Coaching My Son: A Journey of Love, Lessons, and Leadership

BY JOE HUBBARD THSCA REGION 8 DIRECTOR - EAST CENTRAL HS

Being a high school football head coach is a challenge in itself, but when your own child is on the team, it adds a layer of complexity that is both rewarding and demanding. Coaching my son, Joe, through his high school football career was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life—filled with highs, lows, and countless lessons.

THE GOOD DAYS

Some of the best moments came from the time we spent together off the field. Every morning, we rode to school, and every afternoon, we made the drive home. Those rides became a sacred space for father-son talks. We’d discuss life, his goals, and the kind of man he wanted to become. Joe would often tell me stories about his teammates’ curiosity, asking him, “What’s Coach like at home?” Those moments reminded me of the unique bond we shared, and it made the journey that much more special.

FACING THE CHALLENGES

Not everything was easy, though. When Joe was a freshman, whispers from naysayers began. People assumed he was only on the field because of me. It didn’t help when, during one game, he dropped an interception, and a parent shouted, “That’s the coach’s son—he can’t catch!”

Joe and I had many conversations about those moments. I told him that to silence critics, he had to prove himself. His work ethic needed to be second-to-none, and he had to let his performance speak louder than any detractor. I made it a point to step back and let the assistant coaches handle him directly. He had to earn his place, not just in my eyes, but in the eyes of his teammates, assistant coaches, and community.

FIGHTING THROUGH ADVERSITY

Joe’s journey wasn’t without physical hurdles. Over his career, he battled through two broken elbows and a torn labrum. Despite these setbacks, his perseverance never wavered. By his junior and senior years, he started at cornerback, ultimately earning 1st Team All-District honors in his final season. Watching him succeed after all he endured was one of the proudest moments of my coaching career and as his Dad.

LESSONS FOR COACHES

For coaches in a similar position, my advice is simple but crucial:

1. Set the Standard: Help your child understand that being the coach’s kid comes with added scrutiny. They must be the hardest worker and the most accountable player on the team.

2. Allow Mistakes: Resist the urge to expect perfection. Treat your child like any other player—correct them when needed and celebrate their successes without favoritism.

3. Prepare Them for Criticism: Early on, some teammates and parents may unfairly criticize them simply because they’re your child. Teach them to stay the course, block out the noise, and prove their worth through effort and resilience.

4. Create Boundaries: Let your assistant coaches take the lead in coaching your child. This allows them to build trust with other leaders and develop as part of the team, not just as “the coach’s kid.”

5. Enjoy the Ride: The time goes by really fast so make sure to take time to enjoy the unique memories that you are making with your son or daughter being their coach. Whether its the bus rides or the moments before or after games, please remember to enjoy the time you have with your child.

A LEGACY OF GROWTH

Coaching Joe taught me as much as it taught him. It reminded me of the power of resilience, the importance of character, and the joy of seeing a young person grow through adversity. Though it wasn’t always easy, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Watching Joe succeed—not just as a player, but as a young man—will always be one of my greatest joys.

To any coach fortunate enough to guide their own child on the field or court: embrace the journey, because the lessons you both learn will last a lifetime.

Want to read the entire March 2025 issue of Texas Coach magazine? https://issuu.com/thscacoaches/docs/texas_coach_-_march_2025_-_volume_lxix_no._7?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ