The Size of the Coaching Team in American Football

The article discusses the coaching structure of American football, particularly focusing on the Raiders Tirol team. It outlines the responsibilities of various coaching positions, including the head coach and coordinators for offense, defense, and special teams. In the NFL, a team typically includes at least twelve coaches, with a mix of assistants for specialized roles. The article also highlights the specific coaching staff of the Raiders Tirol for the upcoming seasons, including recent changes and contract extensions.

The sight along the sidelines in American football is often bustling with activity, not just from the players but from a diverse array of coaches and support staff as well. Have you ever wondered how many coaches are typically part of an American football team like the Raiders Tirol?

In order to understand the coaching structure in American football, it’s essential to grasp the basic team organization. An American football team is divided into three main units: the offense, the defense, and the special teams. Each unit consists of players fulfilling specific roles, with the quarterback being the most iconic player among them. Alongside the head coach, there exists a multitude of coaches assigned to various aspects of the game.

Number of Coaches in American Football

In the National Football League (NFL), an American football team typically comprises at least twelve coaches. The coaching team is led by the head coach (HC), who is supported by three coordinators—each responsible for the offense, defense, or special teams—and backed by eight assistant coaches. Additionally, there may be specialists focusing on off-the-field areas, such as strength and conditioning.

Primarily, the head coach takes charge of all team activities. The Head Coach oversees training sessions, strategic decisions, and the distribution of responsibilities among the assistant coaches.

Working under the head coach are the Offensive Coordinator (OC), Defensive Coordinator (DC), and Special Teams Coordinator. These coordinators manage their respective units and have the authority to call specific plays during games.

The eight assistants represent various specialized coaching roles, particularly in the offensive and defensive units. The offensive coordinator, for instance, is assisted by five specialists.

  • The offensive coordinator oversees five offensive coaches: offensive line coach, wide receiver coach, quarterback coach, running back coach, and tight end coach.
  • The defensive coordinator is aided by three defensive coaches: cornerback and safety coach, linebacker coach, and defensive line coach.

Below is a summary of the roles for each coaching position:

Coaching Specializations

Due to the varied responsibilities among the offense, defense, and special teams, distinct tasks are allocated to the respective coordinators.

  • Offense: The offensive coordinator develops strategies and play designs for the offensive unit, responsible for instructing players through the assistant coaches.
  • Defense: The defensive coordinator formulates the game plan to thwart the opposing team’s offense, with assistants focusing on tailored training sessions.

Coaching Staff of Raiders Tirol

The coaching team for Raiders Tirol is composed of ten members, including a specialized Strength and Conditioning team led by Andreas Pröller and an additional medical staff managed by Christoph Schilcher.

  • Coaching & Staff Management: Ulz Däuber
  • Head Coach & Defensive Coordinator: Jim Herrmann
  • Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Jagodzinski
  • Defensive Backs Coach: Benjamin Barton
  • Offensive Line Coach: Charlie Eger
  • Wide Receivers Coach: Zac Tallent
  • Defensive Line Coach: Mike Waufle
  • Defensive Line Assistant: Christian Nobile
  • Defense Assistant: Jakob Samuel
  • Linebackers Coach: Jim Ward
  • Runningbacks Coach/Tight Ends Coach: Terry Malone

Confirmed Coaches for the 2025 Season

(as of late October 2024)

  • Head coach Jim Herrmann will continue to lead the Raiders Tirol into the next European League of Football (ELF) season, as his contract has been extended for two additional years.
  • The Raiders have renewed contracts with Christian Nobile (Defensive Line Coach) and Ben Barton (Defensive Back Coach).
  • Nick Kleinhansl and Simon Riedl will depart from the team, while former Milano Seaman head coach Jim Ward has joined as linebackers coach.
  • Charlie Eger advances into his second year with the Raiders Tirol and will take on the role of offensive coordinator in addition to his existing duties.
  • Super Bowl champion Terry Malone has joined the Raiders Tirol as assistant head coach, overseeing both running backs and tight ends.

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