Varsity Football Head Coach

The Thacher School seeks a head varsity coach for its 8-man football program. The current head coach started the program in 2002; thus, the hired coach will be the 2nd in the program’s storied history. The rest of the coaching staff is experienced and should mostly remain in place to help with the transition. The position begins mid-August 2026 and runs through early November. The position reports to the Director of Afternoon Programming.

Experience

Strong candidates will have multiple years of experience coaching high school football, ideally some at the 8-man level, and take a student-centered approach to their coaching. 

Other Requirements 

The hired coach will also sit on Thacher's Athletic Council, which consists of 14 varsity coaches. A current (or ability to obtain) California driver license with a satisfactory motor vehicle record and ability to transport students in school-owned vehicles. A criminal background check must be successfully completed before employment can begin.  Note: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. As prescribed by law, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

About The Thacher School

The Thacher School is one of the most selective and highly regarded boarding schools in the nation. Founded in 1889 by Sherman Day Thacher, the School serves academically talented students from over 20 states and close to 10 countries in a rigorous college preparatory experience. More than 54% of students identify as people of color. The faculty and students live and work closely together on a 427-acre campus nestled in the foothills of the Los Padres National Forest in Ojai, California (85 miles north of Los Angeles). Honor, fairness, kindness, and truth are the cornerstones of School life. Together, the School community commits to the belief that demands in the academic classroom, when combined with those of mountains and horses, of sports and the arts, produce independent minds, strong bodies, and powerful character. The School enrolls 250 students, has an operating budget of $25 million, and an endowment of $180 million. The Thacher School is dedicated to providing equal opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran’s status, or any other factor that is a prohibited consideration under applicable law.

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