Assistant coaches in college basketball are the backbone of the team. They work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their roles are diverse and demanding, but rarely do they get the spotlight or proper credit after the success of their team. In this article, we have shared everything you will need to know about Assistant Coaches in College Basketball.
What Are the Responsibilities of Assistant Coaches in College Basketball?
People think Assistant Coaches just sit on the bench and yell instructions, but it’s far from the reality. Assistant coaches in college basketball have many responsibilities, and they need to have various sets of skills. They’re always prepared, often with a notepad or a thick “book” in hand, filled with scouting reports, play diagrams, and game notes. “ALWAYS be prepared and active during games,” said a former University of Florida manager turned coach.
These coaches track everything during games. Some keep shooting charts to see where shots are coming from. Others monitor stats like rebounds, assists, or turnovers. They might even note hustle plays, who’s diving for loose balls or taking charges. The former AC also shared a lesson from his time at Florida: “I was responsible for knowing what defense we were in and keep track of what happened on EVERY possession.”
AC’s work starts long before tip-off. Assistants often break down film, plan travel, manage equipment, and even help with fundraising. They design drills for specific skills and guide players during practice. They also scout opponents, studying their plays to give their team an edge. If the head coach needs a quick play after a timeout, assistants are ready with suggestions, sometimes drawn from their detailed notes.
Recruiting is another big job for Assistant Coaches in College Basketball. Assistants identify and evaluate potential players, building relationships to bring talent to the program. They also monitor players’ academic progress, offering support to keep them on track. Off the court, they might handle residential life duties, like being on-call for campus issues or addressing student behavior, especially at smaller schools.
Their work isn’t glamorous. Early in his career, Shaka Smart, now a head coach, was younger than some players he coached at a Division II school. He learned quickly that the path to bigger roles was unclear. “I said, ‘Hey, do you think this is a job I could get?’” he once asked his boss about a Big Ten assistant role, not realizing how steep the climb was. Many assistants grind for years, hoping to network with decision-makers at events like Villa 7, where they meet athletic directors who can open doors.
Assistants also bring ideas to the table. One former Florida manager noticed how Vanderbilt was guarding their bigs during a game. He suggested a play to counter it, and when the head coach called it, it led to a dunk. Moments like that show how assistants’ sharp eyes can change a game’s flow.
Head coaches rely on them heavily. Billy Donovan used a “Game Day call sheet” folded into his pocket, listing his team’s plays and actions. Assistants helped create and update it, ensuring every option was at his fingertips. This kind of preparation lets head coaches focus on strategy while assistants handle the details.
The job is a grind, but it’s not only about the money. Many assistants, like Smart, spend a decade or more in these roles, earning as little as $6,000 in their first gigs. They do it for the chance to one day run their own program.
KEEP READING: CBB Insider Shares How Jon Scheyer Has Made Replacing Coach K at Duke Look Easy
From charting plays to recruiting stars, assistant coaches are the glue of college basketball. They’re always watching, always planning, always ready. Next time you watch a game, look at the bench. Those assistants aren’t just sitting there, they’re working hard to make the team shine.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
