Defensive Coordinator and Head Coach effects on team defensive performance in the National Football League

Authors

Joshua D. Pitts, Kennesaw State University
Brent A. Evans, Georgia College & State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2020

Publication Title

Journal of Sports Economics

Abstract

This research examines the impact of defensive coordinators and head coaches on team defensive performance in the National Football League (NFL). We find that elite and very poor defensive coordinators and head coaches can have meaningful impacts on their teams’ defensive performances. A team’s defensive performance is shown to improve with increased defensive coordinator tenure. Similarly, defensive coordinators and head coaches who were NFL players contribute to improved defensive performance compared to coaches without experience as NFL players. In addition, a 3-4 defensive alignment is found to be associated with improved defensive performance compared to a 4-3 defensive alignment.

Volume Number

21

Issue Number

5

First Page

493

Comments

© The Author(s) 2020.

Last Page

524

Recommended Citation

Pitts, J. D. & Evans, B.A. (2020). Defensive Coordinator and Head Coach effects on team defensive performance in the National Football League. Journal of Sports Economics, 21(5): 493-524.