The reason that I ask this is the following:

There are exceptions to the rule, but just beware. If you are an older athlete (i'm not sure how old you are), often times younger coaches do not understand the needs of an older athlete (they have never gone thru the changes that happen as you age so they really do not understand them; and Like I said above, there are exceptions), but if you are an older athlete ask them questions about how they deal with the fact that you do not recover as well as a younger athlete will - that you need more rest time - and that people with more in their lives, i.e. jobs, children, etc. have different needs as well.

Coaches need to understand that cumulative stress from our lives, i.e. jobs, children, etc. are part of the equation when we are training and adding physical stresses to the bundle of stresses. If you have lots of these stresses, you need more rest and less work. So, look for a coach that seems to have some idea when you are talking to them, that asks questions about your personal life and needs as well. If not, you may get in over your head with training and get burned out. Also, when you interview a coach, tell them how many hours you have to train - so that they can work your training around your abilities to work out. This is really important. If you find a coach that can help you balance these things - you've found a great coach!

Finally, one of the other best kept secrets of coaching is "Can that Coach motivate you?" You need someone that can help keep the fire lit!