Meet Jono McPhail: GIS Deputy Dean and MSc Football Coaching & Analysis Lecturer

Being a footballer has always been a dream of hundreds of millions of kids around the world.

However, as coaching gains more and more recognition, it too is becoming the ideal career for many of football’s next generation. 

GIS lecturer Jono McPhail is one of the people who saw a career in coaching as viable, and is now the course leader on our MSc Football Coaching & Analysis and Deputy Dean – School of Coaching and Performance.

Speaking to GIS, Jono told us about what makes him enjoy what he does, and why he has such a passion for teaching.

“Whilst certain principles of football and football coaching may not change, it is and will always be a developing landscape. I take great pleasure in challenging the common discourse in any topic. Above all else it’s great to stay connected with the industry in different ways alongside practitioner roles.”

Committing to coaching from a young age, Jono studied Sports Studies at high school, completed an undergraduate degree in Sports Business and Coaching before achieving his postgraduate degree in Sports Coaching. 

Since then, he has completed his Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Sports Coaching & Science, and has been undertaking a PhD in Sports and Exercise since 2022.

“It’s been fundamental to a career in lecturing,” Jono said regarding his extensive academic experience. 

“My own education has prepared me to approach topics and ideas with a more critical mindset, to not just accept things as matter of fact and instead question why.”

He then said that working with different demographics and immersing himself in different cultures helped him develop as a coach: “There is no greater experience in coaching than the experience of coaching. As far as I’ve learnt, there is more than one single definition for what an effective coach is.”

Students that learn under Jono study modules including Applied Football Match Analysis, Applying Football Principles – Tactics and Strategies, and Philosophy in the Coaching Process (Option), all designed to prepare students for future careers as both coaches and analysts.

“Coaching and analysis are essential components of modern football,” Jono explained.

“Analysts can support the coaching process by delivering video and data insights on tactics and strategies, data and statistics and coach behaviour. Coaches can perform analysis or utilise such information to inform decision making and improve performance on the pitch.”

About the course, Jono believes that it “prepares students to think more deeply about their own practice and become more knowledgeable and reflective practitioners.” 

He finally added that the course “aims to connect theory and practice together. This will provide aspiring coaches and analysts with the knowledge, applied skills and industry connections needed to succeed in industry.”

To learn more about MSc Football Coaching & Analysis, visit the course page. You can also view our range of programme offerings to explore the best course for you as you look to enter the exciting sports industry.

Article by Zakaria Anani