From Sideline to Superintendent

BY CHRIS STEINBRUCK - SUPERINTENDENT FLOUR BLUFF SCHOOLS

On Thursday, October 12, 2023, the Flour Bluff ISD Board of Trustees appointed me as Interim Superintendent, and just a day later, we celebrated our second district win at home against Mercedes. Now, stepping into the dual role of Superintendent and Head Football Coach was a unique challenge, likely uncharted territory for any Class 5A school in Texas. The weight of the new responsibility was real, but I knew that how we approached this transition as a staff would determine our success.

Before anything else, I scheduled a meeting with our football staff. I wanted to set the tone and emphasized that this new role wouldn’t be a big deal or a distraction to our team as long as we didn’t make it one. The key was staying focused on our goals and not letting anything shift our attention away from our mission. I made it clear to the staff: we’ve got a job to do, and we’re going to keep doing it with the same commitment and excellence that we always have.

During our all-coaches meeting, I took a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come. I wholeheartedly believed that the Board wouldn’t have had the confidence to appoint me as Interim Superintendent if it weren’t for the success of each coach and every program. Our consistent excellence across all programs earned us this opportunity, and I wanted the team to know that. I made sure to emphasize that our success was because of them and the work they do every day, both on and off the field.

This transition from Athletic Director and Head Coach to Superintendent wasn’t just about stepping into a new role—it was about bringing a total team effort to everything we did, from athletics to administration. Over the years, I’ve been proud of how our staff has embraced this mentality and how it’s shaped our leadership approach. Together, we’ve built something special. The Leadership Team, the Student Football Operations Team, and the Sports Information Team are all products of everyone’s input, collaboration, and commitment. These efforts have made us better—not just on the field but as a school district.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the home visits we’ve incorporated into our football program. Each coach selects a player to visit at home, and we take the time to build deeper relationships with our students and their families. These personal connections strengthen our team and leave a lasting impact. We’ve seen how these visits change the dynamic between coaches and players. It’s not just about football—it’s about building trust, showing that we care, and working together to leave a legacy that goes beyond wins and losses.

When we took on the role of Interim Superintendent, we applied the same principles of teamwork, communication, and readiness that have been at the core of everything we’ve done in athletics. The support from the entire district—coaches, staff, and community members—was crucial in making this transition seamless. Together, we stayed focused and didn’t miss a beat.

By January, the board named me the Lone Finalist for the permanent Superintendent position. Reflecting on that, I realize it wasn’t about one person’s leadership, it was about everyone pulling together and putting the team first. That’s how we’ve always operated, and that’s how we’ll continue to lead.

As I attend the First Time Superintendent Academy alongside over 80 new superintendents, the need for strong leadership in education has never been more apparent. Nearly 100 schools were still searching for superintendents this past summer, which highlights just how critical it is for leaders to step up and guide their communities through the challenges our schools face. The landscape of public education is changing rapidly, and it needs leaders who are not only ready to tackle these challenges but who can also unite their districts around a shared vision for the future.

To any coach reading this, I want to encourage you to consider how your experiences on the field have uniquely prepared you for leadership roles beyond athletics. Coaches understand the importance of teamwork, the value of clear communication, and the necessity of adaptability—all key qualities that translate seamlessly into school administration. You’ve worked in high-pressure situations, made quick decisions, and developed strategies for success. You’ve built relationships with students, staff, and the community, all while fostering a sense of purpose and unity within your teams. These skills are not just valuable in athletics; they’re essential for leading a school or district.

Leadership in education, especially at the superintendent level, is about serving the entire community. It's about stepping into a role where you can make a broader impact—supporting teachers, staff, and students while shaping the future of education. If you're a coach who has ever felt the drive to do more, to lead not just your team but your school or district, I encourage you to think about administration. The same qualities that make you a great coach—putting the team first, adapting to challenges, and focusing on every player’s success—are exactly what’s needed in school leadership.

For coaches, the superintendency may seem like a leap, but it's one worth considering. You already have the foundation—leadership, resilience, and the ability to inspire others to work toward a common goal. Transitioning into administration allows you to continue making a difference in the lives of students, staff, and the community, but on an even larger scale. If you’re passionate about shaping the future, supporting your district, and leading in a way that positively impacts the lives of many, the superintendency could be your next calling.

To board members, I urge you to see the potential in your coaches. The skills they’ve developed on the field— leading, motivating, and problem-solving—are exactly the qualities that make strong district leaders. Together, we can inspire the next generation of educational leaders by recognizing the tremendous value coaches bring to the administrative table.

Read the entire December 2024 Issue of Texas Coach here: https://issuu.com/thscacoaches/docs/dec24upload?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ