Exceptional adaptability in collegiate coaching

ABSTRACT

Coaching research has recently focused on the complex nature of coaching. In particular, the layered social interactions and contextual micropolitics of coaching have studied. One way to discover more about the micropolitical skills needed to successfully navigate the turbulent field of coaching is by studying those who have managed to have success at multiple coaching jobs in a variety of contexts. The purpose of this study was to analyze the exceptional adaptability of collegiate sport coaches. Collegiate coaches (N = 11) exhibiting exceptionally adaptable traits were interviewed. Criteria for participation included having a winning record at multiple institutions and two of the following accomplishments: (a) coach of the year, (b) multiple championships, and (c) induction into the Hall of Fame. Transcribed interviews were inductively analyzed. Two themes emerged to explain these coaches’ exceptional adaptability: (a) a knowledge of subordinates and self and (b) formative encounters related to their profession.

KEYWORDS:

• Adaptability
• adaptable coaches
• coaching
• coach behavior
• coach expertise
• micropolitics

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.