This dissertation was centered on how the theory 'turning points' explained African American coaches ascension to Head Football Coach at a NCAA Division I FBS school. This work (1) identified traits and characteristics coaches felt they needed in order to become a head coach and (2) described the significant events and people (turning points) in their lives that have influenced their career. This study employed a Constant Comparative method in which participants answered interview questions designed for them to elaborate on their educational and athletic careers, and those events and people who were major influences in their careers. Commonalities and discords from participant responses resulted in the discovery of five major themes. The themes identified were: Faith, Family, Graduation from college and participation in sport, Joining professional associations, and Previous coaches/administrators worked for/under. The identification and explanation of specific turning points suggest a blueprint for African American assistant coaches aspiring to become a head coach while also providing opportunities for current athletic administrators to increase their attempts at expanding their own networks to include more African Americans as strong candidates for potential open positions for Head Football Coach.

A stratified random sample of 400 head football coaches was surveyed in order to evaluate their professional preparation in regard to the prevention and care of athletic injuries, Of the 259 responding coaches, it was found that a significant number were not properly prepared when compared to the standards suggested by the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. It was recommended that individuals who desire to coach in Texas should be required to obtain an endorsement for coaching using the standards suggested by the American Association for Health, Physical Education., and Recreation as the minimum standards.

The purposes of this study are (1) to make a comparison of the stipulated, assigned, and acquired duties of the head football coaches of Class AA high schools within a radius of 115 miles of Grand Prairie, Texas; and (2) to make a comparison of the stipulated, assigned, and acquired duties of the assistant football coaches of Class AA high schools within a radius of 115 miles of Grand Prairie, Texas.

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the effects of winning percentage and specific demographic data on the perceived burnout of varsity male head high school football coaches within the public secondary schools of Texas. Data were obtained from 226 varsity head high school football coaches during the 1990-1991 school year in Texas. Instruments used were the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a personal demographic data sheet. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient were used. Significance was set at .05. A relationship was found between burnout and career winning percentage, age, years as a coach, salary, coaching preparation, and school enrollment.