10 signs of a great college coach
Questions to ask and red flags to spot during recruiting
Last week, I asked whether coaches matter in recruiting.
Some of you messaged back to say that who the coach is matters massively to you, but also wanted to know how you can get to know them better.
In last Tuesday’s piece, I warned that the coach who recruits you might not be the coach who graduates you.
But that doesn’t mean you should ignore coaching quality - it means you need to evaluate it properly.
Here are 10 signs that reveal who they really are, and exactly how to spot them.
No coach will ace them all - but you can watch for the ones that matter to you.
1. Consistent curiosity
What it looks like: Asks thoughtful questions about your game, references learning from other programs or coaches, admits when they don’t know something
Ask: “What have you learned recently that changed how you coach?”
Observe: Do they ask you questions, or just talk about themselves?
Why it matters: Curious coaches keep developing, which means you keep developing. They’re not stuck in old systems that worked 10 years ago.
2. Clear communication patterns
What it looks like: Regular check-ins, transparent timelines, specific feedback, consistent messaging from the entire staff
Ask: “How often do you meet with players individually during the season?”
Observe: How quickly do they respond to your emails or texts? Are their messages clear or vague?
Why it matters: You’ll need clear communication about playing time, development areas, and your role. Vague coaches create anxious players.
3. Player development track record
What it looks like: The team has role players who became stars, not just stars who stayed stars
Ask: “Can you tell me about a player who exceeded expectations in your program?”
Observe: Do they have players getting regular minutes who weren’t highly accoladed high school or club athletes?
Why it matters: Your ceiling depends on their ability to develop talent, not just recruit it.
4. Emotional regulation under pressure
What it looks like: Stays composed during tough moments, doesn’t blame umpires or players publicly, models the behavior they expect
Ask: “How do you help players bounce back from tough losses?”
Observe: Watch them during a close game. How do they treat officials? Players after mistakes?
Why it matters: You’ll face adversity. Coaches who lose composure teach you to do the same.
5. Structured player feedback
What it looks like: Regular individual meetings, video review sessions, specific technical and tactical instruction
Ask: “How do you give players feedback on their performance?”
Observe: Do current players have individual development plans? Can they quickly identify their key areas to work on?
Why it matters: Generic feedback (”work harder”) doesn’t create improvement. Specific feedback does.
6. Investment in relationships
What it looks like: Knows players beyond athletics, remembers details from conversations, involves families appropriately
Ask: “How do you get to know your players as people?”
Observe: Can they tell you non-athletic facts about current players? Do players seem comfortable around them?
Why it matters: Coaches who see you as a whole person will support you through injuries, slumps, and life challenges.
7. Teaching ability over yelling ability
What it looks like: Breaks down complex concepts simply, uses multiple teaching methods, adjusts explanations for different learners
Ask: “Can you explain a tactical concept you teach freshmen?”
Observe: During campus visits, watch a practice. Are they teaching or just directing?
Why it matters: Volume doesn’t create understanding. Great coaches can teach anyone to improve.
8. Growth mindset messaging
What it looks like: Talks about potential rather than limitations, focuses on improvement as well as results, celebrates effort and process
Ask: “How do you help players who aren’t getting playing time stay engaged?”
Observe: Do they talk about what players can’t do or what they’re learning to do?
Why it matters: Fixed mindset coaches (”you either have it or you don’t”) might stop developing players who don’t have immediate success in their program.
9. Organized systems and processes
What it looks like: Clear practice plans, consistent team rules, structured strength programs, detailed travel itineraries
Ask: “Can you walk me through a typical practice plan?”
Observe: Does practice start on time? Do players know where to be? Is the equipment organized?
Why it matters: Chaos creates stress. Organization creates development. You want your energy going toward improvement, not figuring out logistics.
10. Former player testimony
What it looks like: Former players visit, stay in touch, speak positively about their experience even years later
Ask: “Can I speak with some former players about their experience?”
Observe: Do alums come back? What do transfers say about the program?
Why it matters: Current players might sugarcoat. Former players will tell you the truth about whether the coach delivered on promises.
The bottom line
Great coaches aren’t perfect in all areas. But they should demonstrate strength in most of these characteristics, and no major red flags.
Trust your observations as much as their words. Actions during recruiting preview actions during your four years.
The right coach doesn’t just recruit you - they develop you. Look for the signs that show they can do both.
Want the complete guide to evaluating programs? Check out The Commitment Countdown, a 75-minute video course with actionable frameworks for navigating coach conversations, decoding true intentions, and confidently handling offers.