Academics vs. Athletics: Career Concerns for NCAA Division I Coaches

48 Pages Posted: 28 Mar 2016 Last revised: 11 Jun 2023

See all articles by Christopher Avery

Christopher Avery

Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS); National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Brian D. Cadman

University of Utah - David Eccles School of Business

Gavin Cassar

INSEAD

Multiple version iconThere are 3 versions of this paper

Date Written: March 2016

Abstract

We analyze the promotions and firings of NCAA Division 1 college basketball and college football coaches to assess whether these coaches are rewarded for the academic performance of their players in promotion and retention decisions. We find that an increase in Academic Progress Rate, as measured by the NCAA, for a college team in either sport significantly reduces the probability that the coach is fired at the end of the season. We find little to no evidence that an increase in the Academic Progress Rate enhances the chances of advancement (in the form of outside job offers) for these coaches.

Suggested Citation

Avery, Christopher and Cadman, Brian D. and Cassar, Gavin, Academics vs. Athletics: Career Concerns for NCAA Division I Coaches (March 2016). NBER Working Paper No. w22120, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2755412

Christopher Avery (Contact Author)

Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) ( email )

79 John F. Kennedy Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States
617-496-4063 (Phone)
617-496-1722 (Fax)

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Cambridge, MA 02138
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Brian D. Cadman

University of Utah - David Eccles School of Business ( email )

1645 Campus Center Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
United States
801-585-9517 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.business.utah.edu/bio/briancadman

Gavin Cassar

INSEAD ( email )

Boulevard de Constance
Fontainebleau, 77305
France

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.insead.edu/faculty-research/faculty/gavin-cassar

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