As coaches, we all want the offseason to mean something. Well, let’s face it. There is no offseason anymore in football.

With constant clinics, research, offseason conditioning, staff and self-evaluations, this time period has become a conduit to the actual start of the season in the summer. But make no mistake: This time is vital to the development of our programs.

One of the things we did at X&O Labs is research what successful programs are doing in the offseason that equated to success during the season. We targeted a certain demographic of high school coaches, those who have won at least more than 75 percent of their games during the last three seasons and have garnered at least two championships – either at the division, league or state level. Our entire report can be found on our site, but here’s a look at what these coaches are attributing to their success.

1. Develop a mission statement. We found that 71 percent of these coaches have a written mission statement that they use in their programs, and they post it where it’s clear to see. What they create is uniquely their own and catered to their own situations, but the point is simple: How can you get somewhere without having a plan?
2. Be a great communicator. We presented this data pool with the question: “What is the most underrated trait of being a head coach?” Communication skills were the No. 1 answer, topping the next two popular choices of off-field management skills and time efficiency. The lowest responses: knowledge of the game and scheme development. Many coaches cited that if you can’t explain to a player the “why” behind what you’re doing, you will not get the most of out of them.
3. Keep tabs on your staff. Forty-two percent of championship-level coaches meet with their staff between six to 10 times during the offseason – from January to July. This doesn’t mean that 58 percent do not meet at all. In fact, the lowest percentage (19 percent) still meet with their staffs at least three times during this period. Topics include offseason conditioning, installation of offense, defensive and special teams schemes, player personnel and development, fundraising and other team activities.
4. Be resilient in a plan for success. This was probably the most interesting thing we found. Twenty-six percent of coaches who have won between six to 10 titles have either been fired or asked to resign as a head coach. It’s a lesson in perseverance and in believing in your philosophy, which also reminds me of a classic Nick Saban quote: “Be like the grass. The more they stomp on you, the tougher you need to become.”

Personally, I took great value in this research because I felt that this is the groundwork in laying a successful football program. I try to glean as much information as I can from those who had success and came to the realization that doing these simple things right now can equate to championships next season. It’s hard to argue with the facts and the research behind it.

Mike Kuchar is co-founder and senior research manager at XandOLabs.com, a private research company specializing in coaching concepts and trends. Reach him at: mailto:mike@xandolabs.com. or follow him on Twitter @mikekkuchar.