Cross Country Coaching Jobs
Find XC Coaching Opportunities Across the U.S.
Explore cross country coaching jobs at the youth, middle school, high school, club, and college levels. Whether you’re coaching your first season or leading a championship program, this page breaks down common requirements, expectations, and real openings you can apply to today.
Browse verified cross country coaching jobs in schools, clubs, and college programs—no unrelated listings, no expired posts.
Featured Cross Country Coaching Jobs
Explore real cross country coaching opportunities from schools, universities, and club programs. These listings highlight the kinds of roles XC coaches pursue—positions where you can build training plans, develop smart racers, and create a supportive team culture.
- Varsity Cross Country Head Coach – Denver, CO
- Assistant Cross Country Coach – Anaheim, CA
- Middle School XC Coach – Colorado Springs, CO
- College Cross Country Assistant Coach – Northern California
- Youth / Club Running Coach – Phoenix, AZ
What Cross Country Coaching Roles Are Available?
Cross country programs need coaches who can build smart training plans, keep athletes healthy, and develop confident racers. Roles exist for first-time coaches, assistants, and experienced leaders at every level.
Head Cross Country Coach
Leads the program and sets the training philosophy. Responsibilities often include season planning, practice design, course scouting, meet logistics, team culture, and communication with families and administrators.
Assistant XC Coach
Supports daily practice, pacing groups, form drills, warmups/cooldowns, and athlete check-ins. Assistant roles are a great entry point for new coaches and former runners.
Distance / Running Specialists
Some programs bring in specialists for:
- Form and efficiency
- Strength and mobility
- Injury prevention and return-to-run progressions
- Race strategy and mental skills
These roles are ideal when a program wants extra support without adding a full-time staff member.
Middle School & Development Coaches
Focus on fundamentals, safe progression, and building long-term love for running. These roles often emphasize participation, confidence, and consistent habits.
Club & Community Running Coaches
Some athletes train year-round with clubs, community teams, or specialized running groups. Coaches may focus on aerobic development, race preparation, and training consistency.
College Cross Country Positions
Colleges hire head coaches, paid assistants, volunteer assistants, and graduate assistants. Responsibilities often include recruiting, training cycles, travel planning, athlete support, and performance analysis.
Qualifications Needed to Coach Cross Country
Requirements vary, but most programs expect coaches to demonstrate training knowledge, athlete-first leadership, and proper safety training.
Coaches should understand aerobic development, pacing, interval basics, recovery, and safe mileage progression. Strong programs teach athletes how to train consistently—not just how to run hard.
XC coaching is built on trust and consistency. Programs value coaches who communicate clearly, keep athletes motivated, and create an environment where every runner can improve.
School-based XC roles usually require First Aid/CPR/AED, concussion in sports training, NFHS “Fundamentals of Coaching,” and state-dependent courses such as heat illness or sudden cardiac arrest education.
Youth, school, and many club programs require a cleared background check before you’re allowed to work with athletes.
If you’re new to coaching, focus on safety certifications first, then build your training knowledge through clinics, mentorship, and experience.
Do You Need a Degree to Coach Cross Country?
Degree requirements differ by level and organization. Many XC coaching roles are open to coaches without education degrees—especially assistant, youth, and club positions.
High School Head Coaches
Some districts prefer or require a degree—especially when the role is connected to a teaching position. Other schools and programs prioritize coaching skill, reliability, and fit with the athletic department.
Assistant XC Coaches
Most assistant roles do not require a degree. Certifications, training knowledge, and your ability to support athletes consistently often matter more than formal education.
Club, Youth & College Roles
Youth and club programs rarely require degrees. College roles may require a degree, but volunteer and graduate assistant positions can be more flexible and are common entry points into collegiate coaching.
If you’re passionate about helping athletes improve, there’s almost always a place to start—degree or not.
How to Become a Cross Country Coach (Step-by-Step)
XC coaching is about consistency, progression, and athlete care. These steps can help you get started and grow into bigger roles over time.
- Step 1: Learn Training Fundamentals
Understand aerobic development, pacing, easy vs. hard days, and how to progress mileage safely. Great XC coaching is built on weekly consistency.
- Step 2: Complete Safety Certifications
Complete First Aid/CPR, concussion training, and any state-required coaching courses. XC coaches also need strong heat and hydration awareness.
- Step 3: Start With an Entry-Level Role
Great starting positions include assistant XC coach, middle school coach, or youth running coach. These roles help you learn the rhythm of a season and meet schedule.
- Step 4: Build a Coaching Resume
Highlight running experience, certifications, leadership, camp work, and your coaching philosophy—especially how you plan to keep athletes healthy and improving.
- Step 5: Create a CoachBridge Profile
Add your XC background, certifications, and coaching history in one place. Athletic directors and program leaders search CoachBridge for coaches.
- Step 6: Apply to Verified XC Openings
Use CoachBridge to find head, assistant, and developmental XC roles without sifting through unrelated postings or dead links.
- Step 7: Keep Learning
Attend clinics, study training theory, and learn from experienced coaches. The best XC programs combine smart training with great culture.
XC rewards consistency—and so does coaching.
Start where you are, learn fast, and build season-to-season.
Cross Country Coaching Salaries & Stipends
Compensation varies by school size, region, and responsibilities. Many XC roles are seasonal stipends, with additional opportunities through summer training, camps, and clinics.
Typical Pay Ranges
Exact numbers vary by region, but many XC roles fall into these ranges:
- High School Head Coach: $2,000–$6,000 per season
- Assistant Coach: $1,000–$3,500 per season
- Middle School Coach: $800–$2,500 per season
- Club / Running Coach: Hourly or session-based
- College Assistant: Stipend, hourly, or tuition-supported
What Influences Pay?
Several factors impact how much you can earn as an XC coach:
- Program size: Roster size and staffing needs vary widely.
- Travel and meet load: Championship-level schedules can require more time.
- Off-season responsibilities: Summer running, strength work, and clinics can add income.
- Experience: Proven coaches may negotiate higher stipends.
- Level: College roles may include housing, meals, or tuition benefits.
Some coaches also earn additional income through camps, clinics, and private coaching.
Where Cross Country Coaches Work
XC coaches are hired across a wide range of environments, each offering different challenges and growth opportunities.
Schools & Districts
- Public high schools
- Private and charter schools
- Middle schools and junior highs
Clubs & Running Groups
- Youth running clubs
- Community teams
- Training groups and academies
Colleges & Universities
- Small colleges and universities
- Junior colleges
- Four-year athletic programs
Camps & Clinics
- Summer running camps
- Technique and strength clinics
- Pre-season tune-up programs
Wherever you coach, cross country is a chance to build resilient athletes and strong community.
Your First Cross Country Coaching Job Starts Here
Breaking into coaching can be tough—many roles are filled through local networks. CoachBridge helps you get discovered, even if you’re new to coaching.
Everyone starts somewhere—you shouldn’t need connections to begin coaching.
Your first cross country coaching job may be closer than you think.
Cross Country Coaching FAQs
Still have questions about coaching XC or how CoachBridge works? Start here.
Start Coaching Cross Country With Confidence
Cross country coaches help athletes build resilience, confidence, and lifelong habits. Your impact goes far beyond a finish time.
CoachBridge connects you with real cross country coaching opportunities that match your experience and goals—across schools, clubs, and college programs.