head coaches to help build:
Recruiting coordinators
Academic liaisons
Operations experts
Player-development coaches
Strength & conditioning partners
Balance and chemistry matter as much as talent.
4. Provide Support and Remove Barriers
A talented coach cannot succeed in an environment of obstacles. Part of my role is to eliminate friction—whether operational, philosophical, budgetary, or logistical—so coaches can focus on what they do best: developing student-athletes and elevating their programs.
5. Evaluate Honestly and Develop Continuously
Evaluation is not punitive—it is developmental. I create evaluation systems that are:
Transparent
Consistent
Fair
Goal-based
Growth-oriented
When coaches know how they are being evaluated, they grow with intention instead of reacting with uncertainty.
6. Coaching Excellence Reflects Athletic Department Excellence
Great coaching staffs attract better recruits, improve retention, elevate academics, strengthen culture, and build donor confidence. I view every coaching hire as a long-term investment in the department’s future identity.
Further Reading
• Building High-Performance Teams in Leadership
https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/building-high-performance-teams
