Lessons Learned -from an NFL Assistant Coach - Bunkered In: Game Week in the NFL

Working in the NFL is a fight against time. A work week consists of 80 -100 hours for the coaches. The time is divided up between individual work assignments, group projects, game-planning meetings, coaches’ film sessions, player meetings and film sessions, walk thru’s and practice. The meeting time with the players is between 20 - 25 hours per week. The amount of time actually practicing on the field is less than ten hours per week. Hard to believe, but true. Monday: On Monday, the coaching staff watches and grades the film starting at 7:00 am. That usually takes from four to four and a half hours. Film analysis is done separately by all three sides of the ball. After the film, injuries and personnel changes are discussed. The coaching staff then splits up to study their individual responsibilities. I had the opponent’s quarterback. His head location at the snap, footwork, reads,