Best Football Coaching Books: Finding the Perfect Football Coaching Books for You
Whether you’re a football coach or just someone who loves the sport, there’s no doubt that you can learn a lot from reading books about coaching. And a great way to do that is with this list of the best football coaching books.
This list of the best football coaching books will point out the top options and will help you find the perfect football coaching books for you. Whether you’re looking to improve your coaching skills or just learn more about the sport, these books are sure to help.
When you are finished with this list of the best football coaching books, visit our lists of the best footballs and best football movies. These lists will pair nicely with this one and are a must-read for football coaches.
Top 21 Football Coaching Books:
1. The Essential Smart Football by Chris B. Brown
Price: $2.99
About Football Coaching Book: This book explores modern football concepts through strategy, play design, and innovation. Chris B. Brown breaks down complex schemes into readable insights. Perfect for coaches who want to elevate their football IQ. A must-have for tactical thinkers and staff developers.
2. The Score Takes Care of Itself: My Philosophy of Leadership by Bill Walsh
Price: $14.99
About Football Coaching Book: Legendary coach Bill Walsh shares his leadership philosophy and systems for building winning teams. His focus on preparation, standards, and communication sets this apart. The book offers timeless advice beyond just football. Ideal for coaches at every level.
3. Coaching Football’s Offensive Line by Rick Trickett
Price: $22.34
About Football Coaching Book: A detailed breakdown of offensive line play, technique, and development drills. Trickett shares decades of experience building dominant fronts. Includes pass protection, run schemes, and player mindset. A go-to for any offensive line coach.
4. The Coaching Manual: The Definitive Guide to the Process, Principles, and Skills of Personal Coaching by Julie Starr
Price: $40.32
About Football Coaching Book: Though broader in focus, this book provides excellent tools for communication, leadership, and mentorship. It teaches how to coach people effectively, not just athletes. The principles apply across all sports. Great for football coaches refining their coaching approach.
5. 101 Youth Football Coaching Sessions
Price: $21.60
About Football Coaching Book: A practical resource packed with drills and coaching sessions tailored for youth programs. It helps coaches organize practices and teach fundamentals effectively. Simple explanations support players’ development. Ideal for new or youth-focused football coaches.
6. Mental Toughness For Young Athletes
Price: $4.99
About Football Coaching Book: This book teaches young athletes how to build confidence, focus, and resilience. It’s a great mental training tool for both players and coaches. Strategies are easy to apply across age groups. A key read for fostering winning mindsets.
7. Coaching the Offensive Backfield
Price: $5.50
About Football Coaching Book: Focused on developing quarterbacks and running backs, this book covers drills, reads, and footwork. It emphasizes fundamentals and decision-making under pressure. Perfect for position coaches or head coaches alike. A complete backfield development guide.
8. Dominating Tackle Football: Coaching Youth Tackle Football
Price: $39.99
About Football Coaching Book: A comprehensive guide to youth tackle football with techniques, safety tips, and motivation strategies. It promotes player confidence while teaching solid fundamentals. Includes game plans and formations. Best for youth coaches and parents leading a team.
9. Coaching Football Successfully
Price: $32.93
About Football Coaching Book: This book focuses on creating a program built on values, preparation, and effort. McWhorter shares lessons on organizing a staff, motivating players, and building winning cultures. Offers clarity for high school and small-college coaches. Strong leadership-centered guide.
10. Coaching the Mental Game: Leadership Philosophies and Strategies for Peak Performance by H.A. Dorfman
Price: $9.99
About Football Coaching Book: Dorfman introduces coaches to the psychology behind performance, confidence, and focus. Techniques help players push through adversity and stay consistent. Great for strengthening emotional discipline. Ideal for mentally preparing high-level athletes.
11. The Football Coaching Bible by American Football Coaches Association
Price: $22.14
About Football Coaching Book: Created by the American Football Coaches Association, this book covers all coaching levels. It features contributions from top names in the sport. Topics include offense, defense, special teams, and program leadership. A true coaching essential.
12. Insider’s Playbook Coaching Youth Football with Pro Fundamentals
Price: $19.95
About Football Coaching Book: Offers professional-level fundamentals adapted for youth coaching. The playbook focuses on skill development, safe tackling, and clear communication. Helps create a disciplined, fun team environment. Designed for first-time and seasoned youth coaches.
13. InSideOut Coaching: How Sports Can Transform Lives
Price: $1.99
About Football Coaching Book: Ehrmann shares a transformational coaching model that emphasizes character and relationships. He calls for coaches to be mentors beyond the field. Ideal for those wanting to coach with purpose. A powerful blend of life and sports values.
14. The Special Teams Coordinator’s Football Handbook
Price: $24.95
About Football Coaching Book: This handbook offers detailed coverage of special teams play and game-changing strategies. It includes formations, blocking schemes, and return systems. Designed for coaches aiming to master this critical phase. Elevates performance in overlooked areas.
15. The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
Price: $28.04
About Football Coaching Book: This leadership manual helps coaches build trust, inspire action, and lead with integrity. Though not sport-specific, its strategies are invaluable for team leadership. Teaches how to model behavior and challenge players to grow. Perfect for head coaches and team leaders.
16. Mindful Quarterbacking: A Playbook for the Quarterback’s Mind
Price: $9.99
About Football Coaching Book: This book helps QBs develop focus, poise, and clarity under pressure. Coaches can use it to train quarterbacks mentally and emotionally. Includes visualization drills and leadership insights. Ideal for individual position development.
17. Playing in the Box: A Practical Guide for Helping Athletes Develop Their Mental Game
Price: $6.99
About Football Coaching Book: A guide to building the mental skills necessary for peak athletic performance. Dr. Bell shares real-world stories and practical tools. Coaches can apply the lessons across sports and positions. Great for enhancing mental toughness.
18. Coaching Football Fundamentals by Ed Thompson
Price: $42.59
About Football Coaching Book: A back-to-basics guide on essential skills like blocking, tackling, and alignment. Perfect for teaching first-year players or refining veteran technique. Easy to follow and rich in diagrams. A solid foundation book for every coach’s shelf.
19. Coaching the 4-2-5 Defense
Price: $21.95
About Football Coaching Book: This book details how to install and run the 4-2-5 defensive system. It includes alignment rules, player responsibilities, and pressure packages. Coaches will appreciate its clarity and practicality. A modern guide for today’s fast-paced game.
20. Every Moment Matters: How the World’s Best Coaches Inspire Their Athletes and Build Championship Teams
Price: $9.99
About Football Coaching Book: O’Sullivan explores what makes great coaches truly exceptional. He emphasizes relationship-building, culture creation, and positive influence. Full of wisdom from top sports leaders. A motivational read for coaches at every level.
21. Coaching Football’s 3-4 Defense by R.C. Slocum
Price: $9.99
About Football Coaching Book: Slocum presents a tactical guide to the 3-4 defense, including gap control, coverages, and blitzes. The book helps coaches understand adjustments against various offenses. Great for defensive coordinators and position coaches. Proven strategies from a legendary coach.
Editor’s Pick for the Best Football Coaching Book
Our top pick from this list of the best football coaching books is The Score Takes Care of Itself by Bill Walsh. As one of the most influential minds in NFL history, Walsh doesn’t just focus on X’s and O’s—he shares a philosophy that shaped one of the league’s greatest dynasties. His book is filled with practical leadership advice, organizational principles, and insights that transcend football. Whether you coach youth teams or aspiring professionals, this book is an essential guide to building winning habits and a sustainable culture.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Football Coaching Books
What is the best book for new football coaches?
101 Youth Football Coaching Sessions and Coaching Football Fundamentals are excellent starting points. They offer structured drills, practice plans, and breakdowns that help simplify coaching for beginners.
Which book focuses on the mental side of coaching?
Books like Coaching the Mental Game by H.A. Dorfman and Mental Toughness for Young Athletes focus on mindset, emotional intelligence, and performance psychology, helping coaches develop mentally resilient athletes.
Are there good books for defensive or offensive systems?
Yes! Coaching the 4-2-5 Defense and Coaching Football’s 3-4 Defense are great for defense, while Coaching Football’s Offensive Line and Coaching the Offensive Backfield are ideal for mastering offensive schemes and techniques.
Can these coaching books help outside of football?
Absolutely. Books like The Leadership Challenge and InSideOut Coaching offer lessons in leadership, communication, and mentorship that apply well beyond the field.
What’s the best book for learning modern football strategy?
The Essential Smart Football by Chris B. Brown is a favorite among coaches and analysts for its breakdown of current schemes and trends in football.
Tips for Choosing the Best Football Coaching Book for Your Needs
1. Choose Based on Your Coaching Level
Youth coaches should look for books with age-appropriate drills and safety tips like Dominating Tackle Football or Insider’s Playbook Coaching Youth Football. Advanced coaches may prefer tactical playbooks like The Football Coaching Bible.
2. Match the Book to Your Specialty
If you’re a position coach, seek focused material—offensive line coaches will benefit from Rick Trickett’s book, while special teams coordinators will love The Special Teams Coordinator’s Football Handbook.
3. Look for Leadership Lessons Beyond the Playbook
The best coaches are also great leaders. Books such as Every Moment Matters and The Leadership Challenge teach how to influence athletes, build trust, and lead by example.
4. Don’t Overlook Mental and Emotional Training
Performance starts in the mind. Mindful Quarterbacking, Playing in the Box, and Mental Toughness for Young Athletes provide strategies for mental training, visualization, and emotional discipline—key aspects often overlooked in tactical guides.
5. Read Widely and Often
Football evolves quickly. Reading broadly—from fundamental guides to leadership philosophies—will keep your coaching skills sharp and your team competitive. No matter your current knowledge, there’s always more to learn from the best football coaching books.
Best Football Coaching Books Conclusion
If you’re looking to improve your football coaching skills or just learn more about the sport, this list of the best football coaching books ise sure to help.
Whether you’re a coach yourself or just a fan of the game, these books offer something for everyone.
So pick up one (or all.) of these titles and start learning today.
Please make sure to comment below if you have feedback on any of these football coaching books. We know that all of our readers would appreciate your comments.
