AFCA

 For the past three days, coaches and their staffs have descended upon Dallas, Texas for the annual American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) convention.Six surrounding hotels to the Hilton Anatole were filled with coaches of all levels of football, and with the convention appearing in Texas, the largest amount of High School coaches make an appearance. Aside from the important networking opportunity for young, hard-working coaches, the four day gathering allows for all in the profession to learn more about the game from some of the nation's best as well as walk the vendor floor as companies stack up to promote their products.

Above is the reception room for the AMFCWA meant for wives of the coaches.  The American Football CoachesWomen's Association provides an opportunity for the better half of many head coaches the chance to mingles.

AFCA

Annually the largest congregation of football coaches takes place days following the BCS National Championship game. This year's American Football Coaches Association convention convened in Orlando, Florida at the World Marriot Resort and Convention Center. AFCA attracts coaches from all levels allowing them opportunities to sit in clinic sessions from masters of the game, listen to the best in the college coaching profession talk about their philosophy and what makes them so successful as well as learning from the different manufacturers on how their program can be better with the newest and latest technology available.

AFCA is the true networking center of football coaches. While much time is spent inside the different ballrooms listening to the X's and O's from the nation's best, time is also well spent in the informal meeting of the lobby area to talk with different coaches, see old friends and possibly make that initial connection that may lead to a future job possibility. Among the notables being seen in the lobby of the World Marriott are Rich Rodriguez, Vince Dooley, R.C. Slocumb, Mike Riley, and Brian Kelly.AFCA is also attracts vendors from around the football community. Companies representing video technology, clothing and gear, on-field equipment, travel, recruiting and strength training assemble trying to get minutes of the coaches time to show them the importance of their product to the success of their football team.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of the AFCA convention for up and coming coaches is the opportunity to interview for potential jobs. On the above bulletin boards are countless resumes of coaches looking for any opportunity. It is also customary for head coaches to conduct interviews. This allows a coach to meet many people over a short period of time. Graduate Assistants as well as other young coaches at lower levels find this as a great opportunity to get their foot in the door.