We’ve Got Our Guy: Determining the Most Likely Contributing Factors to Successful Head Coaching Hires in FBS College Football

The growing financial ramifications of failed head coaching hires in FBS CollegeFootball demonstrate a dramatic need to improve the success rate of the hiring process across thesport. This study provides the first in-depth quantitative analysis of the contributing factors tosuccessful head coaching hires in college football examining candidate qualifications, factorsspecific to the program, and the nature of the vacancy. Multiple linear regression models weregenerated to provide athletic directors and hiring committees with objective data to apply tofuture coaching searches. Results both validated and questioned industry best practices, as wellas emphasized that success must be accurately defined for each scenario before it can be properlyprojected. Nonetheless, however success is defined, prior head coaching experience at thecollege level should be valued in any coaching search.