A Profile of NCAA Division I Strength and Conditioning Coaches

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to identify and examine the demographic characteristics, educational background, experience levels, and duties of strength and conditioning coaches within the NCAA Division I sanctioned football programs. Questionnaires were returned by January 19, 1989, from 85 of the 100 Division I-A strength coaches and 60 of the 79 Division I-AA strength coaches surveyed. The results of the study indicated that the coaches were homogenous in demographic characteristics, educational background and experience levels. The coaches in I-A earned a salary in the $30,000 to $39,999 range. The majority of I-A coaches had National Strength and Conditioning Association certification. They served as graduate assistants for strength coaches at the college level before becoming full-time strength coaches. The I-A coaches served as full-time strength and conditioning coaches, with responsibility to condition all varsity athletic teams. The I-AA coaches earned a salary in the $20,000 to $29,999 range. The majority of I-AA coaches did not have NSCA certification. The majority of strength and conditioning coaches at the I-AA level were not full-time strength coaches. They were responsible for the strength and conditioning of the football team. The majority of strength and conditioning coaches were also football coaches. The I-A and I-AA coaches were in agreement regarding the criteria necessary to be a successful strength and conditioning coach. The coaches differed in terms of future goals. The majority of I-A strength and conditioning coaches wanted to maintain the status quo, while the majority of I-AA strength and conditioning coaches wanted to become full-time football coaches.