Sacred Heart University·Fairfield, Connecticut
The Defensive Assistant coach will assist the Head Football Coach with daily practice planning, game strategy, and the recruitment of defensive players. They are also responsible for monitoring the academic progress of student-athletes and coordinating community service projects.
About Sacred Heart University As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century.
SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus.
Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs.
Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr.
Susan L.
Davis, R.N., & Richard J.
Henley College of Nursing.
Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity.
This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities.
The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition.
Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here To apply Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system.
Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered.
Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University.
A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations.
Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.
The Defensive Assistant/Nickels Football Coach assists the Head Football Coach with coaching and recruiting defensive football players. As a Defensive Assistant/Nickels Football Coach, he or she provides support to the Head Football Coach in all assigned aspects of the football program. This is a part-time, seasonal position from August 2026 through November 30, 2026. Principal
Assist with teaching the sport of football to student-athletes at Sacred Heart University. Assist with the evaluation, recruitment, and retention of football athletes. Assist with meeting the recruitment and retention goals set and assessed annually by the University. Assist with visiting and for recruitment purposes prospective students and their families following the guidelines of the Northeast Conference and NCAA Division I. Assist the Head Coach with recruitment reports. Assist with daily planning, organization and supervision of practices and competitions. Develop scouting reports and game plans with the Defensive Coordinator. Monitor student/athlete's academics. Community service projects with the student/athletes on the Football Team. Other Administrative duties as assigned by Head Coach. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes Bachelor’s degree required; Master's degree preferred 3-5 years of college coaching experience, preferably Defensive side of the ball DV Sport video experience Understanding of NCAA rules and regulations for recruiting Willingness and ability to work hard Unusual Working Conditions The position requires long working hours, weekends, and travel. This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied. Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of college coaching experience, preferably on the defensive side of the ball. A strong understanding of NCAA rules and regulations regarding recruitment is required.
Market context
In Connecticut, assistant football coach roles on the defensive side are typically competitive because schools look for candidates with college coaching experience, NCAA recruiting knowledge, and a clear fit within the staff structure. This role category often values proven defensive teaching ability and familiarity with compliance expectations. On this platform, the job requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original posting, saving you time on research. If you apply, be ready to show specific defensive responsibilities, recruiting experience, and how you stay current with NCAA rules.