Football Discussion Forums

Assistant coaches, forming the backbone of team dynamics and player development, are optimistic that the impending changes will bolster the league’s integrity and foster a nurturing environment for the sport.

GregParks wrote: ↑Wed Sep 13, 2023 1:14 pm XFL News Hub provides some additional insight, and a softer landing:

https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-ass ... wind-down/

Assistant coaches, forming the backbone of team dynamics and player development, are optimistic that the impending changes will bolster the league’s integrity and foster a nurturing environment for the sport.

I'm skeptical of the rosy outlook painted above. Notably, the article also says this does not affect HC or coordinators.

My first blush reaction is: Not ideal! If your league is based around the idea that players have the ability to develop to take the next step, you need top-notch coaches who can actually develop them. Moving to a seasonal position is going to come with a cut in pay (likely the whole point of this), which could mean some of your coaches who have experience in the NFL or high levels of college may no longer be interested. So they want players to come to develop their skills, without giving them the proper coaching to help develop those skills. Maybe I'm wrong and it won't affect the quality of coaches the league attracts, but it certainly could.

The other thing to remember is XFL team personnel departments are one person: The Director of Player Personnel. My impression is that person relied heavily on coaching staffs, HC and assistants, to scout in the "off-season." If those assistants are no longer doing that (would assume that's the case if they're not paid for that time), it's much more of a burden on the coordinators, HC, and DPP. And I don't see them increasing scouting staffs for teams anytime soon.

GDAWG wrote: ↑Wed Sep 13, 2023 3:15 pm

GregParks wrote: ↑Wed Sep 13, 2023 1:14 pm XFL News Hub provides some additional insight, and a softer landing:

https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-ass ... wind-down/

Assistant coaches, forming the backbone of team dynamics and player development, are optimistic that the impending changes will bolster the league’s integrity and foster a nurturing environment for the sport.

I'm skeptical of the rosy outlook painted above. Notably, the article also says this does not affect HC or coordinators.

My first blush reaction is: Not ideal! If your league is based around the idea that players have the ability to develop to take the next step, you need top-notch coaches who can actually develop them. Moving to a seasonal position is going to come with a cut in pay (likely the whole point of this), which could mean some of your coaches who have experience in the NFL or high levels of college may no longer be interested. So they want players to come to develop their skills, without giving them the proper coaching to help develop those skills. Maybe I'm wrong and it won't affect the quality of coaches the league attracts, but it certainly could.

The other thing to remember is XFL team personnel departments are one person: The Director of Player Personnel. My impression is that person relied heavily on coaching staffs, HC and assistants, to scout in the "off-season." If those assistants are no longer doing that (would assume that's the case if they're not paid for that time), it's much more of a burden on the coordinators, HC, and DPP. And I don't see them increasing scouting staffs for teams anytime soon.

Some head coaches also have stuff to do in the offseason of the XFL that is outside of the XFL. If I remember correctly, Anthony Becht does pre-game stuff for the New York Jets or at least he did last season, not sure about this season.

GregParks wrote: ↑Wed Sep 13, 2023 1:14 pm XFL News Hub provides some additional insight, and a softer landing:

https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-ass ... wind-down/

Assistant coaches, forming the backbone of team dynamics and player development, are optimistic that the impending changes will bolster the league’s integrity and foster a nurturing environment for the sport.

I'm skeptical of the rosy outlook painted above. Notably, the article also says this does not affect HC or coordinators.

My first blush reaction is: Not ideal! If your league is based around the idea that players have the ability to develop to take the next step, you need top-notch coaches who can actually develop them. Moving to a seasonal position is going to come with a cut in pay (likely the whole point of this), which could mean some of your coaches who have experience in the NFL or high levels of college may no longer be interested. So they want players to come to develop their skills, without giving them the proper coaching to help develop those skills. Maybe I'm wrong and it won't affect the quality of coaches the league attracts, but it certainly could.

The other thing to remember is XFL team personnel departments are one person: The Director of Player Personnel. My impression is that person relied heavily on coaching staffs, HC and assistants, to scout in the "off-season." If those assistants are no longer doing that (would assume that's the case if they're not paid for that time), it's much more of a burden on the coordinators, HC, and DPP. And I don't see them increasing scouting staffs for teams anytime soon.