Analysis of coach and athletic director turnover in the Florida school system

Abstract

This study examined turnover among athletic directors, assistant athletic directors, head coaches, and assistant coaches in Florida's middle and high schools over a three-year period. Population-level administrative data were analyzed to determine changes in turnover rates by position and sport. The findings revealed a rapid and significant increase in turnover across all personnel groups, with rates exceeding half of all positions by the end of the study period. Notably, football and baseball recorded the highest turnover and the greatest proportional growth, indicating particular instability in these sports. The upward trend in departures suggests a growing strain on the school sport workforce, which has implications for program continuity, administrative efficiency, and the developmental experiences of student-athletes. The results call for coordinated policy responses that address compensation, training and education, workload demands, and organizational support to enhance workforce stability and sustain the educational mission of school-based athletics.