8 Hard Truths About Working for a Head Coach Who Doesn’t Understand Player Development
What every player development professional needs to know when the person in charge doesn’t see your value.
There’s a side of player development that doesn’t get talked about enough.
It’s the side you only learn when you’re in the trenches — when you’re doing the work, serving the athletes, and realizing the person in the big office down the hall doesn’t actually understand what you do.
I’ve been there.
I’ve worked for coaches who get it, and I’ve worked for coaches who… don’t.
And after years in this role, I’ve identified eight hard truths about working for a head coach who doesn’t understand player development.
This isn’t about calling anyone out.
It’s about pulling back the curtain so professionals in this space know what they’re walking into — and how to navigate it.
If you’re a coach reading this, maybe it’s a chance to see things differently.
1. They Are Either For You or Against You
When a coach doesn’t understand player development, you quickly realize it’s black or white — there’s no middle ground.
They’ll either see you as a trusted part of their program or treat you as a nuisance taking time away from “real football/basketball/baseball” work.
2. They Will Say They Get It
Here’s the tricky part: some will talk like they’re all-in on what you do. They’ll nod in meetings, say the right buzzwords, and even throw your initiatives into a press conference. But behind closed doors? There’s no follow-through.
3. They Believe They’re Putting You in the Best Position
Many of these coaches think they’re doing you a favor — keeping you “focused” on things they deem important. But that “focus” often means limiting your scope and keeping you away from areas where you could make the biggest impact.
4. They Get Territorial
Some coaches see any influence you have with athletes as a threat. They want to be the sole source of leadership, guidance, and trust. If they feel you’re taking “too much” space in a player’s life, they’ll pull back your access or involvement.
5. They Can Stunt Your Professional Growth
When a coach doesn’t understand or value player development, your opportunities to grow shrink. You won’t be encouraged to network, attend conferences, or take on bigger projects — because in their mind, your role isn’t essential.
6. You Won’t Be a Priority on the Schedule
If you’ve ever tried to get time for a player development session and been bumped for yet another film review or practice walkthrough, you know the feeling. When a coach doesn’t get it, your initiatives are always “optional” and the first to be cut.
7. They Won’t Take Time to See How You Impact the Program
Even when your work leads to fewer off-field issues, stronger leadership among athletes, or higher retention, some coaches won’t connect the dots. They won’t sit down to understand your metrics, your stories, or your wins.
8. They Don’t Understand the Value You Bring as a Professional
This is the bottom line: when a head coach doesn’t understand player development, they don’t see you as a key driver of program success. They may see you as “nice to have,” but not “need to have” — and that mindset will shape every interaction.
Why This Matters
If you’re in this field, you need to know these truths going in.
They’re not meant to discourage you — they’re meant to prepare you.
You can still have impact. You can still help athletes. But you’ll have to be strategic in how you communicate, prove your value, and protect your role.
If you’re a head coach reading this:
Understand that player development isn’t a luxury. It’s not “extra.” It’s one of the most important investments you can make in your program — and in your players’ futures.
Final Word:
Some coaches get it. Others don’t. But when you understand the realities, you can navigate the challenges, advocate for your work, and keep making an impact — even when the person in charge doesn’t see it yet.
Coaches — if you know a coach, or if you’re a coach yourself and you’re thinking, “You know what, I want to understand player development better,” I’ve got you covered. There’s an entire section just for you in The Player Development Guide.
And if you want to dive deeper into these eight truths, check out the full conversation in my latest podcast episode here.