Head Coach — State Team

Each of the eight state teams will be led by a Head Coach with full authority over selection, training and match-day tactics. You are the face of that team's football identity.

You'll work with a Technical Director-set framework but keep the freedom to build a squad and style that represents your state. Success is measured on results, player development and how the team plays.

• Run selection trials and finalise the state squad within Regulations.
• Design pre-season and in-season training programmes.
• Own tactics, team selection and substitutions on matchdays.
• Manage assistant coaches, GK coach, S&C and analyst.
• Represent the state team at all mandated NECL media obligations.
• Contribute selected players to NECL All-Star and youth pathway lists.

• AFC A Licence (minimum); AFC Pro Licence strongly preferred.
• 6+ years senior coaching, of which at least 2 as a head coach.
• Demonstrated ability to develop young players.
• Ability to relocate to or be based full-time in the state during the season.
• Media-trained and comfortable presenting in English and Hindi.

• Coaching experience in I-League, ISL, I-League 2 or a national team setup.
• Native or fluent speaker of a language of the state.
• Prior work in the North-East football ecosystem.
• Experience building a team from scratch in a new competition.

Respective state (one hire per state)

• Based in your appointed state's team hub for the duration of the season.
• Accommodation and local transport arranged for the coaching group during pre-season and matchweeks.
• Travel to away fixtures and NECL centralised camps covered by the league.
• Post-season, the role runs on a retainer with reduced on-ground days.

Role-specific

• Individually negotiated seasonal package with performance incentives.
• Dedicated support staff — assistants, GK coach, S&C and analyst.
• Full access to NECL scouting network and player database.
• Continued professional development budget for AFC Pro courses.

Every NECL role also includes

• All-access matchday pass for NECL Season 1 across every host city
• Annual NECL merchandise kit and player-tunnel drops
• Health insurance for you and one dependent (full-time roles)
• Learning stipend for football, media or engineering certifications
• Domestic travel and stay covered for on-ground work
• Direct exposure to AIFF, state associations, brand partners and broadcasters
• Founding-team equity conversations for select senior full-time hires
• A culture that treats football as craft, not content

1. 1
   Application review

   Our people team reads every application within 7 working days. If your background fits, we reach out on email to schedule a call.

2. 2
   Intro conversation

   A 30-minute video call with the hiring manager to understand your motivations, your football story and how you like to work.

3. 3
   Craft round

   A short, paid take-home or on-site exercise built around a real NECL problem — no trick questions, no unpaid pitch decks.

4. 4
   Final round & offer

   Meet 2–3 people from leadership and cross-functional teams, then a decision and written offer within 5 working days.