Will Covid Impact the Coaching Ranks?

[Guest DT]

With 35 to 40 head coaching changes occuring every year, Indiana high schools have about a 50% turnover rate every 4 years.  Thats not a small number.

Every year we see more and more of the big name established guys leave the game, some into retirement, some into administartion, and some leaving the profession and public/private education completely.

We are also seeing the growing trend of lay coaches on high school football sidelines.

The longer that uncertainty surrounding the COVID Pandemic persists, the more likely that it will have a negative impact on the coaching ranks in Indiana and throughout the country.  Football is all about consistency and continuity.  It takes years to build and sustain competitive programs.  If and when play resumes, we are likley to see a diminished level of play, at all levels.  Those programs that are perennially strong will remain that way, while risers and traditional doormats will fall further behind.  I believe this will push more coaches out the door.

Due to the sheer numbers, extensive planning and preparation and financial expense of football, it is likely also the high school sport that will see the most dramatic impact from the pandemic.  Look for some contraction to accompany a possible coaching exodus over the next 90 days.

 

[Guest DT]

10 minutes ago, DT said:

With 35 to 40 head coaching changes occuring every year, Indiana high schools have about a 50% turnover rate every 4 years.  That's not a small number.

Every year we see more and more of the big name established guys leave the game, some into retirement, some into administration, and some leaving the profession and public/private education completely.

We are also seeing the growing trend of lay coaches on high school football sidelines.

The longer that uncertainty surrounding the COVID Pandemic persists, the more likely that it will have a negative impact on the coaching ranks in Indiana and throughout the country.  Football is all about consistency and continuity.  It takes years to build and sustain competitive programs.  If and when play resumes, we are likely to see a diminished level of play, at all levels.  Those programs that are perennially strong will remain that way, while risers and traditional doormats will fall further behind.  I believe this will push more coaches out the door.

Due to the sheer numbers, extensive planning and preparation and financial expense of football, it is likely also the high school sport that will see the most dramatic impact from the pandemic.  Look for some contraction to accompany a possible coaching exodus over the next 90 days.