Job Description

The Head Football Coach is responsible for the leadership, integrity, and competitive success of VMI’s Division I FCS football program. The coach will be a visible leader and role model. They must foster a culture of integrity, discipline, and service mirroring the school’s culture. The development of cadet-athletes who excel on the field, in the classroom, and as leaders in the Corps of Cadets is paramount. The team always competes to win and does so with honor. The coach must be adept at navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), NCAA House Settlement compliance, and the Transfer Portal.

Virginia Military Institute is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Head Football Coach—someone driven to build a championship-caliber program that competes at the highest level in the Southern Conference and delivers postseason success to grow the VMI football legacy.

About VMI

Founded in 1839, the Virginia Military Institute is the nation’s oldest state-supported military college. VMI’s mission is to produce academically accomplished honorable men and women of character—Citizen-Soldiers—prepared for the varied work of civil life, imbued with a love of learning, confident in leadership, and advocates of public service and the American democracy. The VMI experience is built on the “three-legged stool” of Academics, Military, and Athletics, and is guided by the values of Honor, Excellence, Self-Discipline, Courage, Esprit de Corps, Selfless Service, and Resilience.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Culture

• Build and sustain a winning football program that is unwaveringly governed by VMI’s Citizen-Soldier ethos and the Honor Code—a non-negotiable standard: “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.”
• Instill VMI values in all aspects of the program while growing great leaders who exemplify self-discipline, grit, and resilience on and off the field.
• Serve as a visible leader and mentor within the Corps of Cadets and the broader VMI community. The coach is expected to be fully engaged in the cadet experience and uphold Institute standards.

Recruitment & Development

• Recruit and develop student-athletes who are committed to the rigors of VMI’s three-legged stool: Athletics, Academics, and Military.
• Emphasize holistic development—athletic, academic, and leadership growth—preparing cadet-athletes for success as Citizen-Soldiers.
• Build a roster through nation-wide high school recruiting, balancing that roster against the unique demands of the Institute. In practice, this means recruiting athletes able to thrive in VMI’s rigorous system.

Modern Compliance & Operations

• Oversee all aspects of program compliance with NCAA, SoCon, and Institute policies. Demonstrate the knowledge and ability to navigate transfer portal and NIL processes as required by NCAA House Settlement.

• Strategically manage roster and scholarships, leveraging both high school and transfer portal recruiting.

Academic & Military Integration

• Foster an environment where academic achievement and military discipline are integral to the football experience.
• Collaborate with academic and military leadership to ensure cadet-athletes succeed in all facets of VMI life.
• Assist in the improvement of the team academic progress rate (APR) score in collaboration with Institute academic staff and the Cadet-Athlete Development Office (CADO).

Staff & Operations Management

• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate assistant coaches and support staff.
• Oversee program budgeting, scheduling, and operations, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with institutional standards.

Community & Alumni Engagement

• Represent VMI football with integrity to alumni, supporters, and the public.
• Engage in fundraising, community outreach, and events that support the program and the Institute’s mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Demonstrated success as a football coach at the collegiate level, preferably FCS or higher.
• Deep understanding of NCAA rules, NIL frameworks, and roster management under House Settlement guidelines.
• Commitment to VMI’s mission, values, and the Citizen-Soldier model.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience recruiting and developing student-athletes who value discipline, service, and holistic development.
• Experience in a military college or service academy environment is highly desirable.

Why VMI?

This is more than a coaching position—it is an opportunity to shape leaders of character who will serve their communities and nation. At VMI, football is a platform for leadership development, teamwork, and character-building within a unique military college environment.  Our commitment is simple: build leaders, build champions, and win at VMI.

Candidates can apply at: VMI Head Football Coach - Job Application

(Link will route you to Pageup website to complete application)

Please include with your application, cover letter, resume, official transcripts and the names and contact information for three professional references.

VMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer; in a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal education and employment opportunities, VMI encourages women, minorities, disabled individuals, and veterans to apply. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are also encouraged to apply. VMI will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with documented disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment, educational opportunities, programs, and services.

Contact:
Human Resources
hroffice@vmi.edu
540-464-7322

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