On Wedneday, the U of M posted a job opening for a Gophers’ assistant coach. Ever wonder what is required. Keep reading. This job isn’t for everyone.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree; knowledge and expertise in the sport of ice hockey; 5 years of men’s ice hockey collegiate or junior level coaching experience; good organizational, communication, and public relations skills; ability to identify and recruit highly skilled student-athletes; and a commitment to high standards, sportsman like conduct, and fairness.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with video equipment and computers.  

My comments: You have to do a little of everything. But only five years of coaching experience. That does not seem like a lot. On the other hand, you might want a young up and coming coach.

Duties/responsibilities: Primary responsibility for assisting in the development of all phases of a NCAA Division I Men’s ice hockey program. This position reports to the head men’s ice hockey coach. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Assist in identification, evaluation, and the recruitment of student-athletes; assist head coach in the planning and on-ice implementation of daily practices; assist in developing game plans; specific coaching responsibilities to be matched with candidate’s areas of expertise; work closely with support staff (athletic medicine, equipment, communication, academics) regarding student-athletes; utilize video for teaching and motivational purposes; commitment to and responsibility for adhering to all rules and regulations of the University, WCHA-Men’s League, and NCAA; work compatibly and cooperatively with the staff and personnel of the athletic department; assist in all areas as they relate to the operation of the men’s hockey program; other duties as assigned by head coach.

My comments: What are my off days? How many weeks of vacation? Do I get coffee breaks?  Not sure how long I would last on this job.

Program description: The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, will be hiring an Assistant Coach, Men’s Hockey. Gopher Athletics offers 25 NCAA sponsored Division I sports and participates in the Big Ten and WCHA conferences. The Department’s mission reads: To serve as a window to the University in an environment of integrity and equity that enables student-athletes to achieve excellence in their academic and athletic pursuits. Gopher Athletics’ vision is to be the model Division I program in the country and has adopted four core values that guide decisions and behaviors in ongoing efforts to fulfill the mission and vision: (1) a confident and humble pride, (2) integrity in our words and deeds, (3) respect for the dignity of ALL stakeholders, and (4) loyalty built on honest and trusting relationship.  

My comments: The U wants to be the No. 1 model program in the country. Quite a lofty goal.

Application instructions: Annual renewal appointment dates are May to April. Submit a cover letter, current resume, and names and contact information of three references.

Applications will be reviewed beginning May 14, 2008, and will be accepted until the position is filled.

My comments: Lucia wants to fill the position by June 1, which gives him two weeks time from the beginning of interviews. Now, what I want to know is, do I get a finders’ fee if somebody reads this blog, applies for the job and gets it. I think that would be only fair. So would-be coaches out there, please apply and remember who sent you to U.

Disclaimer: This post is mostly taken off of www.umn.edu. The qualifications and responsibilities are just the same as on the real job posting. None of that was tampered with. But I had to insert my comments because we like to look at most things in a light-hearted manner. Good luck job hunters.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 at 11:52 pm and is filed under Gophers men's hockey. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.