Defensive Assistant Coach

Job Description: Department: Football Operations Reports To: Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator League: Indoor Football League (IFL)\*\*Position Summary \*\*The Defensive Assistant will assist with the preparation, development, and execution of the Quad City Steamwheelers' defensive unit. This position will support all areas of the defense, including player development, film breakdown, opponent scouting, defensive installations, practice preparation, personnel evaluation, and game-day adjustments. The Defensive Assistant may work with multiple defensive position groups based on the needs of the coaching staff. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of defensive football, player development, film study, and game preparation. \*\*Prior indoor or arena football experience is preferred. \*\*Key Responsibilities:Defensive Coaching & Player Development* Assist with coaching and developing players across the defensive unit.* Help teach proper fundamentals, technique, alignment, assignments, tackling, pursuit, and situational football.* Conduct individual and group drills as assigned by the Head Coach or Defensive Coordinator.* Assist with defensive position meetings, practices, walkthroughs, and film sessions.* Evaluate player performance through practice and game film and provide instruction and feedback.* Help players understand offensive formations, personnel, tendencies, and situational concepts.* Cross-train defensive personnel when necessary to maximize roster flexibility and game-day depth.Defensive Scheme & Game Preparation* Assist the Defensive Coordinator with the development and implementation of weekly defensive game plans.* Utilize Hudl or similar digital film platforms to break down opposing offenses and identify tendencies.* Analyze opposing personnel, formations, protections, route concepts, blocking schemes, and run/pass tendencies.* Assist with defensive scouting reports, call sheets, personnel packages, and situational preparation.* Help install and reinforce the team's defensive system during meetings, practices, and walkthroughs.* Assist with identifying and communicating opponent tendencies and defensive adjustments during games.* Maintain a strong understanding of IFL defensive rules and how they impact defensive schemes, alignments, and responsibilities.Player Personnel & Recruiting* Assist the coaching and football operations staff with evaluating and recruiting defensive players.* Review prospective player film and provide evaluations and recommendations.* Assist with tryouts, training camp evaluations, roster decisions, and player development.* Help identify athletic and versatile defensive players capable of transitioning from the traditional outdoor game to the speed and spacing of indoor football.* Assist in maintaining defensive depth within the IFL's limited roster structure.Football Operations Support* Assist the Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator, and football operations staff with day-to-day team responsibilities as needed.* Support training camp, practices, team meetings, travel, player personnel, and game-day operations.* Help ensure players understand and comply with team and IFL rules, policies, and expectations.* Maintain professionalism when representing the Quad City Steamwheelers during games, travel, community appearances, and team events.* Perform additional football-related responsibilities as assigned by the Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator, or front office.Qualifications / Requirements* Experience: Previous football coaching and/or playing experience at the collegiate, indoor/arena, or professional level preferred. Prior indoor/arena football experience is a plus.* Defensive Knowledge: Strong understanding of defensive fundamentals, schemes, coverages, fronts, run fits, pass rush, tackling, and situational football.* Indoor Football Knowledge: Understanding of indoor/arena football rules, spacing, defensive restrictions, and differences between the indoor and traditional outdoor game preferred.* Technology: Experience with Hudl or similar digital film breakdown and scouting platforms preferred.* Leadership: Ability to effectively teach, communicate, motivate, and develop professional football players while working collaboratively with the coaching staff.* Adaptability: Willingness to work with multiple defensive position groups and handle various coaching and operational responsibilities within a fast-paced professional football environment.* Availability: Ability to work practices, games, meetings, training camp, team travel, and other football operations responsibilities throughout the IFL season.Equal Opportunity EmployerWe are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.