Assistant Coach, Defensive Coordinator, Golden Bears Football

**Department** Student Services - Interuniversity Athletics

**Posted date** August 12, 2025

**Closing date** August 19, 2025

**Position Type**

**Description**:
**_This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA)._**

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, and the salary will be commensurate with experience in accordance with the Academic Teaching Staff Agreement.

This position has an initial appointment of 12 months.

**Location -** This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at South Campus, Edmonton.

**Working at the University of Alberta**
- The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community._

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. **Learn more**.**

**Working for** **Golden Bears & Pandas Athletics**

Golden Bears & Pandas Athletics provides a comprehensive Athletics program worthy of a large, highly ranked, research institution in Canada. Golden Bears & Pandas Athletics provide an impactful and meaningful experience in 12 different sports and 22 varsity teams for over 500 student-athletes across campus and academic disciplines each year.

In addition to the opportunities provided to student-athletes directly, Athletics is a multi-faceted organization, delivering equitable, diverse and inclusive services designed to impact important aspects of the University community and the community-at-large.
- domestic and international student recruitment
- enhancing the student experience
- campus community building
- university brand enhancement
- broad community engagement
- work integrated learning

**Position**

The Defensive Coordinator is directly responsible for creating plays and schemes for game day. They are responsible for developing, evaluating, and producing a defensive depth chart, directing the team during competition; conducting team meetings; and implementing schedules. The position involves coordinating the actions of the defensive staff to produce an effective and highly functioning defensive unit. During the off season the Defensive Coordinator will be responsible for working with the defensive staff and players to continue to progress as a defensive unit. This work will include on field practice, strength and conditioning, meetings and other activities designed to improve on defensive execution and performance.

**Duties**
- Coach student-athletes including all team practices, scheduled games/competitions, and post season.
- Assist in game preparation and strategy.
- Assist with conditioning and training athletes in order to develop skill, character and teamwork in football.
- Recruit high quality student-athletes.
- Monitor assigned student-athletes’ academic progress including student welfare and encouraging academic excellence and eventual graduation.
- Assist the Head Coach and other staff members in management of the football program including; program planning, ensuring that all University, conference and USPORTS rules and regulations are followed including student-athlete eligibility, recruiting, strength and conditioning, team building and assisting to facilitate and participate in community service events.
- Adhering to USPORTS and Canada West recruiting, playing and administrative regulations.
- Participate in our community player development camp and academy system. This will involve planning’ coordinating and coaching in this system alongside the rest of the Golden Bears Football coaching staff.
- Demonstrating competency in player development at all defensive positions.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Head Coach.

**Qualifications**
- Undergraduate Degree is required. Masters or PhD Degree is preferred.
- Demonstrates currency and competency in the profession of coaching.
- Maintains registration and is in good standing with their professional body (e.g. National Coaching Certification Program and/or Coaches of Canada).
- Ability to employ varied coaching strategies.
- Ability to design or select and administer effective assessments.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt communications styles and collaborate with colleagues.
- Critical thinking and organizational ability.
- Facilitation, negotiation and problem solving skills and an ability to handle challenging